HPAT Practice Test
Updated for October 2026
The HPAT Ireland (Health Professions Admission Test) is a comprehensive entry assessment used by Irish universities to select students for undergraduate medicine and allied health programs. Developed by ACER HPAT administration, this test evaluates logical reasoning, problem-solving skills, and interpersonal understanding rather than academic knowledge. Achieving a high score on your HPAT exam is critical for securing a place in competitive medical schools across Ireland.
Our free HPAT practice test resources are designed to help you familiarize yourself with the unique question formats found in the real exam. Whether you are using HPAT past papers or our interactive HPAT Practice Questions, consistent preparation is key. This guide covers everything from HPAT medicine requirements and HPAT cost details to effective HPAT prep strategies to boost your performance on test day.
HPAT: upcoming dates and official changes
- Nov 1, 2026: Standard registration for HPAT-Ireland 2027 opens with ACER in early November 2026, and candidates need a 2027 CAO application number to register.[3]
- Jan 15, 2027: Standard registration for HPAT-Ireland 2027 closes at 5:15pm GMT on 15 January 2027.[3]
- Jan 25, 2027: Late registration for HPAT-Ireland 2027 runs until 5:15pm on 25 January 2027 for a total fee of €245, and exceptional late registration runs until 5:15pm on 1 February 2027 for €281.[3]
What changed for HPAT
The HPAT has 114 questions, takes about 2.5 hours and costs €167[1][2][3] (Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER) — HPAT-Ireland Office, verified Oct 27, 2026).
- HPAT-Ireland has 114 multiple-choice questions across three sections: Logical Reasoning and Problem Solving (42), Interpersonal Understanding (42) and Non-Verbal Reasoning (30).[1]
- HPAT-Ireland Sections 1–3 take 2.5 hours (150 minutes) of testing time.[2]
- University of Limerick applicants who take the HPAT-Ireland Written English component sit an extra one-hour test.[2]
- Standard registration for HPAT-Ireland 2027 costs €167 per candidate. The fee covers online registration, one practice test e-book with worked solutions, the candidate's results and the transfer of results to the CAO.[3]
- For the 2026 cycle, University of Limerick MSc Occupational Therapy and MSc Speech and Language Therapy applicants paid an extra €22 for the HPAT-Ireland Written English component.[4]
- HPAT-Ireland is offered once a year, in February, so a candidate who wants to resit must register for the next year's test.[4]
- HPAT-Ireland results are valid for one year only, so a 2027 result can be used only for entry in 2027.[3]
- HPAT-Ireland is a remote computer-based test proctored through ProctorU, which candidates can take from any location that meets the technical requirements.[1]
- HPAT-Ireland is open only to bona fide applicants, meaning current or past school-leavers applying to a course that requires HPAT-Ireland.[3]
Numbers in brackets link to the official sources listed under Sources & last verified. Dates that have passed are removed automatically.
HPAT Exam at a Glance
| Item | Detail | Source · Verified |
|---|
| Number of questions | 114 multiple-choice questions[1] | Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER) — HPAT-Ireland Office · Oct 27, 2026 |
| Time limit | 150 minutes (2.5 hours)[2] | Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER) — HPAT-Ireland Office · Oct 22, 2026 |
| Time limit (Written English) | 60 additional minutes[2] | Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER) — HPAT-Ireland Office · Oct 22, 2026 |
| Exam fee | €167 standard registration for 2027[3] | www2.cao.ie · Oct 22, 2026 |
| Exam fee (Written English) | €22 additional (2026 cycle)[4] | Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER) — HPAT-Ireland Office · Oct 22, 2026 |
| Retake policy | Offered once a year, in February[4] | Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER) — HPAT-Ireland Office · Oct 22, 2026 |
| Validity | One year; valid only for entry in the year of the test[3] | www2.cao.ie · Oct 22, 2026 |
| Delivery | Remote online proctoring through ProctorU (test centre only for approved cases)[1] | Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER) — HPAT-Ireland Office · Oct 27, 2026 |
