The UCAT Exam: Guide for Aspiring Medical and Dental Students

Welcome! If you’re a sixth-form student aiming for medical or dental school in the UK, you’ve probably heard of the UCAT – an important hurdle on your path to becoming a doctor or dentist. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the UCAT (formerly known as the UKCAT). We’ll cover what the UCAT is, why it’s required, how it’s different from other exams, what it tests, the format (number of questions, timing, etc.), which universities require it, and all the practical details like test dates, booking, costs, preparation tips, and more. By the end, you should feel confident about tackling the UCAT on your journey to medical or dental school. Let’s dive in!

What is the UCAT?

UCAT stands for University Clinical Aptitude Test. It is a computer-based admissions exam used by most medical and dental schools in the UK (and some abroad) to help select students for their courses. The UCAT doesn’t test academic science knowledge; instead, it assesses your aptitudes and attributes – things like critical thinking, problem-solving, logical reasoning, and judgement in realistic scenarios – which are considered important for success in clinical training. In other words, your A-levels (or equivalent) demonstrate your academic achievement, while the UCAT is meant to gauge your potential as a future healthcare professional beyond your grades.

Launched in 2006 in the UK as the UKCAT (UK Clinical Aptitude Test), it was renamed to UCAT in 2019 when it expanded to include universities in Australia and New Zealand. The exam is administered by the UCAT Consortium through Pearson VUE testing centres on behalf of a consortium of universities. It is a two-hour, multiple-choice test taken on a computer at an official test centre (or in some cases via online proctoring). You answer a series of questions across different sections designed to evaluate cognitive abilities and attitudes relevant to medicine and dentistry.

In summary, the UCAT is an admissions test required by most UK medical and dental schools. It’s a key part of your application, alongside your grades, personal statement, and interviews. Don’t worry – we’ll explain exactly what it entails and how you can prepare to do your best!

UCAT, UKCAT, and UCAT ANZ – What’s the Difference?

You might come across different names, such as UCAT, UKCAT, or UCAT ANZ. Here’s what they mean:

• UKCAT: This was the old name (UK Clinical Aptitude Test) used in the UK up until 2018. If you see “UKCAT” in older materials, it’s the same exam now called UCAT. The name changed when the test began to be used internationally.

• UCAT (UK): This refers to the University Clinical Aptitude Test as used in the UK and other partner universities (such as some in Europe or Asia). It’s the current name for the exam formerly known as UKCAT.

• UCAT ANZ: This is the UCAT for Australia and New Zealand. It is effectively identical in content and format to the UK’s UCAT. The difference is mainly administrative – the UCAT ANZ is taken by students applying to medical/dental schools in Australia or New Zealand, usually on an earlier timeline (testing in July–early August for ANZ). Australian and NZ universities only accept the UCAT ANZ results for their admissions, and UK universities accept the UK UCAT. You cannot take both UCAT UK and UCAT ANZ in the same year – taking the exam more than once a year (in either region) is against the rules.

In short, UCAT and UCAT ANZ are the same test delivered in different regions. The content and question types are the same. The term UKCAT is just the old name for UCAT, so don’t get confused – UCAT = UKCAT. If you’re applying to UK universities, you will sit the UCAT in the UK (or an approved test centre in your country, more on that later). If you were also applying overseas (e.g. Australia), you’d likely need to do the UCAT ANZ instead, as scores aren’t interchangeable in a single year.

How is the UCAT Different from the GAMSAT?

Aside from the UCAT, you might have heard of another exam called the GAMSAT (Graduate Medical School Admissions Test). The GAMSAT is quite different from the UCAT – here’s how:

• Target Applicants: The UCAT is primarily for school-leavers applying to undergraduate medical or dental programmes. The GAMSAT is used for graduate-entry medicine/dentistry courses (for students who already have a university degree or are in their final year of university). In the UK, several graduate-entry medical programs require GAMSAT rather than UCAT.

• Content and Skills Tested: UCAT is an aptitude test – it does not require specific scientific knowledge. Questions are based on reasoning, understanding information, and attitudes/professionalism (situational judgement). GAMSAT, on the other hand, is a much longer exam that does expect some knowledge: it has sections on humanities reasoning, written communication (you have to write essays), and biological & physical sciences reasoning. GAMSAT takers are expected to have roughly A-level (or first-year undergrad) knowledge in biology and chemistry, and some knowledge of physics. UCAT requires no advanced academic knowledge beyond basic maths and English comprehension.

• Exam Length and Format: The UCAT is under 2 hours long and consists of about 164–184 multiple-choice questions (more on the exact structure shortly) done on a computer in one sitting. The GAMSAT is a marathon exam – around 5 hours 15 minutes of testing time in multiple sections (reasoning in humanities, two essay tasks, and reasoning in sciences). GAMSAT has multiple-choice questions and written essays, whereas UCAT is entirely multiple-choice, with no essays.

• When You Take It: UCAT is offered once per year (July–September) for entry into the next year’s courses. GAMSAT is offered twice a year (usually March and September) for graduate-entry applicants. Undergraduate applicants usually wouldn’t take GAMSAT at all; it’s specifically for those applying to graduate-entry medicine or dentistry.

• Scoring: UCAT gives you section scores (300–900 per section) and a total (out of 2700, plus a band for situational judgement). GAMSAT scores are on a different scale (usually 0–100 for each section, combined into an overall score) and the results are valid for 2 years, whereas UCAT scores are valid for only the year you take it (one cycle). This means if you take GAMSAT and don’t get in, you could reuse that score for one more application year, but with UCAT, you must retake it if you reapply in a later year.

To summarise, UCAT is best for school-leaver entry – it’s shorter, requires no science content, and focuses on cognitive skills and judgement. GAMSAT is for graduate entry, is much longer, and tests academic knowledge, essay writing, and reasoning. Most sixth-form students will only need to worry about the UCAT. (If you later consider graduate medicine, you might encounter GAMSAT, but that’s another story!) In this guide, we’ll focus on the UCAT.

Why Do You Need to Take the UCAT?

You might wonder why universities require the UCAT. The short answer is that with thousands of straight-A applicants, universities want an additional way to differentiate candidates and ensure you have the right aptitudes for a career in healthcare. Academic results alone don’t paint the full picture.

The UCAT is a compulsory entry requirement for almost all UK medical and dental degree programmes (more on exactly which universities in a moment). If you do not take the UCAT, you generally cannot be considered for those courses at all – it’s as simple as that. So one reason to take it is that you have to! 😅 It’s a checkbox you must tick for your application to be valid at UCAT-participating universities.

Beyond being a requirement, the UCAT is designed to test qualities that doctors and dentists need in training and practice. According to the test designers, it assesses “a range of mental abilities identified by medical and dental schools as important” – including problem-solving, understanding information, logical reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and situational judgement (ethics and decision-making in real-life scenarios). These are skills and attitudes crucial for clinical professionals. Universities use UCAT scores as one factor in selecting who gets invited to interview and sometimes who gets offers.

Every university uses the UCAT slightly differently in admissions:

• Some rank applicants by UCAT score and use it as a major cutoff for interviews (especially those with many applicants). In such cases, a high UCAT score is very important for getting an interview.

• Other universities use it more holistically – for example, they might set a minimum threshold or use the score as one component alongside academic qualifications in deciding who to interview. Some only use it in “borderline” cases or to distinguish between candidates with similar academic profiles.

• A few might focus on particular sub-sections (for instance, a university could require that you haven’t scored in the lowest band of the Situational Judgement Test, or they might weight one section more heavily). But **most commonly, schools look at your total UCAT score out of 2700 (the sum of the cognitive subtests), and sometimes your SJT band separately.

Regardless of the method, performing well on the UCAT can significantly strengthen your application. It’s not the only factor – your grades, personal statement, references, and interview performance all matter too – but it can be a big factor, especially for initial shortlisting. For example, some highly competitive medical schools set interview thresholds: only those with a UCAT score above a certain threshold receive an interview invite.

In summary: You take the UCAT because it’s required by the universities you’re applying to, and it helps them assess essential skills and attributes beyond your grades. It’s essentially a common test to level the playing field, since everyone takes the same exam under the same conditions. A good UCAT score can boost your chances of getting into your chosen medical/dental school, while a low score might limit some of your choices (though there are strategies to apply smartly based on your UCAT result). Don’t be intimidated – think of the UCAT as an opportunity to shine in ways that aren’t captured by academic exams. With preparation, you can improve your performance on these types of questions and demonstrate your potential as a future healthcare professional.

