Healthcare Professions Test in English: 2026 Guide

Students approaching the Healthcare Professions admission test in English usually share the same core needs. They want to understand how the exam is actually structured, which subjects really matter, where to start when knowledge is still fragmented, how to organize study time over the months, what is officially required, and how to avoid arriving at the exam with uncertainty or unnecessary stress.

In this guide, we address each of these points clearly and progressively. We explain what needs to be done and why, always keeping a direct connection between what students are expected to prepare and what is formally established at ministerial level. No interpretations, no shortcuts, no misleading simplifications.

At the time of writing, no new ministerial decree has been published for the 2026 admission cycle. The most recent official framework available is the one applied for the 2025–2026 academic year, which therefore remains the current reference until updated.

Official structure of the Healthcare Professions test in English

The admission test consists of a multiple-choice written exam with 60 questions, each offering 5 possible answers, with only one correct option. The total duration is 100 minutes.

Understanding the structure is essential because it defines how preparation must be organized. The questions are not evenly distributed across subjects. Biology represents the core of the exam and carries the greatest weight. It is followed by Chemistry, then by the combined area of Physics and Mathematics. The remaining questions assess Logical Reasoning and Problem Solving and Reading Comprehension and General Knowledge acquired during previous studies.

Scoring rules are precise. Each correct answer is worth 1.5 points, each incorrect answer results in a 0.4-point penalty, and unanswered questions do not affect the score. Candidates who fail to answer any question are excluded from the ranking list.

This means that time management and answer strategy are part of the exam itself, not optional skills. Training under realistic conditions is therefore essential. This is exactly why tools like TestBuddy are effective: simulations replicate the real structure, timing, and scoring system, allowing students to gain clarity and confidence early on.

Subjects, topics, and official syllabus

The official syllabus is clearly defined and structured. It outlines the exact knowledge areas that may be tested and the expected depth.

Biology includes the chemistry of living systems, cell structure and function, classical and molecular genetics, evolution, biotechnology, and human anatomy and physiology, with attention to major systems and regulatory mechanisms. This subject alone accounts for the highest number of questions and requires continuous, structured study.

Chemistry covers atomic structure, the periodic table, chemical bonds, stoichiometry, solutions, chemical equilibria, acids and bases, redox reactions, and fundamental concepts of organic chemistry.

Mathematics includes algebra, equations, functions, geometry, probability, and basic statistics.
Physics focuses on physical quantities and measurements, kinematics, dynamics, fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, electricity, and introductory electromagnetism.

Logical reasoning and reading comprehension do not rely on memorized content but instead assess analytical thinking, interpretation of information, and structured problem-solving. Tracking performance in these areas is essential to understand whether difficulties stem from reasoning methods or time pressure. Within TestBuddy, these sections are analyzed separately to provide that insight.

Where to start when beginning from scratch

Students starting from zero often make the same mistake: opening a random textbook or focusing on what feels easiest. The correct starting point is not content, but exam awareness.

First, it is necessary to fully understand how the exam works, how long it lasts, how scoring operates, and which subjects matter most. Only after this foundation is clear does studying become effective.

The next step is working through the official syllabus, topic by topic, without skipping fundamentals or rushing into advanced material. At this stage, having a structured overview is crucial. TestBuddy supports this phase by transforming the official syllabus into trackable study units, clearly showing what has been covered and what still needs attention, reducing uncertainty and cognitive overload.

Study planning over 1, 3, and 6 months

There is no official ministerial study plan for 1, 3, or 6 months. However, the exam structure itself provides all the information needed to plan effectively.

With 6 months available, preparation should be gradual and comprehensive. Foundational biology and chemistry are addressed first, allowing concepts to consolidate over time. This timeframe is ideal for students who need to rebuild their scientific background.

With 3 months, efficiency becomes central. Core concepts should already be familiar, and preparation alternates between targeted revision and full-length simulations. Monitoring progress becomes essential, which is why many students rely on TestBuddy to understand performance trends rather than guessing.

With 1 month, the focus shifts entirely to high-impact topics and recurring errors. New material is avoided. Simulations under real conditions become the primary tool, because time pressure is now the main variable to control.

Preparing according to official requirements

Official documents do not prescribe specific study methods, books, or courses. What they define is content, format, and scoring.

Preparing in line with official requirements therefore means mastering the full syllabus, training with 60-question exams, respecting the 100-minute limit, and understanding the scoring penalties. Any preparation that does not reflect these parameters risks being inefficient.

Common preparation mistakes and how to avoid them

A frequent mistake is studying all subjects equally, ignoring their actual weight in the exam. Another is underestimating the impact of incorrect answers on the final score. Many students also reach exam day without ever completing a full simulation, only realizing too late how restrictive the time limit is.

These mistakes can only be avoided through objective measurement. Understanding where errors occur, how often, and why. This is the core reason behind TestBuddy’s design as a simulator with artificial intelligence and detailed statistics, rather than a simple question bank.

The final week and the day before the exam

During the last week, no new topics should be introduced. The focus is on format familiarity, time control, and confidence. Every simulation should mirror the real exam conditions.

The day before the test is not for intense studying. It is dedicated to verifying all administrative requirements indicated by the university call, including documentation and logistics. Mental clarity is part of preparation.

Official reference documents

The information in this article is based exclusively on official ministerial documentation:
admission call
official syllabus
available places