| Eligibility | Current or past school-leavers applying to HPAT-required courses[3] | www2.cao.ie · Oct 22, 2026 |
| Score release | Late June 2027 (standard); mid-to-late April 2027 (mature applicants)[3] | www2.cao.ie · Oct 22, 2026 |
| Late registration deadline | Late: 25 January 2027 (€245 total); exceptional late: 1 February 2027 (€281 total)[3] | www2.cao.ie · Oct 22, 2026 |
| Registration deadline | 15 January 2027, 5:15pm GMT[3] | www2.cao.ie · Oct 22, 2026 |
| Registration opens | Early November 2026 for the 2027 test[3] | www2.cao.ie · Oct 22, 2026 |
What changed for HPAT in 2026
- Oct 22, 2026: Eligibility changed to Current or past school-leavers applying to HPAT-required courses (previously Applicants to HPAT-required courses who are in their final school year or have finished school).[3]
- Oct 22, 2026: Registration opens changed to Early November 2026 for the 2027 test (previously November 2025 for the 2026 test).[3]
- Oct 22, 2026: Exam fee changed to €167 standard registration for 2027 (previously €164 standard registration for 2026).[3]
- Oct 22, 2026: Exam fee (Written English) changed to €22 additional (2026 cycle) (previously €22 additional fee).[4]
- Oct 22, 2026: Time limit changed to 150 minutes (2.5 hours) (previously 150 minutes).[2]
- Oct 22, 2026: Score release changed to Late June 2027 (standard); mid-to-late April 2027 (mature applicants) (previously Late June 2026; mid-to-late April for UL OT/SLT and mature applicants).[3]
- Oct 22, 2026: Retake policy changed to Offered once a year, in February (previously One annual testing cycle in February).[4]
- Oct 22, 2026: Validity changed to One year; valid only for entry in the year of the test (previously One year; same admission year only).[3]
- Oct 22, 2026: Delivery changed to Remote online proctoring through ProctorU (test centre only for approved cases) (previously Remote computer-based testing through ProctorU).[1]
- Oct 22, 2026: Number of questions changed to 114 multiple-choice questions (previously 114 questions).[1]
- Oct 22, 2026: Late registration deadline changed to Late: 25 January 2027 (€245 total); exceptional late: 1 February 2027 (€281 total) (previously 5:15pm GMT, 26 January 2026 (+€75 late fee)).[3]
- Oct 22, 2026: Registration deadline changed to 15 January 2027, 5:15pm GMT (previously 5:15pm GMT, 16 January 2026).[3]
Note: While this guide primarily focuses on HPAT Ireland for medical entry, we also address the AC HPAT (Algonquin College) in our FAQ section, as they share the acronym but are distinct exams.
HPAT Exam Flashcards
Quick review for essential concepts
📚 🧠What does Section 1 of the HPAT exam test?
Section 1 of the HPAT exam tests Logical Reasoning and Problem Solving skills, focusing on drawing conclusions from data.
🎯 ❤️What is the focus of HPAT Section 2?
Section 2 focuses on Interpersonal Understanding, assessing your ability to understand the thoughts and feelings of others.
💡 🧩What type of questions are in Section 3?
Section 3 contains Non-Verbal Reasoning questions that test your ability to recognize patterns in abstract shapes.
🔑 ⏱️How long is the HPAT exam?
The HPAT test is 2.5 hours long in total, divided into three separately timed sections.
📝 🎓What is the maximum HPAT score?
The theoretical maximum HPAT score is 300, although scores above 200 are considered exceptionally high.
⭐ 📅When is the HPAT held?
The HPAT exam is typically held once a year in February, with registration opening in November.
HPAT Exam Study Guide
Our comprehensive HPAT study guide breaks down the essential components of the examination. Whether you are looking for HPAT prep strategies or detailed HPAT questions with answers, these tabs provide the critical information you need to succeed.
- What is the HPAT exam?
- The HPAT exam (Health Professions Admission Test) is an admissions test used by Irish medical schools to assess logical reasoning, problem-solving, and non-verbal skills.
- Who needs to take the HPAT test?
- Students applying for undergraduate medicine at universities like Trinity College Dublin, UCD, UCC, and NUIG must take the HPAT test.
- Is the HPAT Ireland exam different from UCAT?
