The 2026 SPT exam is expanding in scope and adding many new subjects.

According to Dr. Tran Ba ​​Trinh, Head of Training Department at Hanoi Pedagogical University, the 2026 Independent Assessment of Competence (SPT) exam has seen a significant increase in the number of candidates and includes several new features to make it more convenient for learners.

On the morning of May 23rd, the first phase of the 2026 Independent Competency Assessment Test (SPT) of Hanoi Pedagogical University took place at testing sites nationwide.

In an informal discussion on the sidelines of the exam, Dr. Tran Ba ​​Trinh – Head of the Training Department, Hanoi Pedagogical University – provided information on the new features, exam design guidelines, and the increasing appeal of the SPT exam.

Dr. Tran Ba ​​Trinh – Head of Training Department, Hanoi Pedagogical University, speaks with reporters on the sidelines of the exam. Photo: Nguyen Hoai

Reporter: What are some notable new features in this year's Independent Competency Assessment Exam at Hanoi Pedagogical University, sir?

Dr. Tran Ba ​​Trinh: This year, the exam is organized into two phases to provide more options for candidates and to avoid scheduling conflicts with other aptitude and thinking skills assessment exams.

Phase 1 focused primarily on the northern region, with testing locations in Hanoi, Cao Bang , Quang Ninh, Son La, and Thanh Hoa. Phase 2 was held in the central region and Hanoi, including testing locations at Quy Nhon University, Da Nang University of Education, and Vinh University.

Expanding the examination locations allows candidates to choose a site closer to their residence, saving them travel costs and effort. Despite being held in multiple locations, the standards for invigilation, safety, and security remain as strictly enforced as in Hanoi. The school assigns task forces to directly supervise, inspect, and monitor the examinations.

This year, the exam also includes new subjects such as: Economic and Legal Education, Informatics, Agricultural Technology, and Industrial Technology. However, the number of candidates registering for these subjects is currently not high, similar to the trend in subject selection for the high school graduation exam.

The Hanoi University of Education's aptitude test in 2026 attracted nearly 23,000 registered candidates, an increase of 5,000 compared to the previous year. Photo: Nguyen Hoai

Could you share your vision for this year's SPT exam, specifically how it will assess candidates' abilities?

- The SPT exam not only serves university admissions but also aims to guide teaching and learning at the secondary school level through testing and evaluation activities.

The exam questions are designed to closely follow the 2018 General Education Program and to comprehensively assess students' abilities. We do not place too much emphasis on questions that simply require knowledge recognition, but rather focus on critical thinking skills and the ability to apply knowledge to real-world situations.

In addition to the multiple-choice section, the exam still includes an essay section to assess candidates' reasoning, presentation, and expression skills. These are essential abilities for university students, especially those in education-related fields.

Although grading essay exams is quite laborious and resource-intensive, the school has decided to maintain it because it is a way to accurately assess students' abilities, rather than just testing their ability to memorize knowledge.

The number of candidates taking the exam this year has increased significantly, by about 5,000 compared to last year. What does this number reflect, sir?

- This year, the number of candidates registering for the exam increased by approximately 5,000 compared to last year. This shows that the exam's prestige is increasingly recognized by society and higher education institutions.

Currently, the SPT exam not only expands university admission opportunities for candidates but also becomes a "benchmark" for students to self-assess their abilities before the high school graduation exam.

In particular, Hanoi Medical University has recognized the SPT exam results for admission to some medical technology programs. In the future, the two universities may continue to cooperate towards developing a common exam for the medical field, thereby better assessing the capabilities of students in this field.

Thank you very much, sir!

Nguyen Hoai

Source: https://daidoanket.vn/ky-thi-spt-2026-mo-rong-quy-mo-bo-sung-nhieu-mon-thi-moi.html