The purpose of HPAT-Ulster is to assess your ability in a range of general skills. HPAT-Ulster measures skills acquired over time, including the ability to understand and analyse written and graphically presented material; to reason, make logical deductions and form judgements. The test does not draw on any particular body of knowledge or curriculum. However, some familiarity with the question types typically presented in HPAT-Ulster is helpful and reassuring to most candidates.

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Please note that neither the University of Ulster nor ACER recommend or endorse any commercially available preparation courses. Nor do they have any association with commercial courses. Candidates are advised that wide and critical reading may provide helpful preparation for a test of this kind.

Test-taking strategy for multiple-choice sections

Sections 1 and 2 of HPAT-Ulster are in multiple-choice format. You will mark your answers by filling in ovals on a machine-readable answer sheet. It is very important that you record your answers carefully, by completely filling in the oval in pencil. If you decide to change an answer, erase it completely and mark the oval corresponding to your new choice.

Each test section is separately timed. You are advised to work steadily through each of the multiple-choice sections without spending too much time on any one question. Read all the alternative answers to a question, even if you think you have identified the correct one, before marking your choice on the answer sheet. If you think you know the answer to a question, mark it, even if you are not certain. Go on to the next question and come back later if you have time.

• All questions have the same value, therefore by attempting as many questions as possible you have the best chance of maximising your score.
• Marks will not be deducted for incorrect answers.
• All questions are of equal value, but may vary in difficulty.
• If you mark more than one answer to a question it will be considered wrong.
• Answers should be marked directly onto the answer sheet, not in the test book.
• You may do rough work in the margins of your test book. Scrap paper is not allowed.

ACER and the University of Ulster do not recommend or endorse any commercially available courses offering preparation for the HPAT-Ulster exam. Nor does ACER or the University of Ulster have knowledge of the content of such courses, any involvement in their development, or any commercial interest in such programs. Thus the HPAT-Ulster Office and the University of Ulster are unable to comment on their relevance or usefulness. It is possible that some commercial preparation courses could provide misleading information or advice to candidates. 

Neither ACER nor the University of Ulster conduct HPAT-Ulster preparation courses.