On May 24, Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City (VNU-HCM) said that the capacity assessment (V-ACT) exam phase 2 in 2026 took place with the participation of 170,127 candidates in 15 localities across the country. This is the exam phase with the highest number of candidates taking the exam to date in this exam.
The exam was organized with the coordination of 64 higher education institutions and colleges in localities including Hue, Da Nang, Quang Ngai, Gia Lai, Dak Lak, Khanh Hoa, Lam Dong, Ho Chi Minh City, Dong Nai, Tay Ninh, Dong Thap, Vinh Long, An Giang, Can Tho and Ca Mau.
According to VNU-HCM, in 2026, 118 universities and colleges nationwide will use the results of competency assessment exams in admissions.
The organization of the exam is deployed synchronously in all stages from building exam questions, printing, copying, security, transporting questions to invigilating. Functional forces coordinate to ensure security and safety at exam sites.
At the exam sites, invigilators, supervisors, secretaries and support forces were fully trained and performed their duties in accordance with regulations. Many units also mobilized volunteer students to support candidates in finding exam rooms, guiding information and handling arising situations.
Traffic police and local police coordinated to regulate traffic, ensure security and order in the exam area, and create conditions for candidates to arrive at the exam site on time.
The 2026 competency assessment exam continues to be built according to the adjusted structure from 2025, in line with the 2018 General Education Program. Candidates take the exam in 150 minutes with 120 multiple-choice questions including the parts of language use, mathematics and scientific thinking.
According to VNU-HCM, the exam aims to assess thinking ability, data analysis, problem solving and scientific reasoning instead of testing the ability to memorize knowledge.
Previously, on April 5, 2026, the first phase of the VNU-HCM competency assessment exam took place with the participation of 133,489 candidates, reaching a participation rate of 98.33%.