- Yes, the HPAT Ireland exam is distinct from the UCAT. While both test aptitude, the question styles and sections differ significantly.
- What is ACER HPAT?
- ACER HPAT refers to the Australian Council for Educational Research, the organization that develops and administers the HPAT exam.
- How many questions are on the HPAT exam?
- The HPAT exam consists of 110 multiple-choice questions divided into three sections: Logical Reasoning, Interpersonal Understanding, and Non-Verbal Reasoning.
- How long is the HPAT test?
- The HPAT test lasts for 2.5 hours. Section 1 is 60 minutes, Section 2 is 50 minutes, and Section 3 is 40 minutes.
- Are there breaks during the HPAT exam?
- No, there are no scheduled breaks during the 2.5-hour HPAT exam unless approved for special accommodations.
- Is the HPAT online or on paper?
- Since 2026, the HPAT exam has been delivered online via remote proctoring, allowing students to take it from home.
- How do I register for the HPAT exam?
- You can register for the HPAT exam online through the ACER website. Registration typically opens in November.
- What is the HPAT cost?
- The standard HPAT cost is approximately €152. Late registration incurs additional fees.
- Can I retake the HPAT test?
- Yes, you can retake the HPAT test in a subsequent year, but you can only sit the exam once per admissions cycle.
- What is the HPAT CAO number requirement?
- You need a valid CAO number to register for the HPAT exam to ensure your results are matched to your university application.
- What is a good HPAT score?
- A good HPAT score is generally considered to be above 170. Scores above 180 are excellent and highly competitive for medicine.
- How are HPAT results calculated?
- HPAT results are weighted: Section 1 and 2 count for 40% each, while Section 3 counts for 20% of the total score.
- When are HPAT results released?
- HPAT results are typically released in late June, prior to the CAO offers being issued.
- How many HPAT points for medicine?
- Entry to medicine combines your Leaving Cert points (max 625) and HPAT points (max 300). A combined score of 730+ is often required.
- What is the best HPAT prep method?
- The best HPAT prep involves practicing with official ACER HPAT sample questions and taking timed mock exams to improve pacing.
- Are HPAT past papers available?
- Official HPAT past papers are not released, but ACER provides practice materials. Third-party providers also offer practice questions.
- How much time should I spend on HPAT study?
- Most students spend 2-3 months on HPAT study, dedicating a few hours each week to practice questions and review.
- Can I use a calculator in the HPAT exam?
- No, calculators are not permitted in the HPAT exam. You must rely on mental math and estimation skills.
HPAT Score Interpretation
Understanding your HPAT result is crucial for medical school applications. Scores are scaled and percentile-based. Practice with the free HPAT - Health Professions Admissions practice test on PracticeTestGeeks (96 questions with answer explanations).
| Score Range | Interpretation | Percentile | Recommendation |
|---|
| 🏆 200+ | Exceptional | 98th+ | Guaranteed Entry (with good LC) |
| 🌟 180-199 | Excellent | 90th-97th | Very High Chance |
| ✅ 170-179 | Competitive | 80th-89th | Strong Chance |
| ⚠️ 150-169 | Average | 50th-79th | Borderline for Medicine |
| 🛑 <150 | Below Average | <50th | Consider Retake |
According to Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER) — HPAT-Ireland Office, “2.5 hour computer-based test 114 multiple choice questions Written English can also be added”[1]
HPAT content outline and where to practise each area
The content areas below are copied from the official HPAT content outline published by Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER) — HPAT-Ireland Office. The right-hand column shows which of our practice sets covers it.
| Official content area | Practice on this site |
|---|
| Logical Reasoning and Problem Solving[4] | FREE HPAT PRACTICE TEST
Practise reading a passage or data set closely, working out what it actually supports, and spotting conclusions that go further than the information given. |
| Interpersonal Understanding[4] | HPAT Interpersonal Understanding & Ethical...
Practise identifying what each person in a scenario thinks and feels, and why, using what they say and do rather than your own view of the situation. |
| Non-Verbal Reasoning[4] | HPAT - Health Professions Admissions Non-V...
