Semantic Coherence: HPAT Ireland – ACER – Signal Evidence & AI Readability

Health professions admission test - Ireland
[H1] Assessing skills for academic success in medical and allied health courses

Assessing logical reasoning and problem-solving skills, non-verbal reasoning and the ability to understand the thoughts, behaviour and intentions of others.
Visit registration portal

HPAT is a 2.5-hour online multiple-choice assessment independently developed by the Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER)

[H2] Important dates
Registrations for HPAT-Ireland 2026 are now OPEN!
13-16 February 2026 Sections 1, 2 and 3
13-14 February 2026 Written English
There are also deadlines to schedule in your remote proctored sitting with ProctorU.
See all important HPAT 2026 dates

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[H2] HPAT - Applicant Quick reference

Who needs HPAT–Ireland?

How to sit

Fees

You will need a HPAT–Ireland score to apply for admission to any of the following courses:
University of Galway – Undergraduate Medicine
Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland – Undergraduate Medicine
Trinity College Dublin – Undergraduate Medicine
University College Cork – Undergraduate Medicine
University College Dublin – Undergraduate Medicine
University of Limerick
Undergraduate Medicine
MSc Occupational Therapy (Professional Qualification)
MSc Speech and Language Therapy (Professional Qualification)

For information about specific courses and admission requirements, please refer to the relevant university websites.
HPAT–Ireland is available to any person who is applying to study a course for which HPAT–Ireland is a prerequisite, and who is able to meet the academic entry requirements set by the universities. Eligible test-takers must either be in their final year of school or have completed their school leaving certificate prior to 2026.
International/non-EU students may be exempt from taking HPAT–Ireland. Please contact the universities to which you intend to apply directly, or check their websites for information.
University contact details

HPAT is administered as a remote computer-based test through ProctorU. Test takers can sit HPAT from any suitable location that meets the technical requirements of the test.
ProctorU is a leading global provider of comprehensive testing and assessment services.
About remote proctoring
Technical requirements for HPAT

Fee type
Amount

Standard Registration fee
€164

Written English (UL MSc Occupational Therapy & MSc Speech and Language Therapy applicants only)
€22

Late fee
€75

Exceptional late fee
€110

Refund administration fee
€60

No Show fee
€90

HPAT Late Test Centre Request
€85

Late Reasonable Adjustment Application Fee
€50

Payment and refunds

[H2] Designed to accelerate your intake of high ability university students

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Simple and easy to implement and use

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Accessible online to students located anywhere in the world

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Designed to complement academic achievement

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Valid & reliable indicators of student capability

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Special understanding of any academic discipline is not required

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Specifically designed for an international school context

[H2] Assess problem-solving, logic and interpersonal skills

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2.5 hour computer-based test
114 multiple choice questions
Written English can also be added

[H3] Logical Reasoning andProblem Solving
Involves comprehending and analysing information to formulate a solution or plausible hypotheses.

[H3] Interpersonal Understanding
Assesses the ability to identify, understand, and, infer the thoughts, feelings, behaviour and/or intent of others.

[H3] Non-Verbal Reasoning
Designed to assess the ability to reason in the abstract and solve problems in non-verbal contexts.

[H3] Written English
Assesses the ability to create a fluent, creative and organised piece of writing in response to a prompt.

About HPAT-Ireland content

[H2] Gain valuable insight into test takers' problem-solving, non-verbal and logical reasoning skills

[H3] ACER and ProctorU
ACER is a not-for-profit independent organisation and one of the world's leading providers of educational advice, products and services. ACER develops HPAT–Ireland and provides results to test takers and participating universities.
ProctorU is a leading global provider of comprehensive testing and assessment services. HPAT–Ireland is administered through ProctorU.

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[H2] Perfectly designed for prospective medical and allied health students.

[H3] Understanding HPAT–Ireland Scores
The process of scoring HPAT–Ireland is complex. Each of the 3 HPAT–Ireland scores is expressed on a scale of 0 to 100. These are not percentage marks. You will receive a score for each of the 3 sections, together with an overall score and an overall percentile ranking to indicate your performance compared to other HPAT–Ireland test-takers sitting in the same year as you.
HPAT scores in detail

[H3] Equity and Fairness
HPAT–Ireland is developed to rigorous professional and technical standards. Test questions are designed by a team of ACER test writers who are expert in their subject areas. The content, style and duration of the test are determined to ensure the testing program is relevant, fair, valid and reliable.
Keeping it fair

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[H2] ACER: bringing international expertise to tertiary level
ACER is a not-for-profit educational research organisation with a mission to improve learning. ACER has an excellent international reputation and track record in the development, management and research of selection tests for undergraduate medical and health related programs.

