Test takers are advised to allow enough time for pre-test procedures. Please ensure you have downloaded the ACER test app and Guardian Browser to your computer prior to your scheduled sitting time.

Test takers may only leave the testing room to use the bathroom. There is no extra time given for this break.

On this page

Items needed for your test session

  • ensure you have downloaded the Guardian app
  • ensure you have downloaded the ACER test app
  • a computer or laptop (tablets and mobile phones including Nexus, iPad, Tab, Note, etc. are not supported)
  • stable internet connection
  • a small erasable whiteboard and pen, OR 4 pieces of A4 sized scratch paper, a pencil, eraser and sharpener
  • acceptable current and photo-bearing identification document
  • Mirror (hand held is fine) or other reflective device

Optional items

  • a see-through water bottle (no labels attached)
  • a printed bilingual dictionary may be brought into the test by test takers whose native language is not English

Common questions

If you do not have access to a suitable computer, and cannot borrow one, then you should email the HPAT-Ireland office for support. Depending on your circumstances you may be offered a seat at our test centre in Dublin.

HPAT-Ireland is a 2.5 hour test. When sitting by remote proctoring you should allow an additional 30 minutes for ID verification and pre-test checks. If you are sitting the one hour Written English component as well, you will need to book a separate proctoring session. It will add an additional hour to your overall testing time, and will require a repeat of pre-test checks.

Yes. You can use the bathroom during your test. The test timer will not be paused for bathroom breaks, and you must notify your proctor before you leave the room. A room scan will be completed upon your return.

No you cannot eat during your test session. If you have diabetes or another health concern that requires you to consume food you should apply for Reasonable Adjustments and receive approval from the HPAT-Ireland office.

If you have technical issues or something goes wrong during your test, the proctor will try to help you. If the issues are related to technology they will transfer your session to a technical support team member. It is important to remain calm, you may eat, and use the bathroom while this is happening. If you do leave your computer while technical issues are being resolved, it is a good idea to have someone watch your computer in case you are required to action something from your side. We understand that remote proctoring can be stressful. It is important to know that if you are having ongoing issues and become distressed that you can stop if you need to. You can reschedule your session to another day and time, to provide an opportunity to resolve the technical issues you are facing. This may include finding another computer, changing location or both. If you are unable to resolve the issues you are facing, please notify the HPAT-Ireland Office by email for advice regarding next steps.

Prohibited items

There are certain items that are not allowed on your desk or near you during your test session. These are:

  • mobile phone
  • calculators
  • stopwatches
  • audio or recording devices of any kind, including
    • cameras
    • MP3 players
    • digital, analogue and smart watches, fitbits etc.
  • standard English dictionaries
  • pencil cases and rulers
  • food
  • earplugs
  • bluetooth devices such as headphones
  • dual monitors
  • head coverings (unless it is for religious reasons).

Misconduct

HPAT-Ireland is a high stakes test; that is, the results of the test have the potential to make a major impact on the future international study plans of the test taker. For this reason, ACER has established security procedures that are strictly enforced at all times.

It is the responsibility of the test taker to ensure that they understand that the following are considered to be breaches of test rules:

  • the giving of false or misleading information during the registration process
  • attempting to gain access to test questions prior to the test
  • attempting to gain unauthorised access to or copy the test or administration processes in the test location
  • attempting to take the test on behalf of another person
  • allowing another person to attempt to take the test on your behalf
  • failure to destroy notes at the completion of the test
  • failure to follow test proctor’s instructions at all times
  • giving or receiving assistance during the test
  • creating a disturbance
  • using unauthorised aids (including but not limited to notes, calculator, mobile phone, recording device, smart devices, accessing the internet etc.)
  • attempting to copy and/or share the test and the test content.