According to Ho Chi Minh City University of Education, the number of candidates taking the exam this time increased by about 35% compared to the same period in 2025.
Phase 1 of the 2026 exam will take place from March 26 to 29, 2026 at 5 exam sites, including: Ho Chi Minh City (at the main campus of Ho Chi Minh City University of Education and Ho Chi Minh City University of Industry and Trade), Da Nang (at the University of Education, Da Nang University), Dak Lak (at Tay Nguyen University) and Tay Ninh (at Long An Branch of Ho Chi Minh City University of Education).
The exam includes 6 independent exams: Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Literature and English. Candidates can register for one or more exam subjects depending on the admission combination of the desired major. The entire exam process is carried out on a computer and monitored by specialized software and a camera system.
Ho Chi Minh City University of Education said that this year's exam questions continue to be improved, focusing on evaluating logical thinking and practical problem-solving ability - key factors that the 2018 general education program aims for.
Recorded at the exam site of Ho Chi Minh City University of Education, many candidates said they had prepared early to participate in the exam.
Thanh Truc, a student at Nguyen Tat Thanh High School (HCMC), shared that she started reviewing from last summer and registered for a tutoring course worth about 3 million VND, studying 2 sessions per week.
I plan to pursue English pedagogy, so I focus on practicing listening and writing skills because this is my weak part. In addition, I also consider additional aspirations such as History - Geography and Literature pedagogy," Thanh Truc said.
Meanwhile, Nguyen Minh Thu, a student at Duc Hue High School (Tay Ninh), said she registered to take the English exam to apply for the English Language major.
I mainly study at home. This time I am taking the exam to test myself, if necessary, I will continue to register for the 2nd and 3rd exams," Minh Thu shared.
Ngoc Anh (student of Bao Loc High School) arrived in Ho Chi Minh City the day before to be on time for the exam. This candidate registered for the Biology and English exams.
Ngoc Anh plans to continue to participate in other competency assessment exams to increase her chances of being admitted.
The specialized competency assessment exam of Ho Chi Minh City University of Education has been organized since 2022, and has gradually become one of the large-scale separate exams in the pedagogical sector.
