Free Practice Questions for HKDSE DAT
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Key Facts: HKDSE DAT Exam
HKDSE Design and Applied Technology is a Category A elective set by the Hong Kong Examinations and Assessment Authority (HKEAA).
Paper 1 Compulsory Part is worth 30% and lasts 2 hours.
Paper 2 Elective Part is worth 30% and lasts 2 hours; candidates register two of five modules.
The five Paper 2 modules are Automation, Creative Digital Media, Design Implementation and Material Processing, Electronics, and Visualisation and CAD Modelling.
School-based Assessment Design Project carries 40% of the subject mark.
The SBA design project is allocated about 25-35 hours and requires a prototype/model plus portfolio.
HKDSE results are reported on Levels 1-5 with 5** and 5* distinctions and Unclassified (U) below Level 1.
The 2026 examination fee for each non-language Category A subject is HK$519 for school candidates.
HKDSE Design and Applied Technology is assessed by Paper 1 (30%, 2 hrs), Paper 2 electives (30%, 2 hrs) and an SBA Design Project (40%), graded on Levels 1-5 with 5** as the top distinction.
Sample HKDSE DAT Practice Questions
Try these sample questions to review concepts for the HKDSE DAT exam. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.
1In the design process, what is the PRIMARY purpose of a design brief?
2Which research method is BEST for collecting large numbers of user opinions on a proposed product feature?
3SMART product design specifications should be Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and what else?
4What does the letter C stand for in the SCAMPER ideation technique?
5Which drawing type shows three principal faces of an object as if viewed from the front-top-side corner, with vertical lines remaining vertical?
6In orthographic projection, what is the main purpose of a sectional view?
7A scale of 1:5 on a drawing means that a length of 20 mm on the drawing represents what actual length?
8Which stage of the design process typically comes AFTER generating and selecting ideas but BEFORE making the final prototype for evaluation?
9Morphological analysis in design ideation is BEST described as:
10Which evaluation approach judges a design against weighted criteria derived from the specification?
About the HKDSE DAT Exam
Design and Applied Technology (DAT) is a Category A elective of the HKDSE, assessed by HKEAA on the Secondary 4-6 Curriculum and Assessment Guide jointly prepared with the Curriculum Development Council. Candidates study a compulsory design-technology core and two elective modules chosen from Automation, Creative Digital Media, Design Implementation and Material Processing, Electronics, and Visualisation and CAD Modelling. The 2026 public assessment comprises Paper 1 (30%, 2 hours), Paper 2 (30%, 2 hours) and a School-based Assessment Design Project (40%) producing a prototype or virtual 3D model plus portfolio. Results are reported on Levels 1-5 with 5** and 5* distinctions. This free English MCQ bank is a study adaptation of design knowledge, systems concepts and decision-making—it does not replace drawing, making, CAD project work or official paper formats.
Exam sponsor: Hong Kong Examinations and Assessment Authority (HKEAA). The requirements and fees below concern the certification or admission exam, separate from our free practice resources.
Assessment
Paper 1 Compulsory Part 30% (2 hours): Section A one major design question (60 marks); Section B answer 2 of 3 optional questions (40 marks). Paper 2 Elective Part 30% (2 hours): choose two modules from Automation, Creative Digital Media, Design Implementation and Material Processing, Electronics, Visualisation and CAD Modelling; answer two questions per registered module. SBA Design Project 40%.
Time Limit
Paper 1: 2 hours; Paper 2: 2 hours; SBA Design Project across S5-S6 (about 25-35 hours)
Passing Score
Reported on a Level 1-5 standards-referenced scale, with 5** and 5* distinctions within Level 5 and Unclassified (U) below Level 1
Exam / Certification Fees
2026 fee per non-language Category A subject: HK$519 (school candidates and private candidates with a Permanent HKIC); HK$1,119 (private candidates without a Permanent HKIC), plus an Initial Fee of HK$595 for private candidates
Exam sponsor websiteFees, eligibility, and exam policies can change. Confirm them with the exam sponsor before applying or paying.
Our practice resources: topics covered
We aim to reflect publicly available exam outlines and topic information in our study resources. Coverage, format, and difficulty may differ from the actual exam, and we cannot guarantee that every detail is accurate or current. Confirm exam requirements, fees, and policies with the official exam sponsor.
Design Process and Communication
Research, brief, specifications, ideation, development, evaluation, graphics and societal impact of design
Materials and Manufacturing
Material selection, processing, prototyping, quality control and sustainable manufacturing choices
Automation and Electronics
Control systems, sensors, actuators, circuits, logic and electronic design concepts
CAD and Digital Media
CAD modelling, visualisation techniques and creative digital media for design communication
Systems and Project Decisions
Technological systems, marketing, resources, testing and project management judgments
Preparing for the HKDSE DAT Exam
What You Need to Know
- Passing score: Reported on a Level 1-5 standards-referenced scale, with 5** and 5* distinctions within Level 5 and Unclassified (U) below Level 1
- Assessment: Paper 1 Compulsory Part 30% (2 hours): Section A one major design question (60 marks); Section B answer 2 of 3 optional questions (40 marks). Paper 2 Elective Part 30% (2 hours): choose two modules from Automation, Creative Digital Media, Design Implementation and Material Processing, Electronics, Visualisation and CAD Modelling; answer two questions per registered module. SBA Design Project 40%.
- Time limit: Paper 1: 2 hours; Paper 2: 2 hours; SBA Design Project across S5-S6 (about 25-35 hours)
- Exam / certification fees: 2026 fee per non-language Category A subject: HK$519 (school candidates and private candidates with a Permanent HKIC); HK$1,119 (private candidates without a Permanent HKIC), plus an Initial Fee of HK$595 for private candidates Official sources
Using Our Practice Resources
- Work through all 100 available questions
- Review every answer and explanation
- Track weak areas and revisit them
- Use our AI tutor for tough concepts
HKDSE DAT: Suggested Study Strategy
Frequently Asked Questions
What is HKDSE Design and Applied Technology?
It is a Category A elective focusing on design thinking, applied technology systems and a major design project, set by the HKEAA for the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education.
How is HKDSE DAT assessed in 2026?
Paper 1 Compulsory Part (30%, 2 hours), Paper 2 Elective Part with two modules (30%, 2 hours), and a School-based Assessment Design Project (40%).
Which elective modules can I choose?
Any two of: Automation; Creative Digital Media; Design Implementation and Material Processing; Electronics; Visualisation and CAD Modelling.
What does the DAT SBA require?
A design project of roughly 25-35 hours producing a working physical model/prototype or a virtual 3D model plus working partial physical model, together with an A4 or A3 portfolio covering opportunity identification through testing and evaluation.
How much does the exam cost in 2026?
HK$519 per non-language Category A subject for school candidates and for private candidates with a Permanent HKIC; private candidates without a Permanent HKIC pay HK$1,119 plus an Initial Fee of HK$595.
Do these MCQs replace the project and drawing papers?
No. They only drill theory and decision-making. You still need portfolio work, prototyping and practice with official design/structured questions.