Two series of zeolite-based hydrocracking catalysts were prepared to study the effects of the support type, preparation method and metal loading on catalyst properties and hydrocracking activity for hydrotreated vacuum gas oil (HT-VGO). The support used was gamma -Al2O3 and beta -zeolite in the first series and gamma -Al2O3 and USY-zeolite in the second series. Nickel and tungsten were loaded as active metals on these supports. The prepared catalysts were characterized as to their surface area, pore volume, thermal stability, reducibility and acidity characteristics. The characterization results revealed that catalysts displayed significant differences in properties dependent on the preparation method and the type of support used. Catalysts from both series showed promising results for HT-VGO hydrocracking in the batch reactor. A correlation exists between the reducibility of oxidic form and the hydrogenation activity of the sulfided form of the catalysts. The higher the reducibility, the higher the hydrogenation activity. Catalysts prepared on mixed supports gave higher amounts of saturates.