Practise finding the rules that change shapes across a sequence or grid, such as rotation, position, count or shading, and checking each rule against every frame. |
HPAT Practice Test Questions
Prepare for the HPAT - Health Professions Admissions Test exam with our free practice test modules. Each quiz covers key topics to help you pass on your first try.
Worked examples: how to reason through HPAT questions
These are practice questions written for this site, not questions from the real exam. Each explanation shows why the right answer is right and why the others are wrong.
Example 1
Question: What role does critical thinking play in the problem-solving section of the HPAT?
- Memorizing medical terminology
- Applying logical reasoning to evaluate information
- Recalling historical medical cases
- Performing routine medical procedures
Answer: B. Applying logical reasoning to evaluate information
Explanation:
B is correct. Problem-solving items give you all the information you need, whether as text, a table or a scenario. Your job is to evaluate that information and reason your way to the answer it supports, which is what critical thinking means here.
- A is wrong because none of the official content areas tests medical vocabulary. The test does not assume any medical knowledge.
- C is wrong because recalling historical cases is a memory task. The answers come from the material in front of you, not from what you have studied.
- D is wrong because clinical procedures are practical skills, and a computer-based multiple-choice test cannot assess them.
Rule to remember: the HPAT measures how you reason with the information you are given, not what you already know.
Example 2
Question: What is the purpose of assessing logical reasoning in the context of healthcare admissions?
- To evaluate creative thinking skills
- To assess problem-solving abilities
- To measure musical talents
- To test physical endurance
Answer: B. To assess problem-solving abilities
Explanation:
B is correct. Admissions tests assess logical reasoning because it shows how well you can solve problems. Health work regularly involves weighing incomplete information and choosing a sensible course of action.
- A is wrong because creative thinking means generating new ideas, while logical reasoning is about judging whether a conclusion follows from evidence. The two are different skills.
- C is wrong because musical ability has nothing to do with reasoning and is not part of any official content area.
- D is wrong because physical endurance cannot be measured by a screen-based multiple-choice test.
Rule to remember: when a question asks why something is assessed, pick the option that links the skill to how it is used in practice. Options that name unrelated abilities can be ruled out quickly.
Example 3
Question: Which logical reasoning skill involves drawing valid conclusions based on given premises?
- Inductive reasoning
- Deductive reasoning
- Abductive reasoning
- Analogical reasoning
Answer: B. Deductive reasoning
Explanation:
B is correct. Deductive reasoning goes from general premises to a specific conclusion. If the premises are true and the argument is valid, the conclusion must be true.
- A is wrong because inductive reasoning goes the other way, from specific observations to a general pattern. Its conclusions are probable, not certain.
- C is wrong because abductive reasoning looks for the most likely explanation of an observation. It is educated guessing, not a valid derivation.
- D is wrong because analogical reasoning concludes that something true of one case is true of a similar case. That depends on how alike the cases are, not on the premises.
Rule to remember: if the question mentions conclusions that must follow from given premises, the answer is deduction.
How to use these practice tests
Start with the official material. Read the HPAT-Ireland Information Booklet and the preparation page on the ACER site so you know the question styles, the on-screen timer and the ProctorU rules before you practise. Do a ProctorU system check on the computer and room you will use on test day.
Find your weakest area. Take one set from each content area in the table above without a time limit. Note which area gives you the most trouble and why: misreading the question, reasoning beyond what the information supports, or missing a pattern rule.
Practise by area. Spend most of your time on your weakest area, working through the related sets (for example, the non-verbal sequences set or the interpersonal scenarios set). After each set, read every explanation, including those for questions you got right.
Add timing. Once your accuracy holds steady, work under time pressure. The full test gives you 150 minutes for 114 questions, so practise moving on from a hard item rather than getting stuck on it.
Finish with official practice. Save ACER's official practice material for last, and take it in one sitting under test conditions.
Free HPAT - Health Professions Admissions Test Study Tools
Interactive HPAT - Health Professions Admissions Test resources on PracticeTestGeeks, free to start:
HPAT Registration Process
Follow this timeline to ensure you complete your HPAT registration and are ready for the exam. This applies specifically to HPAT Ireland candidates.
