The Vietnamese National High School Graduation Examination, commonly known as the THPT National Exam (Kỳ thi Tốt nghiệp Trung học Phổ thông), is a standardized assessment administered annually by Vietnam’s Ministry of Education and Training (MOET). This exam serves as the primary gatekeeper for high school graduation and university admissions, affecting millions of students across the country each year.

History and Purpose

The THPT National Exam was introduced in its current form in 2015, merging previous separate high school graduation and university entrance exams. The exam’s dual objectives are to certify high school graduation and serve as a standardized metric for university admissions. Prior reforms have sought to streamline the process, reduce academic pressure, and minimize cheating or exam-related fraud.

Structure and Subjects

The exam typically covers key academic subjects, including Mathematics, Literature, Foreign Languages (often English), and elective combinations of Natural Sciences (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) or Social Sciences (History, Geography, Civic Education). Over several days, students sit for a series of both multiple-choice and written-response tests, depending on the subject.

Significance in Vietnamese Society

The THPT National Exam is regarded as one of the most significant academic milestones for Vietnamese students. A student’s performance can determine access to higher education institutions, scholarships, and sometimes employment opportunities. Given its high stakes, exam results are closely followed by students, parents, educators, and the broader public. The test’s perceived difficulty, fairness, and relevance to educational goals are frequent subjects of national debate.

Educational and Social Implications

The pressure placed on students to perform well on the THPT National Exam has led to widespread use of supplementary tutoring (học thêm), intensive study schedules, and concerns regarding student wellbeing. Parents often experience high levels of anxiety about their children's prospects. The structure and level of difficulty of the annual exam are central to discussions on education reform, equity, and the balance between rote learning and critical thinking skills.

Challenges and Criticism

Criticism of the exam system often focuses on issues such as unpredictably difficult exam questions, which can catch students unprepared, or disparities in educational resources between urban and rural regions. These debates inform ongoing efforts to revise the content, administration, and assessment standards of the THPT National Exam.

This article was inspired by the headline: 'Đề thi THPT quá khó: Thí sinh "trở tay không kịp", phụ huynh lo lắng - Báo Người Lao Động'.