What is the structure of the Thinking Skills Assessment (TSA) examination in 2025 in Vietnam?

What is the structure of the Thinking Skills Assessment (TSA) examination in 2025 in Vietnam?

Hanoi University of Science and Technology (HUST) announces the plan to organize the Thinking Skills Assessment (TSA) in 2025 and launches the " Guidelines for Thinking Skills Assessment". Previously, HUST issued Decision 10461/QD-DHBK in 2024 (Download) regulating the examination rules for TSA.

With the distinctive nature of the TSA exam at Hanoi University of Science and Technology, this exam has eliminated subject combinations to align with the new high school education program.

Thus, it is projected that in 2025, the TSA exam will remain primarily stable with only the exam content changing to align with the curriculum of the new general education program as the number of subjects for each candidate differs. The structure of the TSA exam in 2025 at Hanoi University of Science and Technology is as follows:

- The exam consists of three sections: mathematical thinking (60 minutes), reading comprehension (30 minutes), and scientific/problem-solving thinking (60 minutes).

These are three independent sections, and exam questions will focus on assessing candidates' thinking skills in each section rather than testing knowledge of any particular subject.

- The exam is designed with 3 levels of thinking assessment

- The content of the thinking assessment exam closely follows the knowledge of the new 2018 general education curriculum. For early exam sessions, the content will not be limited. Particularly for the Scientific Thinking section, the focus on subject combinations will gradually diminish.

- However, the content of the Thinking Skills Assessment will undergo adjustments to fit the new general education program. Specifically:

+ The Mathematical Thinking section will omit knowledge areas not covered in the new general education program.

+ Changes in the Reading Comprehension and Problem-Solving Thinking sections will cater to students studying one subject but not the other, though foundational knowledge of Physics, Chemistry, Biology, etc., that students have learned remains necessary.

What is the structure of the Thinking Skills Assessment (TSA) examination in 2025 in Vietnam?​ (Image from the Internet)

What is the schedule for the TSA examination of Hanoi University of Science and Technology?​

According to the regulations for the Thinking Skills Assessment (TSA) examination in 2025 of Hanoi University of Science and Technology (Download)

The schedule for the TSA exam in 2025 and the examination format at Hanoi University of Science and Technology is as follows:

- TSA exam in 2025 includes 03 exam sessions:

+ Session 1: Exam dates January 18, 2025 and January 19, 2025.

Registration opens for Session 1: December 1 - 6, 2024.

+ Session 2: Exam dates March 8, 2025 and March 9, 2025.

Registration opens for Session 2: February 1 - 6, 2025.

+ Session 3: Exam dates April 26, 2025 and April 27, 2025.

Registration opens for Session 3: April 1 - 6, 2025.

-  Format of TSA exam in 2025: Online on computers at test centers.

TSA registration system at: https://tsa.hust.edu.vn

Are universities in Vietnam allowed to organize their own admissions exams?

According to Article 60 of the Education Law 2019:

Duties and powers of the school

1. The school has the following duties and powers:

a) Publicly announce the educational objectives, programs, and plans, ensure conditions for quality assurance, publish the results of evaluation and quality accreditation, and the qualification system of the school;

b) Organize admissions, education, training, scientific research, transfer of training and research results appropriate to functions, duties, and powers; validate or award qualifications and certificates within its authority;

c) Proactively propose needs, participate in recruitment of educators and staff in public schools; manage, use personnel; manage learners;

d) Mobilize, manage, and use resources in accordance with law; construct facilities following standardization and modernization requirements;

dd) Collaborate with families, organizations, and individuals in educational activities; organize educators, staff, and learners to participate in social activities and community service.

2. The performance of duties, organization, human resources, and finance of public schools is regulated as follows:

a) Preschool and general education institutions implement democratic regulations in schools; are accountable to society, learners, and management agencies; ensure the participation of learners, families, and society in school management. Management in public preschool and general education institutions is governed by the Government of Vietnam;

b) Vocational education institutions, higher education institutions exercise autonomy and are accountable as stipulated by the Vocational Education Law, Higher Education Law, and related legal provisions.

3. Semi-public and private schools exercise autonomy and are accountable for planning and developing the school, organizing educational activities, building and developing teaching staff, mobilizing, using, and managing resources to achieve educational objectives.

Additionally, according to clause 2 Article 34 of the Higher Education Law 2012:

Enrollment targets and organization

...

2. Organizing admissions:

a) Admission methods include: entrance exams, admission consideration, or a combination of both;

b) Higher education institutions have the autonomy to decide admission methods and are accountable for admissions work.

...

Thus, from the above provisions, universities have the right to autonomy in admission procedures.

Therefore, universities are entirely permitted to organize their own separate exams, but must have mechanisms in place and inform candidates.