HPAT Exam FAQs

HPAT-Ireland (Health Professions Admission Test Ireland) is an admissions test used as part of the selection process for undergraduate medicine in Ireland.

A HPAT-Ireland score is currently required for undergraduate medicine at:

• University of Galway
• RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences
• Trinity College Dublin
• University College Cork
• University College Dublin
• University of Limerick

HPAT-Ireland is also required for the University of Limerick MSc Occupational Therapy (Professional Qualification) and MSc Speech and Language Therapy (Professional Qualification) programmes.

The assessment is designed to measure Logical Reasoning and Problem Solving, Interpersonal Understanding and Non-Verbal Reasoning. It focuses on general reasoning and interpersonal abilities rather than subject-specific academic knowledge and is designed to complement academic achievement in the admissions process.

HPAT-Ireland is a 2.5-hour online multiple-choice assessment consisting of three separately timed sections. There are 114 questions in total.

• Section 1: Logical Reasoning and Problem Solving: 42 questions, 60 minutes. This section assesses your ability to understand and analyse information, reason logically and draw appropriate conclusions.
• Section 2: Interpersonal Understanding: 42 questions, 50 minutes. This section assesses your ability to understand the thoughts, feelings, behaviours and intentions of other people.
• Section 3: Non-Verbal Reasoning: 30 questions, 40 minutes. This section assesses abstract reasoning and your ability to identify patterns and relationships in visual information.

Each section is separately timed. Questions are multiple choice, and there is no penalty for incorrect answers.

Applicants to the University of Limerick MSc Occupational Therapy and MSc Speech and Language Therapy programmes must also complete a separate Written English component consisting of two writing tasks.

The official HPAT-Ireland exam is held once each year, normally in February, and is delivered online via remote proctoring. This means candidates sit the test on their own compatible computer or laptop while being supervised remotely.

Candidates select an available test date and time within the official testing window when scheduling their session.

For the latest test dates, registration deadlines and technical requirements, visit the official ACER website.

Medicine applicants

Before registering for HPAT-Ireland, applicants to undergraduate medicine should first obtain a CAO number. ACER requires this number to complete HPAT-Ireland registration. To obtain a CAO number, applicants should apply online through CAO.

University of Limerick MSc applicants

Applicants to the University of Limerick MSc Occupational Therapy and MSc Speech and Language Therapy programmes do not need a CAO number. Applications for these programmes are made directly to the University of Limerick.

Register with ACER

All test takers need to create an ACER account and register for HPAT-Ireland through the official ACER registration portal. After registering, candidates book their remote-proctored test session through ProctorU.

Registrations normally open in November, with the test held in February each year. As exact dates and deadlines change annually, applicants should always check the current ACER registration page for the latest information.

What items are permitted during the HPAT test?

For a remotely proctored HPAT-Ireland sitting, candidates should have:

• A compatible computer or laptop with a stable internet connection
• Acceptable current photo-bearing identification
• A clear water bottle with no label attached
• A mirror or other reflective device
• Either:
  • 4 sheets of blank A4 paper, with a pencil, eraser and sharpener, or
  • A small erasable whiteboard and marker

Before the test starts, the proctor may ask to inspect both sides of your paper or whiteboard. At the end of the session, candidates must show their rough work and either destroy the paper or erase the whiteboard as instructed.

What items are prohibited during the HPAT test?

Items that must not be on your desk or near you during the test include:

• Mobile phones
• Calculators
• Stopwatches
• Cameras or other audio/recording devices
• MP3 players
• Digital, analogue or smart watches, including Fitbits
• Standard English dictionaries
• Pencil cases and rulers
• Food
• Earplugs
• Bluetooth devices such as headphones
• Dual monitors
• Head coverings, unless worn for religious reasons

Certain items, including food, medication, earplugs or other medical equipment, may be permitted where ACER has approved a reasonable adjustment in advance.

HPAT-Ireland results are valid for admission in the same year in which the relevant course is due to commence. They cannot be carried forward for use in a later admissions year. For example, if you sit HPAT-Ireland for entry to a course beginning in a particular year, that result can only be used for admission to a course commencing in that same year. Candidates should therefore only register for HPAT-Ireland if they intend to apply for a relevant course beginning in that admissions year and meet the applicable eligibility requirements.

How long should I spend on each HPAT question?

There is no fixed amount of time you should spend on every question, as some question sets will naturally take longer than others. However, based on the current section timings, the average time available works out at approximately:

• Section 1: 60 minutes for 42 questions – about 1 minute 26 seconds per question
• Section 2: 50 minutes for 42 questions – about 1 minute 11 seconds per question
• Section 3: 40 minutes for 30 questions – about 1 minute 20 seconds per question

These averages should only be used as a general guide. ACER recommends working steadily through each section and not spending too much time on any one question. If you are unsure, select the answer you think is most likely, move on, and return to the question later if time allows. There is no penalty for an incorrect answer, so candidates should aim to attempt as many questions as possible.