- Create CAO Application - Apply to the Central Applications Office to get your CAO number.
- Register with ACER - Create an account on the ACER HPAT website using your CAO number.
- Pay Exam Fee - Complete payment for the HPAT cost (approx. €152).
- Schedule Exam - Book your remote proctoring session via ProctorU.
- Download Admission Ticket - Available approx. 1 week before the HPAT dates.
- Complete Equipment Check - Ensure your computer meets technical requirements for the online test.
- Sit the Exam - Take the test during the designated window in late February.
HPAT Career Paths
The HPAT exam is the gateway to diverse medical careers.
HPAT Test Day Checklist
Valid Photo ID (Passport/Driving License) Admission Ticket (Printed) Working Computer & Webcam Stable Internet Connection Whiteboard & Marker (Erasable) Water Bottle (Clear, no label) Ready to Ace the HPAT?
Get instant access to our complete HPAT study materials, including full-length mock tests and detailed explanations for every question.
HPAT Sample Questions
The most reliable HPAT sample questions come from ACER, the organisation that writes HPAT-Ireland. ACER states that it produces the only official HPAT-Ireland preparation materials and that every question in its practice booklets has been used in a past test, which makes them the closest guide to the real exam. The booklets are sold as e-books only (no hard copies) through an ACER account, and you do not need to be registered for the test to buy them.
Sample questions reflect the three skills HPAT-Ireland assesses: logical reasoning and problem solving, understanding the thoughts, behaviour and intentions of others (interpersonal understanding), and non-verbal reasoning with patterns and sequences. Questions are multiple choice and are often grouped into units that share one passage or scenario. HPAT does not test subject knowledge, so practice is about recognising question types rather than memorising content.
When working through any practice set, follow ACER's own scoring rules: every question has one correct answer, all questions carry the same value, and no marks are deducted for wrong answers, so never leave a question blank. Time yourself, because the real test runs for 2.5 hours (150 minutes) with each section timed separately. Our free HPAT logical reasoning practice test and the examples below are a good way to warm up before moving on to ACER's official material.
Sample HPAT - Health Professions Admissions Test Practice Questions
Try these questions from our free HPAT - Health Professions Admissions Test practice tests. The correct answer and an explanation follow each question.
Which problem-solving strategy is particularly important in emergency medical situations, as evaluated in the HPAT?
- A. Consensus-building
- B. Time management
- C. Situational awareness
- D. Budget planning
Answer: C. Situational awareness
Situational awareness involves being alert and responsive to changing circumstances, crucial in emergency medical scenarios.
What ethical considerations may be embedded in problem-solving scenarios on the HPAT?
- A. Respect for patient confidentiality
- B. Prioritizing cost-efficiency over patient care
- C. Following strict procedural guidelines
- D. Avoiding patient interaction
Answer: A. Respect for patient confidentiality
Problem-solving scenarios on the HPAT may include ethical dilemmas related to patient privacy and confidentiality.
How can effective problem-solving skills assessed in the HPAT contribute to quality healthcare delivery?
- A. By reducing access to medical services
- B. By improving patient outcomes and safety
- C. By increasing administrative bureaucracy
- D. By limiting collaboration among healthcare professionals
Answer: B. By improving patient outcomes and safety
Strong problem-solving skills enhance healthcare quality by facilitating effective diagnosis, treatment, and patient care, ultimately improving outcomes and safety.
In problem-solving scenarios on the HPAT, what does the term "triage" refer to?
- A. Administering medication
- B. Sorting patients based on urgency of care
- C. Performing surgical procedures
- D. Conducting laboratory tests
Answer: B. Sorting patients based on urgency of care
Triage involves prioritizing patient care based on the severity of their condition, a critical skill in healthcare settings.
Take the full HPAT - Health Professions Admissions Test practice test
HPAT Questions and Answers
What is the HPAT Ireland exam used for?
The HPAT (Health Professions Admission Test) Ireland is an admissions test required for undergraduate entry to medicine, and some other health science programs, at Irish universities including UCD, UCC, NUI Galway, Trinity College Dublin, and the University of Limerick. Scores are combined with Leaving Certificate points to determine admission.
