Of the total registrations, over 134,700 candidates have paid the 360,000 VND exam fee, according to an announcement from Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City (VNU-HCM) on the morning of 25/2. This marks the highest registration figure in the exam's 8-year history. The record enrollment comes as many universities within VNU-HCM transition to a combined admissions approach, utilizing multiple scores instead of separate evaluations.
Starting 28/3, candidates can access their accounts to print their exam registration slips. VNU-HCM reminds students that they must present their original citizen identification cards or passports at the examination centers. If the original document is lost due to unforeseen circumstances, candidates may use their electronic citizen identification card on VNeID for procedures, but must also complete verification at the examination board.
The first phase of the exam will take place on 5/4 across 15 provinces and cities, including: TP HCM, Hue, Da Nang, Quang Ngai, Gia Lai, Khanh Hoa, Lam Dong, Dak Lak, Dong Nai, Tay Ninh, Dong Thap, Vinh Long, An Giang, Can Tho, and Ca Mau. Exam scores will be announced 12 days later, on 17/4. These results are currently used by 112 universities and colleges for admissions.
The second phase of the competency assessment exam will be held at the end of May in 9 locations: Hue, Gia Lai, Dak Lak, Khanh Hoa, Lam Dong, TP HCM, Dong Nai, Dong Thap, and An Giang.
| No. | Activity | Time | |
| Phase 1 | Phase 2 | ||
| 1 | Candidate registration | 24/1-23/2 | 18/4-25/4 |
| 2 | Announce exam registration slips for candidates | 28/3 | 16/5 |
| 3 | Exam date | 5/4 | 24/5 |
| 4 | Scoring period | 6-15/4 | 25/5-5/6 |
| 5 | Result announcement | 17/4 | 6/6 |
VNU-HCM stated that the competency assessment exam structure remains similar to last year's. This consistency ensures stability, continuity, and comparability of results across different years. The exam consists of 120 multiple-choice questions, with candidates completing the paper-based test in 150 minutes. Each question carries a different weight, depending on its difficulty.
The exam is divided into three main sections:
The Logic - Data Analysis and Problem Solving section has 30 questions. These questions are designed to provide information, data, and facts, requiring candidates to apply them to determine experimental results, predict patterns, and more.
The Language Use section, comprising Vietnamese and English, has 60 questions. Finally, the Mathematics section has 30 questions.
Sample competency assessment exam 2026 by VNU-HCM
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Candidates taking the competency assessment exam at Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City in 2025. Photo: VNUHCM |
The VNU-HCM competency assessment exam in 2025 attracted approximately 152,800 candidates with over 223,000 test attempts. The top scorer achieved 1,122 out of 1,200 points.
Le Nguyen