What Does the UCAT Test? (Exam Content and Subtests)

The UCAT is not a test of academic knowledge (no biology or chemistry facts required!). Instead, it’s a test of cognitive abilities and professional mindset through a series of subtests. As of 2025, the UCAT consists of four separately timed subtests, each containing multiple-choice questions and each targeting a different skill area:

1. Verbal Reasoning (VR): Tests your ability to read and critically evaluate written information. You’ll get passages of text and need to answer questions that assess your comprehension and logical reasoning. For example, you might decide whether certain statements are true/false/cannot tell given the passage, or answer questions by finding info in the text. This section checks how well you can understand and draw conclusions from written material – a key skill for studying lots of information and communicating with patients. (Doctors and dentists must quickly digest written information like research or patient notes and communicate clearly.)

2. Decision Making (DM): Assesses your ability to apply logic and reasoning to reach decisions or conclusions, and to evaluate arguments. Questions might include logical puzzles, syllogisms (logical statements), interpreting data in charts/graphs, analysing probabilities, and so on. You often have to pick the most logical answer or answer yes/no to a set of statements given some information. This section measures problem-solving and decision-making skills under uncertainty, reflecting the kind of reasoning doctors use when diagnosing or selecting treatments.

3. Quantitative Reasoning (QR): Tests your ability to use numerical skills to solve problems. You’ll get data presented in tables, charts, or graphs, and you'll need to perform calculations or interpret the data to answer questions. The math required is GCSE-level (percentages, ratios, basic arithmetic – no advanced calculus or anything), but the challenge is doing it quickly and accurately under time pressure. An on-screen calculator is provided for this section. This section assesses whether you can handle numbers and interpret quantitative information, as needed for things like drug dosing, interpreting research, or understanding statistics in medical papers.

4. Situational Judgement (SJT): This subtest is a bit different in style. It measures your capacity to understand real-world scenarios and decide on the most appropriate or professional responses. You’ll be presented with various hypothetical situations (often ethical or teamwork-related scenarios in a healthcare or school/work context), and you must judge the appropriateness or importance of different actions. Essentially, it tests your judgement in context, empathy, integrity, and understanding of professional behaviour. The SJT is designed to see if you have a sensible approach to situations you might encounter in medicine or dentistry – for example, how you’d prioritize tasks on a busy ward, or what you’d do if you saw a classmate cheating, etc. (Don’t worry, the scenarios don’t expect medical knowledge; they are more about common sense, ethics, and professional attitudes.)

These four subtests make up the UCAT. Each subtest is timed separately, and you cannot transfer time between them – when time’s up for a section, it ends, and you move to the next. The questions in each section are multiple-choice (or variants such as true/false) and are answered on the computer.

💡 Note: In older resources, you might see a fifth section called Abstract Reasoning (AR). That section tested pattern recognition with shapes, but **Abstract Reasoning has been removed from the UCAT starting with the 2025 test. The exam content was updated to focus more on the other areas. As of UCAT 2025, there are 3 cognitive subtests (VR, DM, QR) plus the SJT, with no abstract patterns section. This change was made after research found AR was less predictive of success and had become too coachable. So if a friend or sibling mentions “abstract reasoning”, know that it’s no longer in the test for you – one less section to worry about!

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UCAT Question Counts and Timing

So, how many questions do you face, and how long do you get? Here’s the breakdown of the UCAT 2025 exam structure:

• Verbal Reasoning: 44 questions – 21 minutes for questions (plus 1 minute reading instructions). These 44 Qs are based on 11 text passages (roughly 4 questions per passage).

• Decision Making: 35 questions – 37 minutes (plus 1 minute 30 sec instructions). Some DM questions are standalone, others have a common scenario/data. You may also find additional on-screen information, such as charts or graphs, here.

• Quantitative Reasoning: 36 questions – 24 minutes (plus 2 minutes instructions). Questions often come in sets tied to a data source (e.g., a table, chart, etc.). An on-screen calculator is available.

• Situational Judgement: 69 questions – 26 minutes (plus 1 minute 30 sec instructions). These questions are grouped into 22 scenarios (each with 2–5 questions). You rate responses or answer what’s appropriate.

All together, that’s 184 questions spread across the sections, and the total testing time is about 2 hours (plus a few minutes of instructions between sections). Specifically, the timed questions add up to 22 + 37 + 26 + 26 = 111 minutes of test time, and including brief instruction screens before each subtest, the whole exam lasts just under 2 hours (approximately 2 hours on the dot). If you qualify for extra time (we’ll cover access arrangements later), the extended version (UCATSEN) is around 2.5 hours total.

As you can see, the UCAT is high-paced. You often have under a minute per question on average (especially in verbal reasoning and quantitative, time flies! For instance, 44 VR questions in 21 minutes is about 28 seconds per question. Don’t panic – they expect you to answer quickly; the difficulty is in the timing and volume of questions, not in any complex knowledge. Practising under timed conditions is key to getting used to this speed.

Scoring: Each of the first three subtests (VR, DM, QR) is scored on a scale from 300 to 900. Your performance (number of correct answers) in each is converted to a scaled score in that range. These three are added up to give a Total UCAT Score (out of 2700). The Situational Judgement Test is scored differently: in the UK, you get a Band from 1 (highest) to 4 (lowest) based on your SJT performance. (The cognitive subtests are considered the “numeric score” part; the SJT band is reported separately.) There is no pass or fail for UCAT – but obviously a higher score (and Band 1 or 2 in SJT) will strengthen your application. In 2025, for example, the average total score was around 1891 (which is roughly the 50th percentile). Top applicants might score 2500+; the lower end might be 1700s. Don’t get bogged down in scores here – after you take UCAT, you’ll know your score immediately, and you can then decide strategically which universities to apply to based on that score (since different schools have different typical score expectations). We’ll talk about preparation and difficulty next, but first, let’s cover who needs to take UCAT and which universities require it.

Which Universities Require the UCAT?

Almost all UK universities offering medicine or dentistry require the UCAT. The UCAT Consortium includes the vast majority of medical and dental schools in the UK, and you must have a UCAT score when you apply to those courses. This now even includes the universities that historically used the BMAT exam – for instance, Oxford, Cambridge, UCL, and Imperial College London have all switched to UCAT for their standard-entry medicine courses from 2024 entry onward. In other words, as of 2025 entry, if you are applying to any standard five-year Medicine (A100/A101) or Dentistry (A200) programme in the UK, you will almost certainly need to take UCAT.

To give you an idea, some of the universities that use UCAT (non-exhaustive list) are: Aberdeen, Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, Dundee, Edinburgh, Exeter, Glasgow, King’s College London, Manchester, Nottingham, Queen’s Belfast, Sheffield, Southampton, and many more, including all new medical schools (like Keele, Sunderland, etc.) and all dental schools (e.g., King’s, Queen Mary, Manchester, Cardiff, etc.). Even Oxford and Cambridge now require UCAT for medicine. In fact, the UCAS admissions test info confirms it’s used at nearly every UK medical school.

The only UK medical program not using UCAT would be extremely rare or specialised (for example, a very few graduate-entry programs might accept GAMSAT instead, and previously BMAT was used by a handful, but BMAT is now discontinued). Some graduate-entry medicine courses accept or require GAMSAT in place of UCAT – check each graduate program if that applies to you (as a sixth-former, this is not immediately relevant). A couple of universities allow either UCAT or GAMSAT for graduate applicants. But for school-leaver (undergraduate) applicants, assume UCAT is required everywhere in the UK.

Aside from the UK, a few universities outside the UK also use UCAT or UCAT ANZ:

• In Australia and New Zealand, the UCAT ANZ is used by their consortium of med schools.

• Some other international programs (such as certain medical schools in Ireland, Poland, Dubai, and other countries, and even some in Asia, such as a couple in Singapore or Australia’s offshore campuses) may require or consider UCAT scores. For example, the University of Adelaide (Australia) or University of Otago (NZ) use UCAT ANZ; and Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine in Singapore uses the UCAT (UK) for entry.

For the scope of UK sixth-form students: if you plan to apply to any UK medical or dental school, plan on taking the UCAT. Always double-check each university’s entry requirements on their official website in case of updates or special cases. (Some universities have slightly different requirements for certain applicant categories – for instance, graduate applicants to a standard course might be exempt or might need GAMSAT – so read the fine print if it applies to you. But for most of you in Year 12/13, UCAT is the test you must do.)

💡 Good news: because BMAT has been phased out, you no longer have the situation of deciding “UCAT vs BMAT” or taking two different tests (unless you were applying to e.g. medicine and veterinary or something cross-field). Now it’s straightforward: one UCAT test opens up applications to all the UK med schools (plus you’ll need to submit your UCAS application of course).

