Healthcare Professions English Test 2026 Guide

When students approach the English-taught Healthcare Professions admission test, the same doubts always come up. What changes in 2026, how the scoring really works, how much it costs, how and when to apply, what to study and how to avoid formal mistakes that can lead to exclusion.
In this article we go through these points one by one, using simple and concrete language, always aligned with the official rules that regulate the exam. The goal is to explain what needs to be done, when it needs to be done and why, without assumptions and without unnecessary complexity.

Everything you read here reflects the most recent official framework available, the one that currently governs the test.

What’s new for the 2026 test

As of today, no official documents have been published yet for the 2026/2027 academic year regarding the English-taught Healthcare Professions admission test. This is an essential starting point.
Until new ministerial acts are released, the rules do not change.

The most recent official version is the one from the 2025/2026 academic year. In that cycle, the English-language test took place on September 10, 2025 at 11:00 a.m., following a nationally defined structure and content.

Anyone preparing now must therefore rely on the latest confirmed format, being aware that any changes will only apply once new official documents are published.
Preparing on a stable and known structure is what reduces uncertainty. This is exactly why tools like TestBuddy, built on the latest official format, help students stay focused on what actually matters.

Scoring system, ranking and results

The maximum score obtainable in the test is 90 points.
Each correct answer is worth 1.5 points, each incorrect answer results in a -0.4 penalty, and unanswered questions score 0 points.

One critical rule is often overlooked: candidates who score 0 or less are not included in the ranking, even if they sat the exam. This makes strategic answering and risk management just as important as knowledge.

Rankings are divided into:

• one ranking for European Union candidates and non-European Union candidates legally residing in Italy and treated as equivalent;
• one separate ranking for non-European Union candidates residing abroad.

In the event of tied scores, priority is determined by subject-specific scores, then by certified disability status, and finally by the younger candidate’s age.

Training with simulations that replicate the official scoring system exactly is essential to understand how every mistake affects the final outcome. This is where an intelligent simulator like TestBuddy becomes useful, not to guess answers, but to measure performance realistically.

Test fees and university costs

There is no single national fee for the admission test.
The registration fee is determined individually by each university and specified in its admission notice.

In recent official calls, the test registration fee has typically been around 30 euros, while enrollment requires an initial payment that includes the regional student fee and the stamp duty.

It is important to remember that:

• the test fee is separate from university tuition;
• payment deadlines are mandatory;
• missing a payment deadline leads to exclusion.

Carefully reading the admission notice of the chosen university is essential to avoid administrative errors.

Official simulations and practice materials

At national level, there is no public official question bank released by the Ministry.
The official reference is the ministerial syllabus, which clearly defines the subjects and competencies required.

This means that memorizing old questions is not the right approach. What matters is training on:

• the structure of the test;
• time management;
• reasoning style;
• subject distribution.

Effective preparation involves full-length simulations, topic-based exercises and structured error analysis.
Platforms like TestBuddy are designed precisely for this purpose: turning the official syllabus into daily, focused practice without dispersion or stress.

How to register for the test

Registration always takes place through the individual university admission notice, which must be published at least 30 days before the test date.

Each notice specifies:

• how to apply;
• deadlines;
• required documents;
• identification procedures on exam day.

There is no single national application procedure. Administrative steps are handled locally by each university, within the national framework.
This is where many students make mistakes. Having a clear system and staying organized significantly reduces the risk of being excluded for purely formal reasons.

Test structure and official syllabus

The test consists of 60 multiple-choice questions, each with 5 possible answers, to be completed in 100 minutes.

The questions are divided into:

• reading skills and general knowledge;
• logical reasoning and problem solving;
• biology;
• chemistry;
• physics and mathematics.

The official syllabus describes in detail what topics are included for each subject. Preparation should follow this syllabus exactly, without adding unnecessary content or skipping required areas.

Studying “by intuition” leads to wasted time. Studying directly from the official program, supported by structured tools, allows steady and measurable progress. This is the principle behind TestBuddy.

Extra time and accommodations for learning disorders or disabilities

Candidates with certified disabilities or specific learning disorders are entitled to accommodations and extra time.

The additional time granted is:

• up to 50% extra time for disabilities;
• up to 30% extra time for specific learning disorders.

Requests must be submitted according to the procedures and deadlines specified in the university admission notice. There is no single national deadline.

Documentation must be valid, complete and submitted on time. Accuracy in this phase is just as important as academic preparation.

Non-European Union candidates, special cases and minors

Non-European Union candidates are subject to specific rules, with separate rankings and reserved places.
Candidates residing abroad must also complete a pre-enrollment procedure through Universitaly and obtain a study visa.

Minor candidates do not face additional national requirements to sit the test, but universities may request specific forms or parental authorizations at the enrollment stage.

Once again, everything depends on the individual university notice.

Preparing for the admission test

Preparing properly means one thing: following the official rules and training on the real test format.

This includes:

• studying the ministerial syllabus;
• completing full-length simulations;
• analyzing results;
• correcting weaknesses methodically.

A platform like TestBuddy supports this process by offering realistic simulations, artificial intelligence-based analysis and a clear overview of progress. The goal is not to replace studying, but to make it structured, measurable and less stressful.

Official reference documents

• Healthcare Professions Admission Notice 2025/2026
• Healthcare Professions Available Places 2025/2026
• Ministerial Notice May 14, 2025
• International Students Circular 2025/2026
• Reference University Admission Notice