Overview
The UCAT is a computer-based test of the thinking skills and behaviours needed in medicine and dentistry. It has four multiple-choice subtests and lasts just under two hours. It is taken once a year, in summer, at Pearson VUE test centres in the UK and over 130 countries.
Who it is for
- Students applying for medicine at UK universities
- Students applying for dentistry at UK universities
- Applicants to UCAT International Partner universities
- Pakistani and other international students applying to UK medical schools
Versions
UCAT
The standard test for UK and partner universities.
UCAT ANZ
A separate sitting with identical content, for universities in Australia and New Zealand. You cannot take both in the same year.
OnVUE UCAT
Online proctored testing for candidates who cannot reach a test centre. Must be applied for.
Where it is accepted
- Medicine and dentistry admission at UK universities
- Admission at UCAT International Partner universities
- Australian and New Zealand medical and dental schools (via UCAT ANZ)
Always check the current requirements of the university, employer, regulator or visa authority you are applying to.
Test format
| Section | What it involves |
|---|---|
| Verbal Reasoning | 44 questions, 22 minutes (plus 1 min 30 s instructions). |
| Decision Making | 35 questions, 37 minutes (plus 1 min 30 s instructions). |
| Quantitative Reasoning | 36 questions, 26 minutes (plus 2 min instructions). |
| Situational Judgement | 69 questions, 26 minutes (plus 1 min 30 s instructions). |
Total time: Just under 2 hours (111 minutes of subtests plus instruction time)
Scores and validity
- Scoring
- Verbal Reasoning, Decision Making and Quantitative Reasoning are each scored 300–900, giving a total of 900–2700. Situational Judgement is reported in Bands 1–4 (Band 1 is highest). No negative marking and no pass mark.
- Validity
- Results are used for the admissions cycle in the year you sit the test. You may test only once per year.
How long results take is shown at the top of this page.
Fees
UCAT taken outside the UK (e.g. Pakistan)
GBP 115
Source (opens in a new tab)UCAT taken in the UK
GBP 70
Source (opens in a new tab)
| Item | Official fee | Source |
|---|---|---|
| UCAT taken outside the UK (e.g. Pakistan) | GBP 115 | Source (opens in a new tab) |
| UCAT taken in the UK | GBP 70 | Source (opens in a new tab) |
Fees are set by the test owner, were checked on 21 October 2026, and can change. Confirm the price when you book. GAPICT never takes exam fees.
On test day
Identification
An original, unexpired photo ID with signature, whose name matches your UCAT account. A passport is accepted anywhere; a government ID card is accepted only in the country that issued it.
Arrive early, bring only what the test owner allows, and expect identity checks and a photo at check-in. Read our test day guide and exam day FAQs.
How to book
Exam seats for UCAT are booked and paid on the test owner's own system. Delivered through: Pearson VUE.
- 1
Create a UCAT account on ucat.ac.uk and book a Pearson VUE test centre slot during the booking period.
- 2
Create or sign in to your account on the official booking site.
- 3
Choose your exam, then a test centre, date and time.
- 4
Pay the exam fee to the test owner and keep your confirmation email.
- 5
Check the ID rules and arrive early on test day.
You book and pay in your Pearson VUE account. Rescheduling deadlines (often 24–48 hours) and fees are set by each exam programme.
Need help booking?
We can walk you through the test owner's registration, step by step.
GAPICT's status with these organisations
- Pearson VUEEnquiry made
UCAT FAQs
When can I take the UCAT?
Can I take the UCAT in Pakistan?
Is Abstract Reasoning still in the test?
Can I resit in the same year?
Sources
Facts on this page were checked against these official sources on 21 October 2026. If anything here differs from the test owner's website, the owner's website is correct.
- UCAT – Test format (opens in a new tab)
- UCAT – FAQs (opens in a new tab)
- UCAT – Test dates (opens in a new tab)
- UCAT – ID policy (opens in a new tab)
- UCAT – OnVUE testing (opens in a new tab)
UCAT and related names are trademarks of their owners and are used here only to describe the test. GAPICT is independent of UCAT Consortium, is not endorsed by it, and is not currently an authorised centre for this test.