To see the full list of UCAT universities, you can check the official UCAT website’s list or UCAS’s site. But as a rule of thumb, all UK medical schools and dental schools require UCAT except perhaps one or two very specific programs. If in doubt, assume you need it. The UCAT Consortium explicitly states, “the UCAT is compulsory for applicants to relevant medical/dental programmes at our consortium universities”.

Who Can Sit the UCAT (and How Many People Take It Each Year)?

Eligibility: The UCAT can be taken by anyone who is planning to apply to the relevant courses in the upcoming admissions cycle. Typically, this means Year 13 students (final year of A-levels) or anyone applying in the UCAS cycle for entry the following year. For example, if you are aiming to start university in 2026, you would take the UCAT in summer 2025. There is no upper age limit – mature applicants or graduate applicants can take it too, as long as they are applying to a UCAT university. There’s also no academic prerequisite to taking the test; you don’t, say, have to have A-level predictions of certain grades to sit UCAT – anyone can register and take it. However, it’s only useful to take if you intend to apply to medicine/dentistry that year (more on taking it early as a practice run in a moment).

You normally take the UCAT in the summer before you apply to university. In practice, most UK students sit the UCAT between July and September after Lower Sixth (Year 12), as applications for med/dent courses are due in October of Year 13. For example, a current Year 12 (Lower Sixth) student aiming for 2026 entry to medical school will register and take UCAT in summer 2025, then apply by the 15 October 2025 UCAS deadline. Some take it during a gap year if they are reapplying or decide later.

International applicants to UK universities also usually must take the UCAT – there are test centres worldwide. There are no general exemptions: even if you live in a country without a test centre nearby, universities expect you to travel to a test site if needed(the UCAT is offered in 130+ countries!). The only time UCAT might not be required is if a specific course explicitly says so or offers an alternative for certain candidates (e.g., maybe a transfer program or a foundation year program might waive it, but those are exceptions). Always double-check entry requirements for any special cases.

How many people take the UCAT? A lot! The UCAT is one of the largest admission tests in the UK. In 2025, over 41,000 candidates sat the UCAT in the UK. This was an increase from previous years (around 35–37k in 2023-24) as more universities joined the test. Additionally, about 16–17k took the UCAT ANZ in Australia/NZ. So roughly 40k+ UK applicants each year are in the same boat, taking this exam. Knowing that might make it less scary – you’re certainly not alone, and the test is standardised, so results fall into a nice distribution every year (about 50% around the 1800–1900 total score range, the top 10% somewhere above ~2500, etc.). The UCAT Consortium publishes statistics each year so you can see how you compare.

Can I take the UCAT even if I’m not applying this year (e.g., as practice)? Technically, if you meet the minimum age/education level to apply to universities, you could sit the test. But it’s not recommended to take the UCAT “early” as a practice run – the official guidance strongly discourages doing it a year in advance just for practice. They want you to take it when you’re serious and ready, in the year you actually apply. There are a few reasons for this: (1) You should prepare properly, and it’s better to focus that effort in the actual year of application rather than burning out early. (2) Motivation and mindset differ if you’re not truly applying, so your performance might not even be representative. (3) The test content or scoring can change year to year (indeed, it changed in 2025), so practising a year before under different conditions might not help much. (4) You’d be using up a test slot and resources that another genuine applicant could use. In fact, the UCAT office monitors people taking it with no real intent to apply and can take action if it appears someone is doing so.

Besides, remember: a UCAT score is only valid for one application cycle – universities will only consider the UCAT result from the year you apply, and it cannot be carried over to the next year. So if you sat it “for practice” in Year 12 and then applied in Year 13, you’d have to sit it again in Year 13 anyway (you cannot reuse last year’s score). Therefore, doing an official test early mostly just wastes your time and money. Bottom line: plan to take the UCAT in the summer immediately before you apply (normally between Y12 and Y13). Use the many practice resources available to prepare (we’ll discuss prep shortly) rather than attempting the real exam as a trial.

When is the UCAT in 2025? (Test Cycle Timeline)

The UCAT is offered once per year in a specific testing window. The exact dates change each year slightly, but it’s generally over the summer months. For UCAT 2025 (for 2026 entry), the key dates were as follows:

• Registration opens: 13 May 2025. (This is when you could start creating a UCAT account and apply for a bursary or access arrangements. Registration typically opens in May each year.)

• Booking opens: 17 June 2025. (From this date, you could log in and book your test slot at a test centre. Booking usually opens mid-June.)

• Testing starts: 7 July 2025. (The first day you could sit the exam. Testing then continues throughout July, August, and September.)

• Last test date: 26 September 2025. (Testing usually ends in late September each year.)

• Registration/Booking deadline: 19 September 2025 at 12 noon BST. (You had to register and book by this date – no new bookings after this. Essentially, you needed to have your test scheduled before the final week of testing.)

• Results delivered to universities: Early November 2025. (You get your result immediately after your test in July–Sept, but UCAT sends them officially to universities by early November, in time for interview decisions.)

These dates show that the UCAT testing runs from early July to late September each year. It’s a generous window, but bear in mind the popular dates (especially late August and early September) can book up quickly. You have control over when in that window to take your test (when you book, you’ll choose an available date and time at your chosen test centre). Many students prefer to take it after the summer holidays begin (July or August) so they can prepare once school is over. Some prefer earlier to “get it out of the way,” others later to have more practice time – it’s up to you, but don’t leave it too late in case something goes wrong.

Most importantly, don’t miss the booking deadline! In 2025, if you hadn’t booked by 19 September, you were out of luck – no exceptions. Every year, a few people forget to book and then cannot sit the test, which can ruin their medical school plans for that year. So make sure to mark the registration and booking dates on your calendar 📅.

For the 2026 UCAT (for 2027 entry), expect a similar timeline: registration opening around May 2026, testing in July–Sept 2026. The UCAT website will publish the exact dates each January. Always check the official site or UCAT Consortium announcements for the current year’s dates if you’re reading this in the future.

When should you take it within the window? There’s no perfect date for everyone, but a good rule is: take the UCAT when you feel ready, but aim for at least a couple of weeks before the final deadline. That way, if you unexpectedly can’t attend (due to illness or emergency) you might have a chance to reschedule within the window. The UCAT Consortium recommends booking a test early in the window. If you book very late (e.g., the last few days of September) and then something goes wrong (you miss it, technical issues, etc.), you may have no opportunity to reschedule. Those who book earlier have more flexibility if they need to change dates (subject to notice, covered next) or if a problem happens.

Important: The UCAT is offered every year. If, for some reason, you don’t get the score you hoped for or you don’t get a university place and plan to reapply, you can always take it again the next summer. You cannot take it twice in a single year, but you can take it in consecutive years (many students who reapply do so). We’ll talk about retaking in a moment, but keep the cycle structure in mind.

How Do I Book the UCAT?

Booking your UCAT is done online through the Pearson VUE UCAT system. It’s a two-step process: first, register an account, then book a test slot. Here’s how it works:

• Registration (Account Creation): Once registration opens (e.g., mid-May), visit the official UCAT website and follow the link to the Pearson VUE registration system. You’ll create a UCAT account with your personal details. It’s important to register with your legal name exactly as it appears on the ID you’ll use on test day(passport or driving licence), because the name must match for you to be allowed to sit the test. If you made an account in a previous year (even if you didn’t sit the test), you should reuse that account – don’t create multiple accounts. After registering, Pearson VUE will send you a confirmation email (which can take up to a day) and assign you a UCAT Candidate ID.

• Booking a Test Slot: Booking usually opens in June. When booking opens, you log into your UCAT Pearson VUE account and choose a test centre, date, and time for your exam. The UCAT is taken at Pearson VUE test centres – professional exam centres located in many cities (often the same places where people take driving theory tests, etc.). There are test centres throughout the UK and worldwide (in 130+ countries). Using the online booking system, you can search for your nearest test centre and see available appointments. Select a date and time that suits you. You’ll then pay the exam fee to confirm the booking. You should receive a booking confirmation email – keep this safe, as it has your appointment details.

When choosing a location, most will pick the closest Pearson VUE centre. If you’re an international applicant, you can often find a centre in your country; if not, you might plan to travel to the nearest country that has one. (There was also an online proctored UCAT (OnVUE) introduced in pandemic times, which in 2025 was available only in certain exceptional circumstances. For 2025, the standard procedure was test-centre delivery, unless travel was impossible due to issues such as war or natural disasters. If applicable, one could request the online option with approval. Keep an eye on UCAT updates for whether an at-home option is offered in the year you take it, but expect to attend a test centre in general.)

