UCAT Basics
It can be difficult to find easy to understand information about the UCAT. The aim of this website is to provide guidance about the UCAT plus links to useful resources.
What is the UCAT?
The University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) is an admissions test used by certain UK and International Universities to help select applicants for their medical and dental degree programmes. It is separate to schools and universities, and is administered by Pearson VUE on behalf of the UCAT Consortium of universities (a group of universities that collaborate on the selection of health science students). As it is a separate requirement, it is the responsibility of the candidate to prepare for and book the exam.
The UCAT is a difficult test, requiring extreme concentration, quick thinking and solid test taking skills.
Unlike academic exams, where all students answer the same questions in the same exam usually on the same day, each year several forms of the UCAT are created, and can be sat at any time within a period of about 12 weeks (from mid July to late September). These forms have a number of different questions which are presented in a different order within each section and each candidate sits a randomly selected UCAT form. This doesn’t mean some forms are easier than others! The test forms are balanced to ensure that the scaled scores are equivalent for all.
What is the format of the UCAT?
UCAT is a computer-based test. The standard test is 2 hours long and cannot be paused once started.
There are five sections with each section preceded by a one minute instruction section. Each section is separately timed and is in a multiple-choice format.
| UCAT Subtests | Questions | Subtest Duration | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Verbal Reasoning | 44 | 21 minutes | 300 – 900 |
| Decision Making | 29 | 31 minutes | 300 – 900 |
| Quantitative Reasoning | 36 | 25 minutes | 300 – 900 |
| Abstract Reasoning | 50 | 12 minutes | 300 – 900 |
| Situational Judgement | 69 | 26 minutes | Bands 1 – 4 |
The five sections are:
- Verbal Reasoning – assesses a candidate’s ability to critically evaluate information presented in a written form and to draw logical conclusions.
- Decision Making – assesses a candidate’s ability to problem solve and to evaluate arguments.
- Quantitative Reasoning – assesses a candidate’s ability to use numerical reasoning to draw valid conclusions.
- Abstract Reasoning – assesses a candidate’s ability to identify patterns and relationships using non-verbal images.
- Situational Judgement – assesses a candidate’s ability to identify critical factors and appropriate behaviour when dealing with real life situations.
The first four subtests are known as ‘cognitive subtests’ and Situational Judgement is classed as a ‘non-cognitive’ subtest.
Is UCAT a difficult test?
While UCAT questions may not seem difficult at first glance, the time pressure makes UCAT a difficult test. In fact, 1 in 5 students run out of time to finish the exam! It is therefore important to prepare for UCAT in order to achieve a high score.