A potential transition to a two-day model for the National Multi-Subject Test (NMT) in 2027 and the introduction of a retake option could significantly complicate test organization for Ukrainian applicants located abroad. This was stated by Tetiana Vakulenko, Director of the Ukrainian Center for Educational Quality Assessment (UCEQA), in a commentary to Ukrinform, where she detailed the logistical and organizational challenges.
Logistical Difficulties and Classroom Shortages
The core issue is that testing venues outside Ukraine are provided by local partner schools and universities that are running their own educational processes. If the NMT is extended to two days or a retake option is introduced, it will inevitably increase the number of assessment sessions. Educational institutions will have to allocate their computer labs to Ukrainian applicants for longer periods, which in many cases will require testing to be conducted in two shifts.
Time Costs and Partner Institution Constraints
The UCEQA Director emphasized that two separate two-hour tests do not mean a room will be occupied for just four hours. The testing procedure requires strict protocols: admitting participants, checking documents, conducting administrative procedures and briefings beforehand, and ensuring an orderly exit before the next group enters. Under the current single-day model, the agency managed to negotiate flexible schedules where Ukrainian students took the test in the morning, and the room was immediately returned to the local institution.
Impact on Testing Capacity Abroad
Changing the format will also make the process critically dependent on the academic calendar in different countries. For instance, in early May, European schools may still be in session, while in late August or September, a new academic year starts in many countries. Such timeframes could reduce available testing slots. Notably, in 2026, 18,544 participants registered abroad, and 17,726 actually took the test, whereas the overall base allowed for more than 35,000 spots.
Controversial Data
On one hand, specialized agencies and experts point to the clear benefits of a two-day model and the right to retake exams to reduce student stress and ensure objective evaluation. On the other hand, UCEQA management openly warns of the risks of shrinking testing infrastructure abroad, increasing organizational burdens on partner institutions, and additional risk factors related to limited bomb shelters and air raid alerts in certain regions.
Prospects for the 2027 NMT Format
A final decision regarding the 2027 NMT format has not yet been approved, but relevant agencies are actively discussing the updates. At the same time, the number of subjects and the core content of the assessment will remain unchanged. Nevertheless, logistical constraints abroad may force thousands of Ukrainian applicants to seek alternative admission routes or return to Ukraine to take the exams.
