What is HPAT

What is HPAT?

The HPAT (Health Professions Admission Test) is a standardised exam that measures the skills and abilities of students applying to study undergraduate medicine at university in Ireland. It is also used in the applications for MSc of Occupational Therapy at University of Limerick. The HPAT was introduced to Ireland in 2009 and scores are combined with Leaving Certificate results to give students an overall CAO score in their applications.

The HPAT - Ireland is a 2½ hour test consisting of three sections. Each section is separately timed. The questions are in multiple choice format with 4 or 5 response alternatives from which you are asked to choose the most appropriate. Each question has only one correct response. Questions in sections 1 and 2 are in written form (though some section 1 questions may present information in visual or tabular format). Section 3 questions are based entirely on visual material.

The next HPAT exam will be held in February 2027. More information is available at hpat-ireland.acer.org

What People are Saying

“These classes helped so much when studying for the HPAT. I would 100% recommend them for anyone sitting the exam"
AOIFE, 99TH CENTILE2024
“The HPAT classes were massively beneficial to me. They helped me to develop a strategy for dealing with the exam and gave me a whole pile of new techniques for dealing with specific types of questions. Definitely one of the main reasons I got into medicine.”
CONOR, 99TH CENTILE2015
“I learned so much from going to this class and listening to other people work through questions in ways I never would have thought of.I found it really helpful to learn from different approaches that I could then use to answer future questions.
KATIE, 100TH CENTILE2016
“The classes are great, they’re relaxed and useful for getting you into the mindset of how the questions work and what the exam is looking for. Lots of memes incorporated to keep things going.
JACK, 99TH CENTILE2017
“John’s HPAT (Ace The HPAT) classes were the most helpful HPAT related classes I did. He made the exam seem more interesting and accessible as opposed to the scary impossible exam it is often made out to be.
ROISIN, 99TH CENTILE2017
“I really enjoyed the Ace The HPAT classes and found them extremely helpful. John taught us lots of skills and techniques which definitely helped me boost my HPAT score.
HANNA – 100TH CENTILE2021
The Ace The HPAT classes carried me through my HPAT study this year. The individual analysis of answer options in class, along with time-pressured, competitive practice questions helped me learn how to remain calm during the exam.
SEAN, 99TH CENTILE2022
“Having questions explained and especially being able to talk through some of the more challenging questions was really helpful. I found section 2 especially difficult and hearing other student’s opinions
ALANA, 98TH CENTILE2019
“I felt that John’s classes were a really important part of my HPAT preparation as they kept me on track and instilled confidence in my ability. John gave excellent tips and advice on just about everything to do with the HPAT and I’m very grateful for this.
SORCHA, 98TH CENTILE2017
“I found the classes to be very helpful, particularly with regard to sections 2 and 3. They provided an excellent avenue as to how one should tackle the problems they present.
CONOR, 97TH CENTILE2019
“These classes honestly saved my life when it came to HPAT. John really knows what he’s doing. He gave us tips for practicing and prep and strategies for when we’re actually sitting the exam. I did the HPAT twice, both times with John’s help, and I credit my 96th percentile and 94th percentile to these classes.”
EMMA, 97TH CENTILE2017
“John’s classes were great. They gave us a new way of looking at questions using set methods so I had a clear starting point for each one. It was also great working with a group and seeing how different people approached the questions.
SARAH, 97TH CENTILE2015
“I found the classes were a huge help as they made it easy to put in place a consistent routine as I prepared for the HPAT. Having classes that were 2.5 hours long meant that on the day of my exam I was used to concentrating over long periods of time.
DEARBHLA, 97TH CENTILE2019
The Ace The HPAT classes were a massive help to me in my preparation for the Hpat. Learning from someone who has gone through the Hpat and learning alongside others was so helpful.
ELLA, 96TH CENTILE2020
“The course was so helpful. It was really good to hear how other people approached the questions. John had loads of good advice for all three sections and how to prepare for exam day. Thanks again!”
AOIFE – 95TH CENTILE2021
“These classes helped me prepare massively for the HPAT by simply showing me different ways to approach and think about the various sections in the HPAT exam through listening and interacting with others in the class.
CAMILE, 95TH CENTILE2018
“John’s classes really helped break down one of the most daunting exams I’ve ever taken. He pointed out the ways the HPAT tries to catch you out and provided methods of tackling harder questions.
KATE, 94TH CENTILE2018
“It was very helpful to discuss different techniques for different problems and to compare answers with other students. I thought that the classes were invaluable, enjoyable and would recommend them to anyone studying for the HPAT!”
FREYA, 94TH CENTILE2014
I repeated the hpat this year and decided to attend these classes after hearing great things about them from a friend who scored very well last year. Safe to say I’m very glad I did.
GRACE, 93RD CENTILE2020
I found the classes extremely helpful, especially as a student who had previously sat the HPAT. Connor promoted a relaxed and comfortable environment in class to discuss questions, which for me was the key to doing well in the HPAT.
CAOILFHINN, 91ST CENTILE2020
The Ace The HPAT classes were very helpful in my preparation to sit the HPAT. I initially found section 1 and 3 particularly challenging but the classes gave me the skills and strategies I needed to approach these more difficult questions.
LAURA, 90TH CENTILE2020
“The HPAT preparation classes at Ace The HPAT were amazing. John has a way of explaining questions and solutions that make the exam feel natural and straightforward.
FREYA – 87TH CENTILE2021
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Purpose of the HPAT

The HPAT is an aptitude test that assesses a wide range of cognitive abilities, including critical thinking, problem-solving, and interpersonal understanding. It is designed to test the skills and abilities that are required for success in these health-related fields.

Structure of the HPAT

The test is divided into three sections, each of which tests different aspects of the candidate’s aptitude. The first section tests critical reasoning and problem-solving, the second section tests interpersonal understanding and the third section tests non-verbal reasoning.

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Critical Reasoning and Problem-Solving Section

The critical reasoning and problem-solving section of the HPAT assesses the candidate's ability to analyze information, draw conclusions, and solve problems. This section is designed to test the candidate's ability to think critically and logically. The questions in this section are multiple-choice, and the candidate must choose the best answer from a selection of options.

Interpersonal Understanding Section

The interpersonal understanding section of the HPAT assesses the candidate's ability to understand and interpret the emotions, feelings, and behaviors of other people. This section is designed to test the candidate's ability to empathize with others, communicate effectively, and work well in a team. The questions in this section are based on scenarios, and the candidate must choose the best response from a selection of options.

Non-Verbal Reasoning Section

The non-verbal reasoning section of the HPAT assesses the candidate's ability to understand and manipulate visual information. This section is designed to test the candidate's ability to reason using images and diagrams. The questions in this section are based on visual patterns, and the candidate must choose the next pattern in the sequence or the missing piece in the puzzle.

Preparing for the HPAT

The HPAT is a challenging test that requires thorough preparation and practice. Many candidates spend months studying and practicing for the test in order to maximize their score. Preparation materials are available online and in bookstores, and many candidates take courses or hire tutors to help them prepare for the test.

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Importance of the HPAT in Admissions

The HPAT is an important tool in the admissions process for health-related undergraduate courses. While academic grades and other factors are also taken into consideration, the HPAT score is often a significant factor in the admissions decision. This is because the HPAT is designed to test the skills and abilities that are required for success in these health-related fields. Universities and colleges want to ensure that their students have the skills and abilities necessary to succeed in their chosen courses.