HPAT-Ireland 2027: Test Dates, Registration Deadlines and Fees
If you’re applying for undergraduate medicine in Ireland in 2027, the HPAT is your first big step, and the deadlines come up fast. Here’s what you need to know, based on the official ACER information. As always, check the official HPAT-Ireland registration page before you book, as details can change.
When is the HPAT in 2027?
The 2027 test window runs from 12 to 21 February 2027.
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.
The standard test is remote-proctored, which means you sit it at home on your own computer, and you choose a day and time that suits you within the window. Test Centre sittings are also available, but only on specific days, so book early if you want one. ACER can reschedule sittings if there are technical issues, and these are arranged by ACER only.
Registration deadlines
Registration is open now since November 2026. The key dates are:
| Deadline | |
|---|---|
| Standard registration | 5:15pm GMT, 15 January 2027 |
| Late registration | 5:15pm GMT, 25 January 2027 (extra fee) |
| Exceptionally late registration | Only for applicants who have applied to the CAO (extra fee) |
Registration and payment both have to be completed by the deadline. Don’t leave it to the last day, as the best test slots go first.
How much does it cost?
The standard fee is €167. Late and exceptionally late registrations cost more. ACER’s page doesn’t give the amounts, so check the refund policy and fees before you pay.
How to register
- Get a CAO number. All medicine applicants need one. Make your CAO application early, as paper applications won’t have a number in time.
- Create an ACER account.
- Register through your ACER account.
- Book your test session through ProctorU as part of your registration.
Applying to UL? Applicants to the University of Limerick MSc in Occupational Therapy or MSc in Speech and Language Therapy don’t need a CAO number. Apply to the university directly.
Reasonable adjustments
If you need adjustments, such as a reader, scribe or larger print, apply as soon as possible after registering. All requests must be in by 15 January 2027, the standard registration deadline. Requests after that carry a €52 fee. You have to apply every year, as arrangements don’t carry over. Some adjustments are only available at Test Centre sittings, so factor that in when you pick your session. The documentation required is in the guidance on the ACER page.
A simple timeline
- Now: make your CAO application and watch for registration opening in early November
- November to December: register, pay and book your session
- Before 15 January: submit any reasonable adjustment requests
- 12 to 21 February: sit the test
How to prepare
The HPAT tests reasoning, not knowledge, so there’s nothing to memorise, but it rewards practice. Ace the HPAT offers live online classes (all recorded, so you can join at any point and catch up), learning modules, practice questions with worked solutions, and full-length timed mock exams. A weekend intensive is also running in January, shortly before the test.
See the course options and start preparing today.
