What to Bring to the Health Professions English Test 2025: Rules and Advice

Every year, as the Health Professions English admission test approaches, many students wonder what they are required to bring, what is not allowed, and how to organise themselves properly for exam day.

In this guide, we go through everything step by step: the essential documents, what you can and cannot take into the exam room, how to pack your bag, when to arrive at the venue, and how to manage your time and nerves once the test begins.
All the information below is based on the official 2025 ministerial decree and on the official university calls for applications, available on the Ministerial Decree of 6 August 2025, the MUR notice of 15 May 2025, and university calls such as Bologna and Padua.

Mandatory Documents

The first check at the entrance concerns your identity. Without a valid identification document, entry to the exam room is not permitted. You must present an original ID card, passport, or driving licence – photocopies or digital versions on your phone are not accepted.

Alongside your ID, you must bring the payment receipt for the test fee (usually €50) and the application receipt issued by your university’s online portal or CINECA. These documents confirm your registration and are required to sit the test.

Candidates who have requested special arrangements (for disabilities or specific learning difficulties) must bring the medical documentation already validated by the university within the official deadlines. Certificates presented on the day of the test are not accepted.

Keep everything neatly organised in a transparent plastic folder, so checks are quick and nothing gets misplaced.

Permitted and Prohibited Items

Security rules during the test are strict.
You are not allowed to bring or use mobile phones, smartwatches, headphones, calculators, pens, pencils, notes, books, or any other personal stationery. Everything you need for writing will be provided by the university.

You are only permitted to bring:

• your valid ID document
• your payment and registration receipts
• any approved certificates
• a sealed half-litre bottle of water (if allowed by your exam venue)

In most universities, bags and backpacks must be left in a designated area before the test begins. Travelling light makes entry faster and reduces the chance of forgetting or losing personal items.

How to Pack Your Bag

Preparing your bag the evening before the test is the simplest way to avoid unnecessary stress.
Only bring what you truly need: your ID, receipts, approved certificates, a sealed bottle of water, and a small snack for the waiting period before entering the exam hall. Books, notes, or study materials are not allowed and should be left at home.

Carrying too many items can slow down the entrance checks. Some universities provide a cloakroom, but the best strategy is to bring the bare minimum. The aim is to arrive calm, well-organised, and focused solely on the test.

Arrival and Entry to the Venue

The identification process starts well before the official test time, which in 2025 is 11:00 am on 10 September.
Universities usually call candidates around 8:30 am, to allow time for document checks and seating assignments. Arriving late, even by a few minutes, means you will not be admitted to the test.

At the entrance, you will show your ID and payment receipt. After verification, you’ll be directed to the waiting area and then to your assigned room. Once seated, you’ll receive the official test materials: the question sheet, answer form, and personal data card.
Leaving the room before the end of the test is not allowed, and communication between candidates is strictly prohibited unless authorised by the invigilators.

Managing Time and Nerves

The test lasts 100 minutes and includes 60 questions, giving you roughly one minute and forty seconds per question. Success depends largely on staying calm and managing your pace effectively.

Start with the questions you find easiest, skip those you’re unsure about, and return to them later. Since wrong answers result in a penalty, it’s better not to guess randomly.
Always leave a few minutes at the end to review your answers and ensure the answer sheet is filled in correctly.

It’s normal to feel anxious, so try to rest well the night before, avoid studying at the last minute, and practise deep breathing while waiting to enter.
Remember that this test assesses not only your knowledge but also your ability to stay focused under pressure.

Mistakes to Avoid

Some of the most common and serious mistakes can be avoided with a bit of foresight.
Forgetting your ID or payment receipt automatically prevents you from sitting the test. Bringing electronic devices or notes can result in disqualification.
Not reading the university call carefully can also cause problems, as each university may have slightly different entry times or rules.

If you are entitled to extra time, remember that you must submit your request and documentation before the official deadline. Bringing it on the day will not be accepted.
Knowing the rules in advance is part of being fully prepared.

Using TestBuddy to Prepare

To perform well, you need structured preparation that mirrors the official test format and helps you track your progress.
With TestBuddy, you can simulate the real exam conditions: 60 questions, 100 minutes, and the same marking system as the official test.

Each simulation analyses your strengths and weaknesses, your average time per question, and provides a personalised study plan that adjusts as you improve.
In the months before the test, focus on targeted exercises by topic, and as the exam date approaches, increase the number of full mock tests to build confidence and rhythm.

TestBuddy was designed to help you reduce anxiety, improve steadily, and feel genuinely ready for the big day – transforming your preparation into a calm, guided journey based on real data.

Official Sources

All information in this guide is taken from official ministerial and university documents:

• Ministerial Decree of 6 August 2025
• MUR Notice of 15 May 2025
• Ministerial Decree of 7 August 2025 – Allocation of Places