No Appeals Allowed for National Multi-Subject Test Results

Appeals on NMT Results Not Possible

According to Главком: Due to fully automated grading, test-takers cannot challenge their scores on the National Multi-Subject Test (NMT), according to Tetiana Vakulenko, Director of the Ukrainian Center for Educational Quality Assessment (UCEQA). All NMT tasks are evaluated by machines, with no human involvement in scoring open-ended responses. However, Vakulenko noted that if errors are found in the test questions themselves, participants can contact the UCEQA. If a defect is confirmed, a decision is made that benefits all test-takers.

Vakulenko emphasized that any technical issues during the exam must be reported immediately at the testing center.

“If the equipment malfunctioned or any other problem arose, raise your hand and report it so the issue can be resolved. If it isn’t fixed, you should file an appeal regarding the procedural violation,”

she stated.

Challenges with Exam Centers

A significant issue is the lack of temporary exam centers in the Kherson region.

“We are not setting up temporary centers in Kherson. The nearest city in the Zaporizhzhia region where tests can be taken is Zaporizhzhia itself. So these participants will need to travel twice to complete the test,”

Vakulenko added. In case of adverse conditions, test-takers may be forced to make four trips for the main and additional sessions.

Organizing exams abroad is becoming increasingly difficult. Vakulenko noted that 'logistics abroad are also quite expensive, so applicants will have to pay for travel at least twice.' The format of testing overseas may also reduce the capacity to conduct assessments, as international partners may not be willing to provide support for so many days.

The current NMT is based on the External Independent Evaluation (ZNO) programs approved in 2018-2019. Vakulenko stressed that 'all risks were considered not only by us but also by the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine, the Verkhovna Rada Committee on Education, Science, and Innovation, and child protection ombudsmen.' The existing network of centers strikes an optimal balance between safety and accessibility for test-takers.

Graduates have the right to reschedule their exam to an additional session due to air raid alerts, shelling, fatigue, or lack of sleep. Tetiana Vakulenko noted that 'possible targeted changes to the procedure will be considered during preparations for the next academic year.' Graduates have already taken the NMT, but not all are satisfied with their results. Many parents and test-takers hope for a review of scores, despite the lack of an appeals process.

This year's testing format accounted for a vast number of security risks, yet participants complain about the nature of the questions and the high psychological pressure during the exam. Developing, checking, and assembling NMT test tasks remains a labor-intensive process involving hundreds of educators. Among this year's applicants, comments are circulating that the NMT-2026 was significantly harder than in previous years.

The inability to appeal NMT results has sparked concern among graduates and their parents, who hope for objective assessment. A key issue remains ensuring test accessibility for participants, especially in regions lacking exam centers. Given the situation, organizers plan to incorporate participant feedback to improve the process in future years.

As the National Multi-Subject Test (NMT) continues to evolve, understanding the curriculum it is based on is essential for candidates. The upcoming 2025 NMT will utilize the same frameworks established in the 2018-2019 External Independent Evaluation (ZNO) programs. For further insights into how these curricula will shape the testing process, read more about the 2025 NMT exams and their foundation.