Booking Tips:

• Book early once slots open (June). Early booking gives you more choice of dates/times and centres. If you delay, you might find fewer slots or have to travel farther to a centre. Don’t wait until September; many popular days fill up.

• You can schedule the test on any available date between the start and end of testing. Pick a date that gives you enough preparation time but also fits with any other summer plans. Many students choose mid/late August so they can study during the summer break, but if you have holidays or other commitments, then an earlier date in July could be fine too – just ensure you prepare adequately beforehand.

• Time of day: If you’re not a morning person, perhaps avoid 9 am slots; some prefer late morning or early afternoon when they’re most alert. Centres often have slots throughout the day.

• When booking, if you have been approved for a bursary or exemption code, you’ll input that (so you don’t get charged). For instance, if you applied and received a UCAT bursary voucher, use the code at checkout to waive the fee.

• You pay the fee at the time of booking by credit/debit card. The fees are covered in a later section, but note that you need a card to pay. If you can’t pay online or have issues, you can call Pearson VUE customer service to book by phone, but online is usually easier and faster.

Once booked, you will have a confirmed appointment for your UCAT exam.

⚠️ Important Reminder: You may only book and sit the UCAT once per year. Do not attempt to create multiple accounts to take it multiple times – that’s considered misconduct, and scores can be cancelled. So one booking, one test! Make it count.

Keep track of your UCAT login details, as you can use them to reschedule or cancel if needed (more on that next) and to view your score report after the test.

Can I Change My UCAT Test Date? (Rescheduling)

Life happens – sometimes, after booking a UCAT slot, you might need to change it. Yes, you can reschedule your UCAT test date, with some conditions:

• If you want to reschedule (move your appointment to a different date/time or change the test centre), you must do so at least 24 hours before your original test time. The policy requires you to give at least 24 hours’ notice to avoid penalties. If your test is tomorrow and you suddenly try to reschedule tonight, that’s too late – 24+ hours is the safe window.

• You can reschedule online via your UCAT Pearson VUE account (there’s a reschedule option). This is usually the easiest method. If, however, your appointment has any special accommodations (like extra time or separate room arranged), the system might not allow online changes – in those cases, you must call Pearson VUE Customer Services to reschedule.

• After the booking deadline (19 Sept 2025), the online system stops allowing changes. But you still can reschedule by calling Pearson VUE up to 24h before the exam. Essentially, in the final week of testing, you’d have to phone them to change an appointment.

• When rescheduling, you’ll only be able to choose from the remaining available slots. If it’s late in the cycle, availability might be limited, and you might have to travel to a farther test centre or settle for an inconvenient time if local slots are full. So, while rescheduling is allowed, it’s not guaranteed you’ll get a preferable slot – do it as early as possible if you know you need to change.

• No fee is charged to reschedule (as long as you meet the notice requirement). Your payment simply moves to the new booking. If you used a bursary voucher, that carries over, too.

• Be sure to complete all steps when rescheduling online – after selecting a new slot, you must confirm it. If you don’t receive a new confirmation email, the reschedule may not have been finalised. Double-check that you have a confirmed new appointment to avoid accidentally missing the test.

If you fail to give 24 hours’ notice – meaning you try to reschedule less than a day before, or you simply miss the appointment – it’s treated as a no-show, and you’ll have to pay again if you want to rebook (assuming any window remains). Missing the test without proper notice means no refund and no free rebooking, no matter the reason, so be very mindful of the 24h rule.

So, in summary: yes, you are allowed to change your UCAT test date (or time/centre) if something comes up, provided you do it more than 24 hours before the scheduled time. Use your online account or call Pearson VUE to make the change. This flexibility is helpful – for example, if you fall ill a couple of days before your test, it’s wiser to reschedule to a later date when you’re recovered (you must be “fit to test” when you sit it). Just don’t wait until the last minute to decide.

💡 Tip: It’s a good idea to book a test date a little earlier than the last possible day, so that if you need to reschedule, there are still slots available within the window. If you booked the very final day and then something happens, you might have no options. Give yourself a cushion.

Can I Cancel My UCAT Booking? (Refund Policy)

If you decide not to take the UCAT at all (or perhaps you accidentally booked twice, or your plans changed), you can cancel your UCAT test booking and potentially get a refund of the fee, but there are strict rules:

• You must cancel at least 24 hours before your appointment to receive a refund of your test fee. The same 24-hour notice rule applies as with rescheduling. If you cancel in time, the fee will be refunded to the card you paid with (usually within 10 business days).

• To cancel, you can do it online via your UCAT account (there’s a cancel option). If your booking included special accommodations, you might have to call Pearson VUE to cancel (the system might not let you cancel online in that case). Also, after the final booking deadline (mid-September), online cancellation may no longer be available, and you’d have to call Pearson VUE to cancel during the last week.

• If you miss the 24h cutoff (i.e., you try to cancel less than a day before, or you just don’t show up on the day), you will not get a refund. Missing the test or late cancellation means you lose your test fee entirely.

• If you used a bursary voucher (meaning you didn’t pay the fee), there’s obviously no refund needed. Note that you won't get another voucher to rebook in the same year. However, if you cancel in good time and still intend to test that year, you could reuse the bursary code to book a new slot within that cycle.

Most candidates won’t need to fully cancel unless they decide not to apply to medicine/dentistry that year, or an emergency arises that prevents them from taking it at all. If you’re still aiming to apply, you’d normally reschedule rather than cancel. But it’s good to know: cancelling is possible with a full refund if done in time.

To cancel, log in, find your appointment details, and choose "Cancel." You’ll get a cancellation confirmation. The refund goes back to the original payment method (make sure the card is still valid, etc.). Keep an eye out for the refund; if it doesn’t show after two weeks, contact Pearson VUE.

One more thing: if, for any serious reason, you feel you can’t take the test even beyond the reschedule window (say, a sudden illness on the day), unfortunately, if you don’t attend, the policy is no refund. They take a hard line that even illness or a family emergency on the day is not grounds for a refund or free retake. So ideally, if you feel something might prevent you from testing, try to cancel or move it the day before at the latest.

In summary: Yes, you can cancel your UCAT booking and get your money back, but only if you do it more than 24 hours before the test. Otherwise, the fee is forfeited.

Can I Take the UCAT the Year Before I Apply to Medical or Dental School?

This is a common question. For example, a very keen Year 11 or Year 12 student might think: “Can I sit the UCAT a year early, just to practice or to get it done?” Officially, there is nothing physically stopping a Year 12 from taking the UCAT intended for Year 13 applicants; however, the UCAT Consortium and universities strongly discourage taking it “early” as a practice run.

The UCAT score is only valid for one admissions cycle – specifically, the year in which you take it for entry the next year. If you’re not applying to a university that year, that UCAT result won’t be usable for a future application. You’d have to take it again when you actually apply. So taking it a year in advance means you’ll have to re-sit it anyway later. There is no benefit in terms of carrying over a score.

What about doing it just for practice, to see what it’s like? The official guidance says this is a bad idea. They list several reasons (as mentioned earlier):

• You should only sit the test when you are fully prepared and motivated – if you treat a test as a dummy run, you likely won’t prepare as seriously, and the experience might not reflect your true potential.

• The test content or structure can change year to year (indeed, 2025 saw a change with the removal of Abstract Reasoning), so practising on an outdated format might not help much.

• They actively monitor and may flag candidates who appear to be taking it without genuine intent (e.g., if someone in Year 12 with no plan to apply that year just takes it, they might consider that misuse of the system). While you wouldn’t be banned for taking it, UCAT reserves the right to investigate if they suspect it’s just a practice attempt.

• It costs money (£70 or more) and takes a slot that someone else could use.

Given all that, the consensus is: Do not take the UCAT “the year before” just for practice. Instead, use the official practice tests and question banks (which are free) to familiarise yourself. Those resources are very similar to the real exam and are a much better (and cheaper!) way to practice. By all means, practice extensively – but do it with the provided materials or paid prep resources, not by burning a real attempt early.

If you are a Year 12 student who intends to apply in Year 13, you will take the UCAT in Year 12 summer (after Lower Sixth). Some might call that “the year before applying” in the sense that you take it in summer and apply in October – but that’s the normal process. What we mean here by “the year before” is about two summers before the application (i.e., the end of Year 11 or early Year 12), which is too early.

One exception: Scottish candidates in S5 sometimes take the UCAT in S5 if they are applying after S5 (since Scottish high school is a bit different). But generally, for standard applicants, take the UCAT in the summer immediately preceding your application. If you’re thinking of taking it very early as a dry run – save your money and time; do a full practice test at home instead. The real exam should be taken when it counts.

