Results of the Personal Aptitude Test
According to data provided by the Department of Research and Universities, more than half of aspiring teachers have not passed the Personal Aptitude Test (PAP) to access a degree in Early Childhood or Primary Education. This exam is mandatory for students who want to enter a public university and assesses their skills in communication and critical reasoning, as well as in the logical-mathematical field.
This year, a total of 2,707 students passed the tests, representing 56.94% of the candidates. This percentage is slightly higher than last year, when 54.07% of applicants were considered suitable. It should be noted that 5,117 people registered for this test, but in the end only 4,754 students took it.
Results vary according to candidates’ previous studies. Students who come from high school have a pass rate of 60.24%, while of the 4,200 students who have attended higher education courses, only 30.30% have passed the test. In addition, it has been observed that 64% of the men presented have been considered suitable, while only 55% of the women have passed.
Content of the Personal Aptitude Test
The Personal Aptitude Test assesses two essential skills for future teachers. The first is communicative competence and critical reasoning, which consists of the analysis, interpretation and critical understanding of written documents on topics of general interest, as well as the expression of written arguments and reflection on the structure of the written language. The second competence is logical-mathematical, which involves the use of mathematical knowledge and skills to solve exercises and problems.
Who must take the Personal Aptitude Test?
The Personal Aptitude Test is mandatory for students who have completed high school or who are in the second year of high school, as well as for students with a higher education cycle. It must also be done by students from a foreign education system who meet the university entrance requirements, as well as students who enter the university with the tests for over 25 and 45 years old, and for to older than 40 years. However, there are some students who are exempt from taking this test, such as those who have already passed it in previous years or university graduates.
