Navigating the UCAT Exam: Your Essential Guide to Booking and Important Dates 2024

Are you aspiring to pursue a career in medicine or dentistry in the UK? If so, you've likely encountered the UK Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT), formerly known as the UKCAT. This standardised test plays a crucial role in the admissions process for many medical and dental schools across the UK. With the end of the BMAT exam, it is anticipated that every applicant to medical and dental school, at least as an undergraduate, will be sitting the UCAT exam. Universities are also considering extending the requirement to sit the UCAT exam to other degree programmes allied to medicine, such as physician associate studies.

Booking the UCAT exam can feel daunting, especially when you're also managing your studies and other commitments. However, you can navigate this process smoothly and efficiently with proper guidance and an understanding of the important dates. The process is similar in many ways to booking the driving theory test in the UK.

Understanding the UCAT Exam

Before diving into the booking process, let's briefly understand what the UCAT exam entails. The UCAT assesses a candidate's cognitive abilities, including problem-solving, critical thinking, and non-verbal reasoning skills. It consists of five subtests:

• Verbal Reasoning

  This assessment assesses your ability to critically evaluate information presented in written form. It requires you to analyse passages and draw conclusions from the provided text.

• Decision Making

  This section tests your ability to make sound decisions and inferences from complex information. It assesses your logical reasoning skills and ability to evaluate multiple options under time constraints.

• Quantitative Reasoning

  Evaluate your numerical problem-solving skills. You'll encounter questions that require you to interpret data, perform calculations, and apply mathematical concepts to solve problems efficiently.

• Abstract Reasoning

  This section measures your ability to identify patterns and relationships in unfamiliar shapes and figures. It assesses your capacity for lateral thinking and aptitude for recognising underlying patterns in abstract data.

• Situational Judgment Test (SJT)

  This test assesses your responses to various professional scenarios, evaluating your judgment and decision-making skills. You'll encounter hypothetical situations and be asked to choose the most appropriate course of action based on ethical considerations and professional standards.

Am I eligible to sit the UCAT exam?

You must sit the UCAT in 2024 if you are applying for entry in 2025 (or deferred entry in 2026) to a relevant course at a UCAT Consortium University. Note this list has now increased, including former BMAT universities and medical schools that did not require the UCAT in the past.

⚠️ Note that if you are applying for postgraduate entry or have taken significant time out between sitting your A-levels, some medical schools may require you to sit alternative assessments, such as the GAMSAT. If you are in this category, you should check directly with the medical school.

• University of Aberdeen

• Anglia Ruskin University

• Aston University

• Bangor University

• University of Birmingham

• Brighton and Sussex Medical School

• University of Bristol

• Brunel University London

• University of Cambridge

• Cardiff University

• University of Central Lancashire

• University of Chester

• University of Dundee

• University of East Anglia

• Edge Hill University

• University of Edinburgh

• University of Exeter

• University of Glasgow

• Hull York Medical School

• Imperial College London

• Keele University

• Kent and Medway Medical School

• King's College London

• Lancaster University

• University of Leeds

• University of Leicester

• University of Liverpool

• University of Manchester

• University of Newcastle

• University of Nottingham

• University of Oxford

• Plymouth University

• Queen Mary University of London

• Queen's University Belfast

• University of Sheffield

• University of Southampton

• University of St Andrews

• St George's, University of London

• University of Sunderland

• University of Surrey

• Swansea University

• University College London

• University of Warwick

• University of Worcester

  
  
  

• ⚠️ There are no general exemptions from the test, which means everyone who wants to apply to a university that requests the UCAT exam will have to sit it.

• Universities expect applicants to take the test, which could mean travelling to another country for some EU and international candidates. The UCAT is delivered in Pearson VUE test centres across the UK and 130+ countries worldwide.

• Pearson VUE has an online Test Centre Locator, which you can use to find your local test centre. Each test centre will have limited capacity, so it is important to book your place as soon as the option to do so becomes available.

• 💻 It is possible for some candidates to apply to sit the exam online at home using a computer. This is called the OnVUE online proctored test. However, it is unlikely an option for students applying from the UK unless you have a disability or medical condition where your needs cannot be met in a test centre, for example, if you need testing in a separate room. If you have such a disability, you must make an Access Arrangement Application, and the deadline is 23:59 BST on 15 September 2024.

