Note: the following information relates to the HPAT-Ireland.
If you are sitting the HPAT-Ulster, please click here for a summary and information on how MedEntry can help.
What is the HPAT-Ireland? Do I need to sit the HPAT-Ireland? What is the format of the HPAT? How do I register for the HPAT? I have missed the HPAT registration closing date. Can I still sit the HPAT? When and where does the HPAT take place? Where can I get more information about the HPAT?
The HPAT-Ireland (Health Professions Admission Test-Ireland) is an admissions test used by Irish medical schools for undergraduate entry into medicine. It is administered by ACER (Australian Council for Educational Research).
HPAT-Ireland measures a candidate’s logical reasoning and problem solving skills, non-verbal reasoning aptitude and the ability to understand the thoughts, behaviour and/or intentions of people. The test results complement the Leaving Certificate Examination in selecting applicants for admission into an undergraduate medical school programme.
In 2013, undergraduate entry into medicine for school leavers will be based on:
• achieving a minimum of 480 points and meeting the minimum entry requirements for the programme in the same sitting of the Irish Leaving Certificate Examination and;
• completing the required admissions test (HPAT-Ireland) within the 2 year period immediately preceding admission to the medicine programme.
Note: HPAT-Ireland results can be used for application to a medical school for 2 years, therefore if a candidate takes the test in 2013, the result can be used for admission in 2013 and 2013.
Do I need to sit the HPAT-Ireland?
You will need to sit the HPAT-Ireland if you are interested in Medicine at any of the following universities:
- National University of Ireland, Galway (NUI GALWAY)
- Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI)
- Trinity College Dublin (TCD)
- University College Cork (UCC)
- University College Dublin (UCD)
The HPAT-Ireland test is a 2½ hour paper-based test consisting of three modules or sections:
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Section 1 tests your logical reasoning and problem solving skills. Some questions test your logical and critical thinking skills. Other questions test your ability to solve problems and interpret data. Overall, this section is designed to test how fast you can interpret information and your ability to think in various ways.
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Section 2 tests your ability to understand people. You will be given various passages or scenarios describing people and interactions between people. You will need to empathise (put yourself in another person’s shoes), and understand what they might be thinking or feeling. You may also be asked to explain why a person behaves the way they do.
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Section 3 tests your non-verbal reasoning. This involves finding patterns and trends in a sequence or block of pictures. It tests your ability to think non-verbally.
The three sections of the test are each given equal weight and the maximum overall score a candidate can receive is 300. An overall percentile rank is also given. This indicates how well a student has performed against other HPAT-Ireland candidates.
How do I register for the HPAT-Ireland?
You can register for the HPAT-Ireland online at ACER’s website: www.hpat-ireland.acer.edu.au Registrations for HPAT-Ireland will open in early November 2011, and must be submitted online by 17:15 GMT Thursday 20 January 2013. The application fee is €95.00 (reduced application fee may be available).
Late registrations will be accepted until 5.15pm GMT on 1 February 2013 on payment of a late fee of €65 in addition to the registration fee.
Note: In addition to an application to ACER, students must first apply to the Central Applications Office (CAO) www.cao.ie to complete the HPAT-Ireland test.
I have missed the HPAT registration closing date. Can I still sit the HPAT?
You can still sit the HPAT-Ireland as long as you register by 17:15 GMT on Tuesday 1 February, however you will need to pay a late fee of €65. An exceptional late registration is available until Thursday 3 February on payment of an exceptional late fee of €100. An exceptional late registration will only be accepted from candidates who have submitted their application to CAO by 17:15 on 1 February 2013. It will NOT be possible to register for HPAT-Ireland 2013 once the online registration system closes at 17:15 GMT on 3 February 2013.
When and where does the HPAT-Ireland take place?
The HPAT-Ireland will be held on Saturday 25 February 2013. The results will be released on 27 June 2013.
The HPAT-Ireland will be offered in Cork, Dublin, Galway, Sligo and Waterford.
Where can I find more information about HPAT-Ireland?
If you have a question, please check our Frequently Asked Questions page on the HPAT-Ireland
More information on HPAT-Ireland can be found at www.hpat-ireland.acer.edu.au
HPAT Summary