To put it simply: Only sit the UCAT in the year you plan to apply to med/dent school. If you are applying deferred or something, still the same rule (if applying in 2025 for deferred 2026 entry, you still take UCAT in 2025).

Remember, if you somehow bomb the UCAT and don’t get any offers, you can always retake it the next year when reapplying (universities do not penalise you for having taken it before – they only care about the current year's score). So focus on making your one attempt per cycle your best attempt.

How Much Does the UCAT Cost?

There is a fee to take the UCAT, which you pay at the time of booking. The cost can vary by year or by region. For UCAT 2025, the fees were as follows:

• £70 – if you take the test at a test centre in the UK. (This covers England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland test centres.)

• £115 – if you take the test outside the UK (at an overseas Pearson VUE centre). So international candidates pay a higher fee. £115 was roughly equivalent to €130 or $150 USD (exchange rates vary).

These fees are pretty standard year to year, though they might adjust slightly for inflation. In previous years, it was around £ 75- £ 120; in 2025, it was £ 70- £ 115. Check the official site for the exact current fee when you register, but expect something in this ballpark.

The fee is the same regardless of how many universities you apply to or how many sections in the test, etc. It’s a one-time payment to sit the exam. If (in the worst case) you had to resit next year, you’d pay again next year.

You pay by credit or debit card online when booking. If you don’t have your own card, you might use a parent/guardian’s card with their permission. The Pearson VUE booking system is secure for payment. If you absolutely can’t pay online, you could phone Pearson VUE to arrange payment, but that’s rare.

What if you can’t afford the fee? Good news – there is a UCAT Bursary Scheme for eligible candidates in financial need, which covers the full fee. More on that in the next section!

One important thing: if you receive a bursary (fee waiver), you’ll be given a voucher code that makes your test booking free. You must apply for the bursary before booking (ideally as soon as registration opens in May), because you need that code in hand when you go to pay, or else you’ll end up paying and can’t retroactively get a refund. So if you think you qualify, read the next section and apply early.

For most UK students, the fee is £ 70 – note this is separate from UCAS application fees or anything; it’s purely for the test. It’s also non-refundable after the 24h cancellation window as we discussed. If you miss your test (no-show), you don’t get your £70 back, and if you wanted to rebook (within the same cycle) you’d have to pay again. So don’t miss it!

To summarise costs:

• UCAT UK fee: ~£70 (2025 rate)

• UCAT Overseas fee: ~£115 (2025 rate)

These fees cover the cost of administering the test and include the cost of delivering the exam at the test centre, etc.

Now, while we’re on costs, keep in mind if you have to travel to a test centre, factor in any travel expenses. And if you plan any commercial UCAT prep courses or materials, those are additional (though not mandatory – many succeed with free prep). But the core cost just to take the exam is as above.

Let’s look at how you might not have to pay it, via bursaries.

Can I Get a UCAT Bursary or Discount?

Yes! If you meet certain criteria, you can get a UCAT bursary, which waives the test fee, meaning you can sit the UCAT for free. The UCAT Consortium offers this to ensure the test fee isn’t a barrier for anyone from a lower-income background.

Who is eligible? The bursary is generally for UK students who are in financial need. Typically, the criteria include things like:

• You’re currently (or recently) on Free School Meals at your college/sixth form.

• You receive a 16-19 bursary or EMA (in Scotland, Wales, NI).

• You or your family receive certain means-tested benefits or tax credits (like Universal Credit, Income Support, etc.).

• You receive a full Maintenance Grant/Loan (if already at uni, for grad applicants).

• Other similar indicators of low household income.

The exact list of criteria and the evidence required is published each year on the UCAT Bursary Scheme page (for 2025, they provided detailed lists of accepted evidence, e.g., a letter showing you get FSM or a benefits statement). Generally, if your household income is below a certain threshold or you’re receiving financial assistance, you likely qualify.

The bursary is only for UK candidates (including UK-resident EU students typically). If you’re an international applicant from a lower-income country, unfortunately, the bursary scheme doesn’t formally cover non-UK applicants, though you could contact UCAT to ask whether any help is available.

How to apply: The bursary application usually opens the same day as UCAT registration (mid-May). It’s an online form where you fill in your details and upload evidence of your eligibility (like a scan of a letter confirming your benefits or bursary). The deadline to submit bursary applications is typically mid/late September (same as testing end) – but importantly, you want to do it before you book your test. The process:

1. Register a UCAT account.

2. Fill the bursary application form (via the UCAT website).

3. Wait for approval – they will email you if approved with a Bursary Voucher Code.

4. Use that code when booking your test to cover the fee.

If you've already paid for your test and realise you could have applied for a bursary, it’s a bit late (they don’t refund fees retroactively). So do check the criteria early on and apply if eligible.

A 100% fee waiver means if you’re in the UK and get the bursary, you save £70; if you’re overseas but living in UK under low income (like a refugee on asylum support) that might count too, saving £115.

Additionally, for those sitting in Australia/NZ, there's a separate concession scheme for UCAT ANZ (a reduced fee for holders of certain cards), but that’s outside our main scope.

Any other discounts? There isn’t a “student discount” or anything aside from the bursary. There’s no group discount (everyone takes it individually). However, if you require certain access arrangements (such as extra time), the fee remains the same as the standard fee.

So, if cost is a concern, definitely check if you can get the bursary. In 2025, thousands of students successfully got bursaries, so it’s well worth it if you qualify. Remember, you can only get one bursary voucher per year (you can’t double-dip if you cancel and rebook – one voucher covers one test attempt).

Summary: A UCAT bursary can cover your full test fee if you meet the eligibility criteria (usually linked to low-income indicators). Apply early, provide proof, and you’ll get a code to use when booking, so you pay £0. This ensures no student is prevented from taking UCAT due to financial hardship.

(And if you don’t qualify for the bursary, consider it an investment – £70 for a chance at your dream career is well worth it, and far less than university tuition!)

Are UCAT Access Arrangements Available? (Extra Time, Accommodations, Larger Font, etc.)

Yes. The UCAT is committed to providing access arrangements for candidates with disabilities, learning difficulties, medical conditions, or special requirements to ensure they are not disadvantaged. Similar to exams in school where you might get extra time or other accommodations, you can request adjustments for the UCAT.

Some common UCAT access arrangements include:

• Extra Time: If you have a documented condition that affects your processing speed (for example, dyslexia or other learning difficulty, ADHD, etc.), you might be approved to take an extended version of the test called UCATSEN (25% extra time). There are also versions with rest breaks (UCATSA) or, in extreme cases, 50% extra time. Typically, 25% extra time is standard if you have, say, exam access arrangements in school for extra time. With 25% extra, the UCAT lasts 150 minutes instead of 120.

• Rest Breaks: If you have a condition that requires breaks (e.g., diabetes that requires blood sugar checks, anxiety that necessitates a pause), they can approve rest breaks with a limited number of pauses.

• Separate Room: If you require a less distracting environment or have a condition like severe ADHD or autism that is helped by being alone, or if you need to use medical equipment (like an insulin pump alarm) that might disturb others, you can request to test in a separate room at the centre. They usually only grant this if evidence specifically says you need 1:1 invigilation.

• Medical Devices/Medications: If you need to have medical items with you (like an inhaler, glucose monitor, medication, or food/drink for a medical condition), they can be allowed at your workstation with approval.

• Screen Magnification / Colour: For visual impairments or dyslexia, ZoomText screen magnification or colour contrast software can be enabled on the test computer. They often have this available at test centres (the commonly used version). This effectively is a “larger font” accommodation – you can zoom into questions. You must request it in advance, but it doesn’t require the UCAT office’s approval; just an arrangement with Pearson VUE 5 days in advance. So yes, you can use a larger font or different screen colours if needed – Pearson VUE offers options for enlarged text and high-contrast display.

• Comfort Aids: Some things don’t even need approval – e.g., you’re allowed to bring in earplugs or wear glasses, etc. Non-electronic earplugs are allowed (many centers provide them or you can bring foam ones) to block noise. This is helpful since test rooms can have some background noise from other test-takers. Earplugs don’t need approval as long as they’re basic (no electronics).

• Wheelchair access / adjustable desk: If you need a wheelchair space or height-adjustable desk, you can arrange that by contacting Pearson VUE in advance (no special approval from UCAT needed, but the centre needs to know).

How to get access arrangements: You must apply to the UCAT Office with evidence for most accommodations (especially extra time or rest breaks) before you book your test. For 2025, the Access Arrangements application opened in May, with a mid-September deadline. You’d submit documentation (like an educational psychologist report, a doctor’s letter, or your school’s confirmation of your normal exam accommodations). The UCAT team then approves the appropriate accommodations and provides instructions. Once approved, you often get a Private Access Code (PAC) that you use to book a special exam slot (UCATSEN, etc.).

