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Table 1 Features of a variety of general mental ability/aptitude tests compared

From: To what extent does the Health Professions Admission Test-Ireland predict performance in early undergraduate tests of communication and clinical skills? – An observational cohort study

Assessment tool

HPAT

UMAT

UKCAT

MCAT

BMAT

Target candidates

Undergraduate medical school applicants – predominately school leavers

Undergraduate medical school applicants – predominately school leavers

Undergraduate medical school applicants – predominately school leavers

Medical School applicants – predominately college students

Undergraduate medical school applicants – predominately school leavers

Type of test

MCQ

MCQ

MCQ

MCQ plus written essay*

MCQ, written answers and written essay

Duration

2 hrs 30 mins

2 hrs 45 mins

2 hrs

4.5 to 5 hours *

2 hr

How administered

Paper based

Paper based

Computer based

Computer based

Paper based

Standard Cost to applicant

€95

€161

€78

€181

€50

No of participating schools

5

14

26

Required by almost all medical schools in North America

6

Year it was first used

2009

First used in 1991 at Newcastle University, Australia with expansion to other institutions in 1997/98

2006

Earliest versions commenced in 1946 and have evolved over time. Current format exists since 1992 with some minor adjustments since

2003

Subsections of test

1. Logical Reasoning & Problem Solving

1. Logical Reasoning & Problem Solving

1. Verbal reasoning

1. Verbal Reasoning Skills

1: Aptitude and Skills

2. Interpersonal Understanding

2. Understanding People

2. Quantitative reasoning

2. Physical Sciences – chemistry, physics and data interpretation

2: Scientific Knowledge and Application

3. Non-Verbal Reasoning

3. Non-verbal Reasoning

3. Abstract reasoning

3. Biological Sciences – biology and organic chemistry

3: Writing Task

  

4. Decision analysis

* The writing sample section will be removed in 2013 thus shortening the test

 
  1. HPAT-Health Professions Admission Test Ireland. UMAT-Undergraduate Medicine and Health Sciences Admission Test. UKCAT- UK Clinical Aptitude Test. MCAT- Medical College Admission Test. BMAT-BioMedical Admissions Test.