HPAT Exam Day: What to Expect and How to Stay Calm

The Night Before

Avoid last-minute cramming. The HPAT tests skills, not knowledge — you won't gain anything from a late study session. Instead, prepare your materials, eat a good dinner, and aim for 7 to 8 hours of sleep.

What to Bring

Your HPAT admission ticket (printed), photo ID, several HB pencils (the exam uses a scannable answer sheet), an eraser, and a watch (phones won't be allowed). Bring water and a small snack for the break.

Morning Routine

Eat a proper breakfast — your brain needs fuel for 2.5 hours of intense concentration. Avoid excessive caffeine which can increase anxiety. Arrive at the test centre at least 30 minutes early to settle in.

During the Exam

Time management: You have approximately 150 minutes for 110 questions. That's roughly 80 seconds per question. Don't spend more than 90 seconds on any single question in your first pass.

First pass strategy: Go through the entire exam answering the questions you find straightforward. Mark difficult ones and return to them in your second pass.

Answering technique: There's no negative marking in the HPAT, so never leave a question blank. If you're unsure, eliminate what you can and make your best guess.

Handling Nerves

Some nervousness is normal and even beneficial — it keeps you alert. If anxiety feels overwhelming, try the 4-7-8 breathing technique: breathe in for 4 seconds, hold for 7, exhale for 8. This activates your parasympathetic nervous system and reduces stress.

Remember: you've prepared for this. Trust your practice. The questions will feel familiar because you've seen similar patterns hundreds of times.

After the Exam

Results typically arrive within a few weeks. In the meantime, focus on your Leaving Cert preparation. There's nothing you can change about your HPAT performance once it's done, so put your energy into what you can still influence.