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Health professions admission test - Ireland
[H1] Registration

HPAT–Ireland is conducted in February each year.
All HPAT–Ireland test sessions will be conducted via remote proctoring. Test takers will select a time and day that suits them to complete their test.

[H3] ACER registration portal

Register for HPAT-Ireland
Create and manage your ACER account
Book and sit your ProctorU test session
Purchase practice material
Visit registration portal

On this page

[H2] Dates

The HPAT - Ireland test window will run across a number of days from 13–22 February 2026. The testing window has been extended to include 17, 18, 21 and 22 February for those test takers who encounter technical difficulties and require a rescheduled session.
The test window includes 2 test days for those test takers who experienced technical difficulties and need a rescheduled session. It also includes 2 test days for Test Centre sittings only.
[H3] Registration dates
Registrations for the HPAT - Ireland 2026 test will open in November 2025. Your online registration and payment must be completed by: 5:15pm GMT 16 January 2026.
Late registrations will be accepted up to 5.15pm GMT 26 January 2026. Late registrations are subject to an additional fee.
An exceptional late registration will only be available to test takers who have submitted their application to CAO. This attracts an additional fee.

Only ACER can schedule sessions on the 17, 18, 21 and 22 February. This will be done following investigation into any issues occurring at the initial session. Remote proctored rescheduled sittings will be scheduled on 17 and 18 February. Sittings on 21 and 22 February will be for Test Centre sittings only.
No other testing dates will be provided in 2026.

[H4] Late registration fees
Late registrations and exceptionally late registrations are subject to additional fees.
Late fees details

[H2] CAO number

Before registering for HPAT–Ireland, all MEDICINE applicants should get their CAO number first. This number is required to complete your HPAT–Ireland registration successfully.
To get a CAO number, apply online at www.cao.ie. If you submit a paper application, your CAO number will not be available in time to register for the HPAT–Ireland test.

[H4] University of Limerick applicants
Applicants to the MSc in Occupational Therapy and MSc Speech and Language Therapy do not need a CAO number. Applications should be made to the University of Limerick directly.

[H2] How to register for HPAT–Ireland

Obtain a CAO number.
Create an ACER account.
Register to sit HPAT–Ireland via your ACER account.
Book your ProctorU test session through your HPAT-Ireland registration.

[H2] Payment and refunds
The standard registration fee for HPAT–Ireland in 2026 is €164.
Payment in detail Refund policy

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[H2] Reasonable adjustments

If you have a disability or other health-related or educational need that might interfere with your ability to sit the test in the standard manner, you should apply for reasonable adjustments as soon as possible after you complete your registration.
If you are unsure, we recommend you submit an application. All requests are assessed on a case-by-case basis and all reasonable efforts will be made to provide you with support and appropriate testing conditions for your needs.
To complete all the pre-test preparations, all requests need to be submitted no later than the close of standard registrations.
If you require reasonable adjustments due to a condition that occurred after the application deadline, please contact the HPAT-Ireland Office for advice. You can send your supporting medical documentation through your HPAT-Ireland account.
Late applications for Reasonable Adjustments will be reviewed no later than seven (7) days after the deadline. All late requests are subject to an additional administrative fee of €50. Test takers submitting a late application must do so via the messaging system on your ACER account.
Supporting documentation
Please note there are changes to the types of medical documentation required when submitting a reasonable adjustment application from 2025. Please read the new HPAT-Ireland Documentation Requirements Guidelines for Reasonable Adjustments.
List of common reasonable adjustments
Presentation - Change in presentation format of test
Larger fonts or print format (test centre sitting only).
Written list of instructions.
Response - Modification in the way a Test taker completes a test
Scribe (test centre sitting only).
Reader (test centre sitting only).
Setting - Allowance for a Test taker to undertake a test with permitted aides
Use of Irlen Spectral Filters.
Use of colour overlay.
Bilingual Dictionary for test takers whose native language is not English.
Permission to have blood glucose testing kit and insulin.
Permission to have medication.
Permission to have food/drink.
Permission to stand and stretch.
Timing and scheduling - Adjustments to when and how long a Test taker has to complete a test
Extended time to complete a test.
Rest breaks.

For psychometric reasons there is no possibility of reviewing or giving special consideration to test results, such as adjusting results for any perceived or actual disadvantage. This is so, whether the actual or perceived disadvantage arises from any incident on the sitting day or any wanted adjustment to sitting conditions. Consequently, it is important that any such adjustment be applied for in accordance with ACER's reasonable adjustments procedure. This will ensure such adjustments are made in advance of sitting.

[H3] Common questions

Do I need to apply for reasonable adjustments again if I did so in a previous sitting?

Yes, you need to submit an application each time you sit HPAT-Ireland. Arrangements will only be valid for the test cycle and year the application was submitted.