What is the format of the HPAT exam?
The HPAT is a two-and-a-half-hour paper-based multiple-choice test divided into three sections: Logical Reasoning and Problem Solving, Interpersonal Understanding, and Non-Verbal Reasoning. All questions use a multiple-choice format with four or five answer options, and candidates mark answers on a scannable response sheet.
How many questions are on the HPAT test?
The HPAT contains 110 multiple-choice questions total across its three sections. Section 1 (Logical Reasoning) has 44 questions in 65 minutes, Section 2 (Interpersonal Understanding) has 36 questions in 45 minutes, and Section 3 (Non-Verbal Reasoning) has 30 questions in 40 minutes.
What is a good HPAT score for medicine in Ireland?
HPAT scores range from roughly 100 to 300, with the national average around 150. Competitive applicants for medicine typically score 170 or higher, and top-tier candidates score above 190. The score is added to adjusted Leaving Certificate points (capped at 565) to create a combined total used for CAO medicine applications.
What topics are covered on the HPAT exam?
The HPAT does not test curriculum knowledge or science content. Instead, it assesses logical reasoning, problem-solving with numerical and verbal information, interpersonal skills through scenario-based questions about emotions and relationships, and non-verbal reasoning using abstract shapes, patterns, and sequences. No prior subject study is required.
Who is eligible to take the HPAT Ireland?
HPAT Ireland is open to any candidate applying for undergraduate entry to participating health science courses through the CAO. Applicants must be at least 17 years old by January 1 of the year of entry. There is no restriction on nationality, but candidates must register individually through the official ACER website.
How do I register for the HPAT exam?
Registration opens in early November and closes in mid-January each year through the official HPAT Ireland website operated by ACER (Australian Council for Educational Research). Candidates create an account, complete personal details, select a test centre, and pay the fee online. Late registration incurs an additional surcharge.
What are the best preparation tips for the HPAT?
Start preparing at least three months before test day using official ACER practice papers to learn the question styles and pacing. Work under timed conditions to build speed, since each section is tightly timed. Focus on recognizing logical patterns, interpreting emotional cues in passages, and practicing abstract visual reasoning rather than memorizing facts.
How long is the HPAT?
HPAT-Ireland Sections 1–3 take 2.5 hours (150 minutes) of testing time. (Verified Oct 22, 2026 against Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER) — HPAT-Ireland Office.)
How much does the HPAT cost?
Standard registration for HPAT-Ireland 2027 costs €167 per candidate. The fee covers online registration, one practice test e-book with worked solutions, the candidate's results and the transfer of results to the CAO. (Verified Oct 22, 2026 against www2.cao.ie.)
Official Resources
- HPAT Ireland (ACER) — the official HPAT Ireland website run by the Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER), where candidates register for the exam, download their admission ticket, and view official test information.
- Central Applications Office (CAO) — Medicine — the official Irish body that processes undergraduate medicine applications and combines your Leaving Certificate points with your HPAT score.
- ACER (Australian Council for Educational Research) — the organization that develops and administers the HPAT exam internationally, including the HPAT Ireland and other HPAT variants.
Sources & last verified
- Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER) — HPAT-Ireland Office — number of questions, delivery (official source). “2.5 hour computer-based test 114 multiple choice questions Written English can also be added” Verified Oct 27, 2026 · source checked Oct 27, 2026.
- Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER) — HPAT-Ireland Office — time limit (official source). “The testing time runs for 2.5 hours (150 minutes) and there is a timer in the top right-hand screen.” Verified Oct 22, 2026 · source checked Oct 19, 2026.
- www2.cao.ie — exam fee, validity, eligibility, registration opens (official source). “The cost of applying to the HPAT-Ireland test in 2027 is €167.00 per candidate.” Verified Oct 22, 2026.
- Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER) — HPAT-Ireland Office — exam fee, retake policy, other (official source). “An additional fee of €22 applies to all UL MSc Occupational Therapy & MSc Speech and Language Therapy applicants required to complete the Written English…” Verified Oct 29, 2026.
How we verify: editorial & fact-checking policy. Report an error: contact us.