The HOBET stands for Health Occupations Basic Entrance Test. The HOBET is administered to see that those entering health occupations programs carry the necessary academic skills required to handle the work load for the given programs. All of us have, at one point or another, learned these skills; however, many of us, especially those who are returning to school after years in the work force, have long lost the academic skills necessary to do well on this test. Whether it is an online program that is requiring this test, or a certificate program like the one I am currently enrolled, the exam is used heavily in the application process.

A variety of programs use the HOBET as a weeder of sorts for the acceptance process. You have to remember that these schools operate as businesses as well as places of higher learning. If they were to admit a student who was not prepared to handle the academic rigors of the program, the school would likely lose the student as a drop-out, and in turn, empty a seat for that particular year's class. It doesn't help anyone involved for a program to accept applicants who are not up to the task. So see the test as less a hindrance and more a way of preparing yourself for the academic rigors ahead. Health occupations programs are generally demanding, and the HOBET is simply a way for both parties to deem a potential candidate's readiness.

As for the particulars of the HOBET, it is not an IQ test. Nor is it going to test specific knowledge regarding the sciences. The HOBET tests math skills, reading ability/ comprehension, critical thinking skills, grammar skills, test taking skills, learning styles, your ability to handle stress, and your ability to get along with others. The test takes nearly three hours to complete. As you can see, these are all highly relevant skills given the occupational direction you are heading. I know that I left a career in sales, where my greatest asset was my ability to communicate with clients. Health occupations are generally far more demanding, and require pretty much all of the skills the test covers. Different programs have different requirements, but generally a good score is defined by how well you do in comparison to the rest of those who have taken the test. A 69th percentile in the Essential Math Skills section would mean that you did better than 68 percent of the people who have taken the test. If you scored in the 39th percentile you may be seen as an academic risk to the program. Counselors at the school of your choice will generally have information regarding the scores they would like to see from their applicants.

The HOBET is a multiple choice exam. If you are required to take the HOBET, your school will give offer you up-to-date information regarding fees, test dates, and locations. You'll want to be well-prepared come test day. Although you are allowed to take it multiple times, there is a waiting period between tests, and this can often mean putting off an application until the following year.

On the 'Test Explained' page of this site I go on to explain each of the sections of the test. When I took the test I didn't have the option of not doing well. I had been laid off and needed to get into school. I ended up purchasing a few of the test prep courses, and you'll see my picks for the best prep guides in the 'What To Study' section.

Oh, and one more thing to add, calculators CAN NOT be used on this test. So for all of you who've been allowed to use calculators throughout your high school and collegiate careers, time to sharpen those pencils, as well as those math skills!