OnVUE Online Proctored Testing

Most candidates sit their UCAT in a Pearson VUE test centre. Our computer-based test is designed to be delivered in a test centre environment.  This offers the best, most secure experience for candidates. 

Online proctored testing, using the Pearson VUE OnVUE platform, offers an option for candidates unable to test at a test centre. 

The OnVUE UCAT is sat in your home or other private location whilst you are monitored by an offsite proctor via webcam and microphone.  Test content is the same as tests delivered in test centres.  

When can I sit the OnVUE UCAT?

OnVUE UCAT testing takes place in a different test window (7 July to 19 September 2025).

Applications to sit the OnVUE UCAT can be made between 17 June (09:30 BST) and 16 September (17:00 BST).


Who may be eligible to sit the OnVUE UCAT? 

Geographic grounds

You may be eligible to sit the OnVUE UCAT if one of the following apply:

  • You live, work or are studying in a country where there is no test centre.
  • You live, work or are studying in a country where the nearest test centre is a significant distance or travel time away.
  • You live, work or are studying in a country where travel to a test centre is difficult because of pandemic, war, civil unrest or natural disaster.

Find a Pearson VUE Test Centre


Medical grounds

If you have a documented disability or medical condition where your needs cannot be met in a test centre (e.g. testing in a separate room) we may allow you to sit the OnVUE UCAT.

Requests should be made through an Access Arrangement Application by 16 September 2025 (12 noon BST).


Other eligibility considerations 

Online proctored testing is not suitable for all eligible candidates for reasons outlined below:


Restricted Countries

Pearson VUE cannot deliver online proctored exams to candidates with a registered address in China (including Macau), Cuba, Iran, North Korea, the province of Quebec (Canada), Sudan, Syria, Russia, Belarus and the Donetsk, Luhansk, Sevastopol, and Crimea regions of Ukraine.


Identification and Permission for Under 18's to Test

Candidates must meet the specific ID Policy for the OnVUE UCAT (which is different to the test centre policy).

Candidates under 18 must have a parent/guardian (with approved ID) present at the start of their OnVUE UCAT.

Pearson VUE cannot accept IDs from Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Sudan, Syria, Russia, Belarus and the Donetsk, Luhansk, Sevastopol, and Crimea regions of Ukraine for online testing purposes.


Technical Requirements and Environment

To sit the OnVUE UCAT you will need:

  • the correct technical equipment.
  • to have run the System Test to check your equipment meets minimum requirements.
  • a reliable and stable internet connection (speeds of at least 12 Mbps down and 3 Mbps up are required). Testing on a wired network is recommended.
  • access to a quiet room where you will not be disturbed for the duration of your test.
  • the correct note taking materials.

A minority of candidates taking the test at home may encounter technical issues. Connectivity issues may slow some of the functionality in the test (operating the calculator or using shortcuts)

In most cases, this will be because candidates have not run the System Test or their internet connection is not robust enough to support taking the OnVUE UCAT without interruption.


Access Arrangements

Access arrangements, such as extra time or rest breaks can be supported in the OnVUE UCAT. 

However, there are different timings for some of the extended versions of the test for candidates testing online.

You are not permitted to leave your room during the test. Rest breaks must be taken at your desk and you must stay within your webcam view at all times.

Apart from permitted note taking materials, any comfort aids or approved access arrangements, your desktop must be clear. 


How can I check whether I can test at test centre? 

The easiest way to check test centre availability is by following the steps to schedule a test through your UCAT account once booking opens on 17 June.

If you are unable to sit your test at a test centre on geographic grounds, please make an application to sit the OnVUE UCAT. 


How do I apply to sit the OnVUE UCAT on geographic grounds? 

Applications to sit the OnVUE UCAT on geographic grounds open on 17 June (09:30 BST) and close on 16 September (17:00 BST).

Supporting Evidence

You must upload evidence which confirms your current address to verify your eligibility.

Acceptable evidence includes:

  • proof of address in your name, such as:
    • a valid driving licence
    • a recent utility bill (e.g. gas or electricity, landline phone)
    • a recent bank or building society statement
    • a recent letter from a government Benefits Agency
  • a recent letter (on headed paper) from your school/college or place of work which confirms your current address and circumstances.

UCAT may request additional evidence if the initial supporting documentation is not sufficient to verify eligibility.

If you are struggling to obtain evidence, please email the UCAT Office for advice.

ONVUE UCAT APPLICATION (LINK OPENS 17 JUNE)


Applications from UK candidates unable to find a test slot will be rejected. Additional appointments in late August and September are held back and released each morning as Pearson VUE manages demand across test centres. Please keep checking local test centre availability through your UCAT Account.