Important: Do not book a standard test if you need extra time. Get the approval first, because they cannot modify an existing booking to add time. If you accidentally booked, you’d have to cancel it (with notice) and rebook with the PAC for the extended version. So handle the paperwork early.

For things like ZoomText or an adjustable chair, which don’t require UCAT approval but do require test centre arrangement, you should call Pearson VUE at least 5 business days in advance to ensure they set it up for you.

💡 Question: “Can I ask for a bigger font in the UCAT?” – Yes, as mentioned, you can use the screen magnifier (ZoomText), which effectively enlarges text and can alter colours, and this should be requested in advance without much hassle. Many test centres have large monitors (24”) and ZoomText can be enabled so you can comfortably read if you have visual difficulties. So don’t hesitate to request that if reading on screen is a concern.

What about dyslexia or slow reading? – Most commonly, students with dyslexia get 25% extra time (UCATSEN) as long as they have documentation (like their Form 8 or psychologist report) saying they have extra time in exams. That can be a huge help with UCAT since timing is tight. If you only need coloured overlays, you can bring your own overlay without special approval (just let them inspect it). Overlays or tinted glasses are allowed as comfort aids.

In summary, UCAT provides a range of access arrangements similar to those in school exams:

• Extra time (UCATSEN) if needed.

• Rest breaks (UCATSA).

• Assistive software (ZoomText magnification/contrast).

• Other accommodations (separate room, permission for medical items, etc.) as justified.

• Simple aids (earplugs, overlays) with minimal fuss.

If you think you qualify for any of these, start the process early (May or June). The UCAT website has a detailed guide and an application form for access arrangements. There’s a deadline (usually a week or two before the last testing day, e.g., mid-Sept) – don’t miss it, or you might not get the support you need.

By securing the appropriate arrangements, you can ensure you’re on a level playing field. The goal is that everyone has a fair chance to demonstrate their abilities in the test.

One more note: If English isn’t your first language, extra time is generally not given just for that reason. The test is designed for fluent English speakers, and unfortunately, being an ESL student isn’t grounds for accommodations unless you also have a relevant disability. So plan accordingly (the language used is not overly complex, but time pressure is an issue for everyone).

Can I Resit the UCAT? How Many Times Can I Take It?

You can sit the UCAT once per year – that’s the rule. This means in a given application cycle, you have only one attempt at the test. Multiple sittings in the same year are strictly prohibited and will be considered misconduct. The system (and candidate rules) forbid booking two tests in one year; if someone somehow circumvented that, they risk all their results being cancelled.

However, you can take the UCAT again in future years if you reapply or apply later. There is no lifetime limit on how many times you can take the UCAT across different years. So, for example:

• A Year 13 student takes UCAT in 2025, applies, but doesn’t get in. They take a gap year and then resit UCAT in 2026 to apply again for 2027 entry. This is perfectly fine.

• Another student might take UCAT in 2024 (for 2025 entry), then decide to reapply in a new cycle; they take it again in 2025 for the new application.

• Graduate applicants may have taken it back when they left school and then take it again when applying post-degree.

Each year’s UCAT is considered separate. Universities only consider the score from the year of application, so repeating the test in a new year is expected if you apply in a new cycle. There is no penalty for having taken the test before; universities don’t mind if it’s your second or third attempt across years, since they only see your current score.

So, how many times can you sit UCAT in total? As many years as you need to, essentially. Some candidates do take it two or even three times over successive applications (some might apply in Year 13, again after a gap year, and maybe again another year if needed). Each time, you start fresh with preparation to maximize your score.

One thing to be aware of: The UCAT Consortium keeps records and will notice if someone tries to register twice in a single year, which is why there's a strict one-per-year rule. They tie your test result to your UCAS application via your ID and candidate number. But they do not carry forward old scores, so re-taking in a new year erases the old score’s relevance.

In summary:

• You can resit the UCAT in a new admissions cycle, i.e., you get one shot each year.

• You cannot take it more than once between July and September of the same year.

If you don’t do as well as hoped, you have to wait until the next year’s testing window to try again. This is unlike some tests that might have multiple windows per year – UCAT is strictly annual.

A positive note: many people improve on a second attempt, because they have the experience and perhaps more focused preparation after learning from the first go. So if things don’t go perfectly the first time, know that you can learn, adapt, and come back stronger next year if needed.

One more related question: Can I apply to med school in one year using a UCAT I took the previous year? No – as mentioned, you must sit it in the year you apply (score valid only that cycle). So you can’t, say, take UCAT in 2024 and defer your UCAS application to 2025 entry; if you ended up applying in 2025, you’d need to have a 2025 UCAT score.

Therefore, “resitting” UCAT is basically part of reapplying. There’s no concept of retaking within the same cycle.

To put it simply: One UCAT per year, but you can take it in multiple years if you apply multiple times. No maximum number of years, though realistically if you’ve taken it 3+ times it means you’ve reapplied several times, which hopefully won’t be needed. 😉

Where Can I Take the UCAT?

The UCAT is taken at designated Pearson VUE test centres across the UK and around the world. When you book, you will choose a location that’s convenient for you.

• In the UK, there are numerous test centres in cities and large towns across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. For example, there are test centres in London, Birmingham, Manchester, Glasgow, Cardiff, Belfast, and many smaller cities. Most candidates will find a centre within a reasonable travel distance. You can use the Pearson VUE Test Centre Locator to find the nearest one.

• Internationally, the UCAT (UK) is offered in over 130 countries. So if you are an international applicant or are abroad during the summer, you may still be able to take the test without coming to the UK. Common locations include major cities across Europe, North America, Asia, Africa, and Australasia. For example, there have been test centres in cities such as Paris, Dubai, New York, Toronto, Singapore, and Kuala Lumpur. Essentially, Pearson VUE has a global network. When booking, if you select your country, you’ll see whether centres are available. The test content and format are the same everywhere (just the fee differs as noted).

• Special (Online) Option: In certain exceptional situations (e.g., if you’re in a remote area or a region facing conflict, pandemic lockdowns, etc.), the UCAT has provided an online proctored exam option called OnVUE in recent years. This lets you take the test on your own computer at home under webcam supervision. However, for 2025, the guidance was that this is only if travel to a centre is impossible due to distance or specific hardships. The default expectation is that you will attend a test centre. If you believe you absolutely cannot reach a test centre safely, you should contact UCAT early to inquire about OnVUE eligibility. It’s not something to opt into lightly (technical requirements are strict, and many prefer the controlled environment of a test centre). So, most likely you’ll be going to a test centre.

• Test Centre Conditions: Test centres are typically professional environments – quiet room with individual computer workstations, lockers for belongings, etc. They administer many different exams (not just UCAT, but also things like driving theory, professional certifications). On the day, you might be sitting next to someone taking a completely different exam. Centers have strict rules (no talking, etc. – basically exam conditions). We’ll discuss test day rules in the next section, but just know you’ll need to travel to the centre and be there for about 2 hours.

So, choose a location that is easy for you to get to. If you have to travel a longer distance, plan ahead for transport. Aim to arrive early (they recommend at least 15 minutes before your slot, I’d say even 30 min early to be safe). If you’re concerned about noise or environment, note you can request earplugs and most centers provide them.

One tip: Do a test centre dry-run if you’re anxious – for example, if you can, visit the location beforehand so you know exactly where it is and how to get there (especially if it’s in a city centre building or something). Pearson VUE also provides a Test Centre Tour video online that shows what to expect.

In summary, you can take the UCAT in a wide range of locations:

• Anywhere in the UK (the exam comes to you in that sense, via local centres).

• Many countries abroad, whether you’re an international or not in the UK, during the summer.

• If all else fails, potentially at home via online proctoring (with permission).

When booking, you’ll see available centres based on your address or preferences, so it’s straightforward to find a place.

Remember: You cannot take the UCAT at school or at university – it’s not like an exam you sit in your own hall. It must be at an authorised Pearson VUE venue (or their online system). There are no alternative locations, like the universities themselves, for UCAT; it’s all through Pearson’s network.

If you need to travel internationally to take it (some applicants do if their country doesn’t have a center), ensure your passport and visa (if needed) are sorted, and pick a date that fits your travel plan.

The main thing is to book early so you get a spot at your preferred centre. If you leave booking too late, sometimes local centres fill up, and you might have to go to a second-choice location.

What Can You Bring Into the UCAT Test Centre? (And Can You Bring Pen and Paper?)