How to submit a request

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Health professions admission test - Ireland
[H1] Preparation

The purpose of HPAT–Ireland is to assess your abilities in a range of general skills. HPAT–Ireland measures skills acquired over a period of time, including the ability to reason, make logical deductions and form judgements.
The test does not draw on any particular body of knowledge or curriculum. Wide and critical reading may provide helpful preparation for sections 1 and 2. There is little benefit to be gained from last-minute ‘cramming’. However, some familiarity with the question types typically presented in HPAT–Ireland is beneficial.

Purchase all practice material via the registration portal
More information

On this page

[H2] Test format and preparation

[H3] Questions
114 questions
multiple-choice answers
‘Units’ of questions
[H3] Answering questions
You answer the question by clicking the radio button beside your chosen option, and navigate using 'Next' or 'Back' buttons at the bottom of the screen.
After Question 114, the list of question numbers and your responses appear, and you can check and revisit any questions.
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[H3] Duration
The testing time runs for 2.5 hours (150 minutes) and there is a timer in the top right-hand screen.
If you are an applicant to UL you will also have to complete an additional one-hour Written English component.
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[H2] Test-taking strategies

[H3] Tips for working through questions
Questions in the HPAT–Ireland test are in multiple-choice format. There is no right or wrong way to complete HPAT. It is best for you to develop your own strategies that suit your way of working.
Each test section is separately timed.
It is recommended that you work steadily through each section. Do not spend too much time on any one question.
If you think you know the answer to a question, mark it, even if you are not certain. Go on to the next question and come back later if you have time. This will prevent you from getting your answers out of sequence with the actual questions, and will give you some chance if you run out of time.
[H3] Points to note
All questions have the same value. It is recommended that you attempt as many questions as possible in order to maximise your score.
There is only one correct answer, with no marks deducted for incorrect answers.
HPAT–Ireland is not a test of subject-specific knowledge.

[H2] Practice material
ACER produces the only official HPAT–Ireland preparation materials. All questions contained in our booklets have been used in past tests and are the only real test questions available,so they are the best guide for test preparation.
There are currently 6 publications in the form of e-books (hard copies are not available) and an automatic scoring service for Written English (required for UL MSc Occupational Therapy & MSc Speech and Language Therapy applicants only).
About the practice material Purchase through registration portal

[IMG: HPAT Ireland Information Booklet]

[H3] Common questions

How do I purchase preparation materials?

To purchase any of the available preparation materials
you will need to create an ACER account. You do not need
to register for the test itself in order to purchase practice
materials. Additionally, the purchase of practice materials
does not mean you are registered for HPAT-Ireland.
Any preparation materials you purchase will be accessible
through your ACER account as soon as your payment is
successfully received.

Can I practice the UL written section of the test?

See below for ‘Preparing for Written English (UL MSc Occupational Therapy & MSc Speech and Language Therapy applicants only)

How does automatic scoring work for practice tests?

To enable automatic scoring, several hundred responses to the tasks were marked using a criterion-referenced analytical marking guide. Responses were hand marked (double marked and adjudicated where necessary) using a marking guide. The scores were Rasch analysed and a measurement scale was calibrated. Finally, the scores were loaded into the automatic marking system to create a computer model that replicates manual scoring and can ‘mimic’ the way markers assign scores to the tasks. When you purchase use of the automatic scoring service for Written English you are able to:
Upload 2 essay tasks: one Task A and one Task B.
Receive a single Written English score range, for example (51–59), and percentile band. Please note that you will only be able to submit your responses once.
Submit your practice essay tasks anytime within 12 months from the date of purchase.
Please note, it is not possible to provide detailed feedback and critiquing of your writing through Autoscoring

How does automatic scoring for Written English work?

The automatic scoring service for Written English allows UL MSc Occupational Therapy & MSc Speech and Language Therapy applicants to submit two essays addressing two specific tasks. The essays are autoscored by computer and a percentile band and a score range are provided on completion of both tasks.

Should I attend a HPAT-Ireland preparation course?

HPAT-Ireland preparation courses are not recommended, authorised by, or in any way associated with, ACER. They are unregulated. You will need to assess for yourself whether any particular preparation course is able to supply objective and reliable evidence that participation is likely to improve your score to justify the often significant cost associated with them, and whether representations they make about themselves are accurate.

