How the National Multi-Subject Test Is Developed
Tetiana Vakulenko, director of the Ukrainian Center for Educational Quality Assessment, has outlined the process behind creating the National Multi-Subject Test (NMT). The exams are built using the approved curricula from the 2018–2019 External Independent Evaluation (ZNO), with items authored by subject teachers, university instructors, and researchers specializing in each field.
The NMT is a four-hour exam taken in a single day. Students answer questions on four subjects: three mandatory ones (mathematics, Ukrainian language, and history of Ukraine) plus one elective. Vakulenko noted that
“the 2018–2019 curricula for the external independent evaluation were approved, and we now develop test sets according to those programs.”
Step-by-Step Test Creation Process
Developing test items involves multiple stages. First, task sets are compiled, then sent for review. Each item is assessed by two independent reviewers and undergoes real-world piloting before being added to the final banks.
“The authors are experts—subject teachers either in schools or higher education institutions, as well as researchers in these subjects,”Vakulenko explained.
Each year, up to 20 different task sets are created per subject. Within each set, up to 20% of the items come from previously administered tests.
“We do not use entire sets from past years’ versions, but we incorporate up to 20% of test items from previous exams into each new set,”
the UCEQA director added.This development system ensures a careful approach to producing high-quality, relevant questions that help assess students’ knowledge and readiness for higher education admissions.
The creation of the National Multi-Subject Test represents a critical step in Ukraine’s education system, as results directly affect students’ opportunities to enter universities. Drawing on past test items in new sets maintains stability and predictability in the assessment process, which can benefit student preparation. Involving qualified specialists in test design further supports the goal of accurate knowledge evaluation.
As the National Multi-Subject Test evolves, understanding the financial implications for students is equally important. Recent reports have unveiled the cost per participant for the upcoming 2026 exam, shedding light on how these assessments will impact families and educational planning in Ukraine.