Exam conditions for UCAT are strict. When you go to the test centre, you will need to store all your personal belongings in a locker before entering the test room. Here’s a rundown of what is and isn’t allowed:

• Mandatory to bring: a photo ID – usually a valid passport or driving licence. This ID must meet their requirements (government-issued, unexpired, with your photo, name matching your registration). They will check your ID and take your photo on arrival. If you do not bring proper ID, you will be turned away and will lose your fee. So don’t forget this most important item!

• Allowed in the test room: basically only you and your ID, and any approved comfort aids or accommodations. According to UCAT rules, “Nothing is allowed in the test room apart from indoor clothes, your photo ID, and permitted comfort aids/access items.”. This means:

  • You cannot bring your phone, bag, smartwatch, calculator, notes, wallets, keys, etc. into the room. All these go in a locker.

  • If you wear religious or medical attire (like a hijab, insulin pump), they have provisions – generally it’s fine, they might do a visual inspection and that’s it. Religious headwear is allowed; you may be asked to show your ears briefly to ensure no devices if you have a head covering.

  • Basic glasses (no smart glasses) are allowed if you need them for vision – they may inspect them.

  • Jewellery: usually advised to keep it minimal (nothing that could conceal info or make noise). Simple wedding band or small studs are fine; big digital watches are not (no watches at all, in fact).

  • Clothing: Wear comfortable clothing. Hat/cap (non-religious) probably not allowed. Hoodies, you might be asked to roll up your sleeves or push back the hood. They check arms for notes, etc.

• Can I bring a pen and paper? No, you cannot bring your own paper or pen into the exam. However, don’t worry – the test centre will provide you with a noteboard and pen for rough work. Specifically, it’s typically a laminated A4 booklet (or sheets) and a permanent marker pen. This serves as your “scratch paper.” If you fill it or the pen stops working, you can raise your hand and they’ll swap it for a new one during the test. The centre might provide one or two laminated sheets; some use a booklet of a few pages. You are not allowed to take any of your notes out; they wipe them clean after. So, do not bring your own paper, notes, or stationery – these will be considered contraband. Use the provided materials. Tip: sometimes markers have thick tips; practice writing calculations a bit large, or some bring their own fine-tip erasable pen if allowed (though policies vary year to year – generally, you must use the provided pen).

• Calculator: You cannot bring a physical calculator. But the test software has an on-screen calculator for the Quantitative Reasoning section (and it’s available in Decision Making as well for any needed calculations). It’s a basic four-function calculator with a few extras (square root, etc.). You’ll use the computer mouse (or keyboard shortcuts) to use it. So no need to bring any calculating device – in fact, none allowed.

• Phones and Electronics: All strictly prohibited in the testing room. You will turn off your phone and lock it away. Smartwatches, fitness trackers – also no. Basically, once checked in, you can’t access any device until after the test. If you need to check the time, the computer screen has a timer.

• Beverages/Food: Generally not allowed at your desk (to avoid spills). Even water isn’t allowed at the workstation. If you have a medical need (e.g., a diabetic needing sugar), that can be arranged with special approval (then you’d likely have a separate room or be allowed to step out for a break with supervision). Otherwise, no drinks or snacks during the 2-hour test – plan to be hydrated and fed beforehand. If you bring a water bottle, you’ll likely be asked to store it outside or, at best, leave it by the invigilator, not at your seat. It’s only 2 hours, so most manage without eating or drinking. (In practice, some centres might allow a clear water bottle in a locker break if you have a break, but UCAT has no scheduled breaks during the 2 hours unless you have the accommodation of rest breaks.)

• Other comfort items: You can bring certain things like tissue, cough drops if needed – usually they’d ask you to empty pockets and might allow a tissue if needed. Some test centers might have you turn out your pockets to ensure no notes. If you need e.g. a painkiller pill or something, better take it before. You can’t bring in things like lip balm or anything that could hide notes – I recall some places even restrict items like that. Best to minimize what you carry in.

When you arrive at the test centre:

• They’ll do an ID check and a photograph.

• You’ll sign a digital or paper form agreeing to test rules (no cheating, etc.).

• They’ll give you a locker to stow everything. Remember your locker number/key.

• They may do a quick security check – like asking you to roll up sleeves, empty pockets, pat you down with a metal detector wand, etc., to ensure you have no prohibited items. (This isn’t as intense as airport security, but similar idea – they might ask you to show ankles if you have baggy pants, etc.)

• Once cleared, they’ll provide your notebook and marker and maybe earplugs if you want them (or you can request them).

• An invigilator will then escort you into the test room and seat you at your computer.

So, the only things you should plan to have with you during the exam itself are: your ID, the computer and equipment provided (keyboard, mouse, onscreen tools), and the noteboard & pen given by the centre, plus optional earplugs or other approved aids. Everything else stays outside.

It’s worth noting that even your watch isn't allowed – there’s usually a clock on the screen, and they often have a wall clock. But since timing is built into the computer, a watch isn’t needed (and could cause issues or beep). So leave it in the locker.

If you need to use the toilet during the test, you can – but the test clock will not stop (unless you have rest breaks accommodation). You’d have to raise your hand, get escorted out to the restroom, then come back, all while your test time keeps running. Obviously, this eats into your time, so try to go beforehand. But if it’s an emergency, you can do it (just know you lose those minutes).

Pen and paper question in summary: No, you cannot bring your own pen/paper, but yes, you will be given a wipeable notepad and pen to use. Practice doing rough work with erasable marker if you can, as it feels different from pencil & paper.

Alright, now let’s clarify the calculator bit explicitly, since that was asked:

Are You Allowed a Calculator in the UCAT Test?

External calculators are NOT allowed, but an on-screen calculator is provided for certain sections. During the Quantitative Reasoning subtest (and also available in Decision Making), there is a simple calculator built into the test software. You access it by clicking a calculator icon or pressing a keyboard shortcut (usually Ctrl + Alt + C on Windows). It functions like a basic Windows calculator – it can add, subtract, multiply, divide, and do square roots and percentages. It’s not a scientific calculator (no advanced trig or anything, which you don’t need for UCAT).

So, you cannot bring your own calculator – leave that at home. The test centre will not let you use it. Instead, practice using the on-screen calculator that the UCAT uses. One tip: learn the keyboard number pad for speed, if you’re comfortable, because clicking with a mouse is slower. You might want to practice mental math and estimation too, because sometimes using the on-screen calculator can eat time, and some find it cumbersome. But it’s there for when you need precise calculations.

Important: Because the calculator is on-screen, if you have extra time (UCATSEN), the calculator is still the same – you just have more time to use it. If you have ZoomText/magnification, note that using the calculator might be a bit tricky since magnifying the screen can make switching between question and calculator slower. But it’s manageable.

In the Situational Judgement and Verbal sections, you won’t need a calculator at all. In Decision Making, a few questions may involve arithmetic (e.g., probabilities or interpreting numerical information), so the calculator is available in DM too.

Scratch work: You’ll likely do some math on the noteboard as well. Often, a combo of quick mental math + on-screen calculator for double-checking can be efficient.

So remember:

• No physical calculator, no calculator apps, nothing – just the provided digital one.

• Familiarise yourself with the UCAT calculator through practice tests (the official practice tests have the exact same calculator interface – use those to get used to it).

To directly answer: You’re not allowed to bring a calculator, but an on-screen calculator will be available for use during the testucat.ac.uk.

How Do I Contact UCAT Customer Services?

If you have any issues or questions that aren’t answered on the website – for example, problems with registration, booking, or you need to request a special accommodation – you can contact the UCAT Consortium’s customer support (which is run via Pearson VUE).

Contact methods:

• Phone: Call the Pearson VUE UCAT Customer Services helpline. In the UK, the number is 0208 616 5106 (outside the UK: +44 208 616 5106). The lines are open Monday to Friday, 08:00 to 17:00 UK time (8 am–5 pm), excluding UK public holidays. Calling is best for urgent issues like booking problems, name mismatches, or last-minute reschedules/cancellations when the website isn’t an option. The support staff can help with things like: trouble creating an account, payment issues, rescheduling after the deadline (they have to do it if booking closed), or technical issues encountered during the test (if you need to report an incident).

• Email: There is an online email form on the UCAT official website. You fill in your details and submit your query. They aim to reply within 3 working days (but in the busy season May–Oct it can take up to 5 days). Email is good for non-urgent inquiries or for sending documentation (though for bursary/access arrangements, there are specific upload processes). Examples of what to email: questions about ID requirements, queries about evidence for access arrangements, etc. Important: If a candidate wants someone else (e.g., a parent or teacher) to email on their behalf, the candidate must provide written consent due to data privacy. It’s usually best if you, the student, contact them directly to avoid that issue.