• 👉🏼 You can only sit the test once in any academic year. The result is usually only valid for applications made the same year, meaning the universities will likely require you to resist the UCAT exam if you apply again in the following years.

Booking Your UCAT Exam: Important Dates to Remember

Booking your UCAT exam involves several key dates that you need to keep track of to ensure a smooth registration process. The UCAT consortium is very strict about these, often including a deadline down to the nearest minute. Previously, you could pay a penalty charge if you were late, but the UCAT consortium now indicates no exceptions.

Here's a breakdown of the important dates:

Registration Opens: Typically, registration for the UCAT exam opens in early May. Check the official UCAT website or relevant communication channels for the opening date. Registering as soon as possible is advisable to secure your preferred exam date and location.

At the time of writing this blog, the UCAT consortium lists the following deadlines:

• 14 May 2024 (09:30 BST) - UCAT Account creation opens, Bursary and Access Arrangement applications open

• 18 June 2024 (06:00 BST) - Booking opens

• 15 September 2024 (23:59 BST) - Access Arrangement application deadline

• 19 September 2024 (12 noon BST) - Booking deadline, UCAT Account creation closes

Booking Window: You'll have several weeks to book your exam slot once booking opens. Booking early to secure your preferred date and testing centre is crucial, as slots can fill up quickly, especially in popular locations. Be sure to consider your personal schedule and choose a date that allows ample preparation time.

Testing Period: The UCAT testing period usually runs from early July to early October. Within this timeframe, you can choose a date and time for your exam that best suits your schedule. However, remember that popular dates may fill up quickly, so booking early is advisable to avoid disappointment.

Deadline for Booking: While the booking window typically remains open for several weeks, you must note the deadline for booking your exam. Missing this deadline could mean waiting until the following testing cycle, potentially delaying your application process. Make sure to mark this date on your calendar and plan accordingly.

At the time of writing this blog, the UCAT consortium lists the following deadlines:

8 July 2024 - Testing starts

26 September 2024 - Last test day

What is the UCAT Exam Fitness to Test Policy?

The UCAT consortium has a policy that by turning up and sitting the test, you are declaring yourself medically fit. If you are unwell, you will need to reschedule. The UCAT consortium now has a specific fitness test policy, which you should check out. You may have to pay a fee to reschedule or the full testing fee again.

How do I receive my UCAT Exam Test Results?

You will receive a copy of your UCAT score report before you leave the Pearson VUE test centre. Your score report will also be accessible through your UCAT account within 24 hours. These results are crucial for completing your medical or dental school applications, so watch for them. Once you receive your results, you can assess your performance and determine your next steps in the admissions process. We write guidelines on where to apply strategically based on your UCAT score before the UCAS deadline.

Tips for Booking Your UCAT Exam

Now that you're familiar with the important dates, here are some tips to help you navigate the booking process effectively:

• Plan Ahead: Mark the opening date for registration on your calendar and aim to book your exam slot as early as possible to secure your preferred date and location. Early planning allows you to avoid last-minute stress and ensures that you have ample time to prepare for the exam.

• Consider Your Schedule: Choose an exam date and time that aligns with your study schedule and personal commitments. Avoid booking your exam during high stress or when you have other significant obligations. Selecting a date that allows you to focus fully on the exam is essential to giving yourself the best possible chance of success.

• Research Testing Centers: If you can choose your testing centre, research your options to find one that is convenient and comfortable for you. Consider factors such as proximity to your location, transportation options, and availability of amenities. A comfortable testing environment can help reduce stress and improve your performance on exam day.

• Stay Informed: Keep yourself updated on any changes or announcements regarding the UCAT exam, such as updates to the testing format or procedures. The official UCAT website and communication channels are reliable sources of information. Staying informed ensures you know of any important developments affecting your exam experience.

• Prepare Thoroughly: While booking your exam is important, don't forget to dedicate sufficient time to prepare for the test. Utilise resources such as practice questions, mock exams, and study guides to maximise your chances of success. Set aside regular study sessions in the weeks leading up to your exam date and focus on strengthening your skills in each UCAT subtest.

Conclusion

Booking the UCAT exam is a critical milestone on your journey to pursuing a career in medicine or dentistry in the UK. By understanding the important dates and following the tips outlined in this guide, you can confidently approach the booking process and set yourself up for success in the exam. Remember to plan ahead, stay organised, and prioritise your preparation to achieve your goals. Good luck!