UCAT Test Format

The UCAT assesses a range of mental abilities identified by university medical and dental schools as important.

The test consists of five separately timed subtests in multiple-choice format:

  • Verbal Reasoning assesses your ability to critically evaluate information presented in a written form
  • Decision Making assess your ability to make sound decisions and judgements using complex information
  • Quantitative Reasoning assesses your ability to critically evaluate information presented in a numerical form
  • Abstract Reasoning assesses your use of convergent and divergent thinking to infer relationships from information
  • Situational Judgement measures your capacity to understand real world situations and to identify critical factors and appropriate behaviour in dealing with them

The standard test is 2 hours. Once the test has started it cannot be paused but each subtest is preceded by a 1 minute instruction section.

Eligible candidates can apply for Access Arrangements to sit an extended version of the test. 

UCAT Subtests Questions Test Time Score
Verbal Reasoning 44 21 minutes 300 - 900
Decision Making 29 31 minutes 300 - 900
Quantitative Reasoning 36 25 minutes 300 - 900
Abstract Reasoning 50 12 minutes 300 - 900
Situational Judgement 69 26 minutes Bands 1 - 4


UCAT Scoring

Read detailed information on how the UCAT is scored.


UCAT Subtests

The information below provides an overview of the five subtests. More detailed information can be found in the Question Tutorials. The tutorials include general advice on how to approach the test as well as in-depth tips and strategies on how to approach and answer each of the different question types within all five subtests.

Verbal Reasoning

Decision Making

Quantitative Reasoning

Abstract Reasoning

Situational Judgement Test

Preparation advice and resources