• UCAT Office Email: Some specific issues (like complex mitigating circumstances or questions about eligibility for certain things) might direct you to email the UCAT Office (which might be a different email address, possibly the one on their site, something like ucat@...). The contact page or FAQ will say when to email UCAT Office vs Pearson VUE. Generally Pearson VUE handles logistics (booking, tech issues), while the UCAT Office (Consortium staff) handle policy questions, access arrangement approvals, etc.. For example, bursary voucher refunds have a dedicated process via the email form, and incident queries have a test incident form.

• FAQs and Website: Before calling or emailing, it’s wise to check the FAQ section and the info pages, because many common questions (like “What ID is accepted?” or “I haven’t got my confirmation email yet”) are answered there. The contact page itself suggests reading FAQs first.

When contacting:

• Have your UCAT Candidate ID (something like UKCAT######) and your personal details handy so they can locate your account.

• If calling, expect to verify your name, email address, and possibly your address.

• If emailing, include your full name and Candidate ID in the message to speed things up.

The customer service is generally helpful with administrative issues. Just note that in peak times (like right near the booking deadline or results time), they might be very busy.

Typical reasons you might need to contact them:

• You haven’t received your account confirmation email after a day (check spam first; if still nothing, call them).

• You realise the name on your booking doesn’t exactly match your ID (e.g., you registered as Mike but your passport says Michael) – you’d need to get them to update your account name to match your ID.

• Payment issues: if your card was charged but the booking didn’t confirm, etc.

• To arrange accommodations that can’t be done online (like separate room booking).

• Technical issues on test day: if something goes wrong during your test (computer crashes, fire alarm, etc.), you would raise it at the centre first. But after, you might fill a Test Incident Form or contact UCAT office to report it formally so they can investigate and possibly offer a retake if justified.

For general inquiries, email might suffice. For anything urgent or related to booking, call is faster. They list distinct reasons for calling vs emailing on the contact page:

• Call for: account issues, booking issues, rescheduling/cancelling issues.

• Email for: bursary refunds, ID queries, name changes, general questions.

If you email, remember it could take a few days. If your test is soon and it’s urgent, calling is better.

A note about etiquette: The UCAT support deals with thousands of students, so be polite and clear. As a sixth-former, it’s a good experience to handle this yourself (universities appreciate applicants taking initiative).

So, the direct answer:
You can contact UCAT Customer Services by phone at 0208 616 5106 (Mon–Fri 8am–5pm UK time) for urgent queries. You can also reach them via the official email contact form for less urgent matters, typically receiving a response within a few working days. If you have specific issues, such as ID or name mismatches, or need to discuss access arrangements, they will guide you through the process.

That concludes our comprehensive Q&A on the UCAT! We’ve covered everything from the basics of the exam to the nitty-gritty of booking, preparation, and test day rules.

Preparing for the UCAT might seem daunting, but remember: with practice and the right approach, you can significantly improve your performance. Thousands of students each year manage this hurdle successfully, and you can too. Use the official resources, consider the tips and information provided here, and keep a positive mindset. The UCAT is just one step in your journey to medical or dental school – an important step, but one that you can conquer with determination and preparation. Good luck! 🎉

How to Prepare for the UCAT (Bonus Section)

(You didn’t specifically ask “How do I prepare for the UCAT?” above, but it was implied in the list, so let’s touch on it in closing.)

Preparing for the UCAT involves practice, familiarity with question types, and developing time management strategies. Here are some top tips:

• Start Early and Plan: Give yourself adequate time – many students prepare over the summer holiday, often for about 4–6 weeks of focused study. Some may start lightly earlier (e.g., doing a few questions during spring to get used to them) and then intensify. You don’t necessarily need 6 months of prep (unless you want to spread it out lightly), but don’t leave it until the last minute either. A common plan is ~6 weeks with a couple of hours of practice most days.

• Use Official Resources: The official UCAT website provides free practice tests and question banks which are very representative of the real exam. Start with those. They have fully timed practice exams you can take on your computer – do them! Many high-scorers report that the official question banks were the most accurate reflection of the test. The interface will be the same, so you’ll be comfortable on exam day.

• Practice Under Timed Conditions: In the beginning, you might practice questions untimed to learn how to approach them. But soon, move to timed practice. The biggest challenge is timing, so you must train yourself to work quickly. Do timed mini-tests for each section, and at least 2–3 full-length mock tests before the real thing. Simulate exam conditions (no interruptions, use the on-screen calculator, etc.).

• Review and Improve: After practice tests, review your answers – especially the ones you got wrong or ran out of time on. Identify which subtest or question type is your weakest. Then focus your practice on improving those areas. For example, if you struggle with Verbal passages, practice more of those and learn strategies (like scanning for keywords, or determining which questions to skip and return to if they’re time sinks). If mental math is slow, practice doing calculations faster or using estimation.

• Learn Strategies: Each UCAT section has known strategies (e.g., for Decision Making syllogisms, or for Situational Judgement “appropriateness” questions). Many free guides (and paid courses) share these strategies. For instance, for Abstract Reasoning (which no longer applies in 2025), people used to learn patterns; for Verbal Reasoning, a strategy is to read the question first, then skim the passage for the answer. Look up tips from official tutorials or reputable prep sites. The official UCAT site’s Question Tutorial videos are useful too.

• Speed vs Accuracy: Find the balance. You might not answer every question – and that’s okay. For example, some students find one type of Decision Making question (like evaluating arguments) takes too long, so they guess and move on to save time for others. Develop an intuition for when to make an educated guess and move on. There’s no negative marking, so never leave a question blank – if time is nearly up, guess any remaining questions.

• Keep Calm and Don’t Burn Out: The UCAT can feel overwhelming at first because of the time pressure. It’s important to practice staying calm under pressure. If you panic during a section, you might lose precious seconds. Practice breathing and resetting focus between sections. Also, take care of your well-being during prep – don’t study 10 hours a day; it’s counterproductive. Top scorers often mention not overworking and keeping it fun if possible. Schedule breaks and maintain hobbies so you don’t burn out. A fresh mind works better than an exhausted one.

• Use Peer Support or Forums: Sometimes discussing with others or reading about others’ experiences (e.g., on The Student Room or Reddit) can give insight or at least moral support. Just be mindful that everyone’s experience differs – focus on improving your own performance rather than comparing scores too much.

• Simulate Test Day: Do a full mock test at the same time of day as your actual booking, to train your brain for that hour. Practice with the same timing, same order of sections, minimal distractions. After a few mocks, the real exam will feel like “just another practice” which helps reduce anxiety.

• Day Before and Day Of: Don’t cram intensely the day before. Perhaps do a light review of your strategy notes or a few questions to stay fresh, but also relax. Get a good night’s sleep. On test day, have a normal meal, arrive early, and go in with a positive mindset. If you’ve prepared, trust yourself. During the exam, if one section goes poorly, shake it off and focus on the next – each section is scored separately, so a tough section doesn’t doom the others.

😊 Lastly, keep perspective: The UCAT is important, but it’s not an intelligence test or a measure of your worth. It’s a very particular exam. If it goes great, fantastic; if not, you can try again or adjust your application strategy (apply to schools that weigh it less, etc.). Many students initially find it “hard,” but with practice, you will improve, and it will become manageable. As one top scorer said, “When you first face the 2-hour exam with so many questions, it seems daunting. But build up gradually – focus on one section at a time, master it, then move on”. That’s great advice – break the challenge into parts and tackle them step by step.

You’ve got this! 💪

References and Further Reading

1. UCAT Consortium – Official Guide (UCAT 2025 Information) – Details on the UCAT exam structure, timing, and 2025 changes ucat.ac.uk

2. UCAT Consortium – Test Day Information – Official guidance on ID policy, test centre rules, and exam day procedures for UCAT ucat.ac.uk

3. UCAT Consortium – Access Arrangements & Bursary Scheme – Information on requesting extra time, accommodations for disabilities, and eligibility for bursary (fee waiver) ucat.ac.uk

4. University of Manchester – Medicine UCAT Guidance – Medical school website explaining the role of UCAT, preparation advice, and validity (score valid one year) bmh.manchester.ac.uk

5. University of Cambridge – Undergraduate Medicine Entry Requirements – Cambridge’s admissions page noting UCAT usage (required for 2026 entry) and how they consider the scores undergraduate.study.cam.ac.uk

6. UCAS – Admissions Tests Guide – UCAS information listing which universities use the UCAT and other admissions tests for medicine and dentistry ucas.com