[H3] Preparing for Written English (UL MSc Occupational Therapy & MSc Speech and Language Therapy applicants only)
Good preparation for the Written English component would be to attempt the following sample essay prompts.
[H4] Sample essay prompts
Task A:
A civilised society is one that makes sure there is a place for everyone.
Task B:
Whatever the field of endeavour, it is drive and commitment that counts
You should try to complete the essays in one hour under simulated ‘test conditions’. Once completed, it is often helpful to ask someone else to read the essays and to suggest improvements or alternative approaches to the prompts. (Note that it is not necessary to agree with the prompts). It can also be useful to put the essays aside for several days then re-read them to look for ways to make improvements.
Don’t be concerned about the expected length of the essays. Within reason, the quality of the writing is much more important than the length. Test takers only have 30 minutes to plan and write each essay, and the examiners do not have unrealistic expectations of what can be produced in that time.
The following questions will be considered by the examiners when they assess your essays:
What kinds of ideas has the test taker developed in response to the prompt?
To what extent and how well has the test taker explored the ideas and issues in the prompt?
Has the test taker developed a structured and organised piece of writing?
Has the test taker written clearly and fluently?
Is the language used by the test taker precise and appropriate for the topic?

Spelling and punctuation errors will not impact your essay scores

All Written English responses will undergo plagiarism checks as part of the marking process, so make sure your work is your work and not someone else's.

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Health professions admission test - Ireland
[H1] Test day

Test takers are advised to allow enough time for pre-test procedures. Please ensure you have downloaded the ACER test app and Guardian Browser to your computer prior to your scheduled sitting time.
Test takers may only leave the testing room to use the bathroom. There is no extra time given for this break.

On this page

[H2] Items needed for your test session

ensure you have downloaded the Guardian app
ensure you have downloaded the ACER test app
a computer or laptop (tablets and mobile phones including Nexus, iPad, Tab, Note, etc. are not supported)
stable internet connection
a small erasable whiteboard and pen, OR 4 pieces of A4 sized scratch paper, a pencil, eraser and sharpener
acceptable current and photo-bearing identification document
Acceptable identification information
Mirror (hand held is fine) or other reflective device
[H3] Optional items
a see-through water bottle (no labels attached)
a printed bilingual dictionary may be brought into the test by test takers whose native language is not English

[H3] Common questions

I don’t have access to a suitable computer, what do I do?

If you do not have access to a suitable computer, and cannot borrow one, then you should email the HPAT-Ireland office for support. Depending on your circumstances you may be offered a seat at our test centre in Dublin.

How long will it take for me to complete my test?

HPAT-Ireland is a 2.5 hour test. When sitting by remote proctoring you should allow an additional 30 minutes for ID verification and pre-test checks. If you are sitting the one hour Written English component as well, you will need to book a separate proctoring session. It will add an additional hour to your overall testing time, and will require a repeat of pre-test checks.

Can I use the bathroom during my test?

Yes. You can use the bathroom during your test. The test timer will not be paused for bathroom breaks, and you must notify your proctor before you leave the room. A room scan will be completed upon your return.

Can I eat during my test?

No you cannot eat during your test session. If you have diabetes or another health concern that requires you to consume food you should apply for Reasonable Adjustments and receive approval from the HPAT-Ireland office.

What do I do if I have technical issues or something goes wrong during my test session?

If you have technical issues or something goes wrong during your test, the proctor will try to help you. If the issues are related to technology they will transfer your session to a technical support team member. It is important to remain calm, you may eat, and use the bathroom while this is happening. If you do leave your computer while technical issues are being resolved, it is a good idea to have someone watch your computer in case you are required to action something from your side. We understand that remote proctoring can be stressful. It is important to know that if you are having ongoing issues and become distressed that you can stop if you need to. You can reschedule your session to another day and time, to provide an opportunity to resolve the technical issues you are facing. This may include finding another computer, changing location or both. If you are unable to resolve the issues you are facing, please notify the HPAT-Ireland Office by email for advice regarding next steps.

[H2] Prohibited items
There are certain items that are not allowed on your desk or near you during your test session. These are:
mobile phone
calculators
stopwatches
audio or recording devices of any kind, including
cameras
MP3 players
digital, analogue and smart watches, fitbits etc.

standard English dictionaries
pencil cases and rulers
food
earplugs
bluetooth devices such as headphones
dual monitors
head coverings (unless it is for religious reasons).

[H2] Misconduct
HPAT-Ireland is a high stakes test; that is, the results of the test have the potential to make a major impact on the future study plans of the test taker. For this reason, ACER has established security procedures that are strictly enforced at all times.
It is the responsibility of the test taker to ensure that they understand that the following are considered to be breaches of test rules:
the giving of false or misleading information during the registration process
attempting to gain access to test questions prior to the test
attempting to gain unauthorised access to or copy the test or administration processes in the test location
attempting to take the test on behalf of another person
allowing another person to attempt to take the test on your behalf
failure to destroy notes at the completion of the test
failure to follow test proctor’s instructions at all times
giving or receiving assistance during the test
creating a disturbance
using unauthorised aids (including but not limited to notes, calculator, mobile phone, audio/video or photographic recording devices, smart devices, accessing the internet etc.)
attempting to copy and/or share the test and the test content.

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