UCAT – University Clinical Aptitude Test

1. Overview of the UCAT

The UCAT is designed to assess a range of mental abilities identified by universities as important for healthcare professionals. The test is divided into five sections:

1. Verbal Reasoning – Assesses the ability to critically evaluate information presented in a written form.
2. Decision Making – Assesses the ability to make sound decisions and judgements using complex information.
3. Quantitative Reasoning – Assesses the ability to critically evaluate information presented in a numerical form.
4. Abstract Reasoning – Assesses the use of convergent and divergent thinking to infer relationships from information.
5. Situational Judgement – Measures the capacity to understand real-world situations and to identify critical factors and appropriate behaviour in dealing with them.

The UCAT is a computer-based test, and is typically taken in July and August each year.

2. How to Prepare for the UCAT

Preparation for the UCAT involves a combination of revising basic academic skills, improving problem-solving abilities, and familiarising oneself with the test format. Here are some resources to help you prepare:

• Official UCAT Practice Tests and Resources: The UCAT consortium provides free practice tests and resources on its website.
• UCAT Online Courses

3. How to Register for the UCAT

Registration for the UCAT is completed online through the official UCAT website. During registration, you will choose a test date and location. It’s recommended to register and schedule your test as early as possible to secure your preferred date and location.

Please note: There are no academic eligibility criteria to sit the UCAT, but you must plan to apply to a participating university.

4. After the UCAT

Your UCAT score will be available to you immediately after the test. These scores are then sent to your chosen universities (as indicated during the registration process). Each university uses the UCAT score differently, so it’s important to check with each institution to understand how they use the scores in their selection process.

5. Contact Information

For more information about the UCAT, you can visit the official website or contact the UCAT Consortium directly:

• UCAT UK Website: https://www.ucat.ac.uk/
• UCAT ANZ (Australia and New Zealand) Website: https://www.ucat.edu.au/
• UCAT Customer Services: https://www.ucat.ac.uk/contact-us/

We hope this guide serves as a helpful starting point for your journey towards preparing for the UCAT. Good luck with your academic pursuits!