OnVUE Online Proctored Testing

Applications to sit the OnVUE UCAT 2026 will open on 23 June 09:30 BST and close on 10 September 15:00 BST. Applications are not accepted outside these dates.

Most candidates sit their UCAT in a Pearson test centre. This offers the best, most secure experience for our candidates.

UCAT offers online proctored testing, using the Pearson OnVUE platform, for candidates unable to test at a test centre who meet certain criteria.

The OnVUE UCAT is sat at home or in another private location. 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 between 13 July and 20 September 2026.

Applications to sit the OnVUE UCAT can be made between 23 June (09:30 BST) and 10 September (15:00 BST).


Am I eligible to sit the OnVUE UCAT? 

Geographic Reasons

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 Reasons

Online proctored testing may be appropriate in very exceptional circumstances to support candidates with disabilities/medical conditions who are not able to sit their test at a test centre.

Requests should be made through an Access Arrangement Application by 10 September 2026 (15:00 BST).


Other eligibility considerations 

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


Restricted Countries

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


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 cannot accept IDs from Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Syria, Russia, Belarus and some regions of Ukraine (Donetsk, Luhansk, Sevastopol, Crimea) for online testing purposes.


Technical Requirements and Environment

To sit the OnVUE UCAT you will need:

  • the correct technical equipment that meets or exceeds the recommended specifications.
  • to have run the 'System Test' to check your equipment meets minimum requirements.
  • a reliable and stable internet connection speed.
  • access to a quiet room where they 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. 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.

Advice on avoiding testing issues is provided on the OnVUE Test Day page.

Access Arrangements

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

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

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


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

Test centre availability can be checked by following the steps to schedule a test through your UCAT account once booking opens on 23 June.

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


How do I apply to sit the OnVUE UCAT for geographic reasons?

If you are eligible to sit the OnVUE UCAT you should apply through your UCAT account at least 10 working days before you intend to book a test.

Applications must be received by the published deadlines or they will not be processed.

  • OnVUE applications open: 23 June 2026 (09:30 BST)
  • Application and evidence deadline: 10 September 2026 (15:00 BST)

Your application should include details of your nearest test centre and an estimate of distance/travel time to it.

You should check local test centre availability by following the steps to schedule a test through your UCAT account before making an application.

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 regularly as Pearson VUE manages demand across test centres. Please keep checking local test centre availability through your UCAT Account.

Supporting Evidence

You must upload appropriate evidence (such as proof of address) to verify 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.

Supporting evidence must usually be written in English.

UCAT reserves the right to request additional evidence if initial supporting documentation is not considered sufficient.

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

Application Outcomes

Applications are usually processed within 5 working days and you will be emailed the outcome of your application.

You are advised to contact the UCAT Consortium Office if you have not received an email within this timeframe (after checking junk/spam folders). UCAT will not normally take action if a candidate fails to follow this advice and misses a key deadline.

Decisions regarding are made in the UCAT Consortium Office. On occasion, advice from the UCAT Board and/or external advice may be requested to support decision making.

Candidates will be advised of one of the following outcomes:

Outcome 1: Approved

Applications to sit the OnVUE UCAT supported by correct evidence will be approved. The confirmation email will advise you of the steps you need to take to either book a test and/or arrange any relevant accommodations before the booking deadline.

Outcome 2: Rejected

Applications may be rejected if:

  • you are not entitled to sit the OnVUE UCAT.
  • you have failed to provide sufficient evidence to support your application.

If your application has been rejected you will be provided with a written explanation of the decision made by the UCAT Consortium Office.

If appropriate, you will be advised of alternative arrangements which could be put in place that may meet or partially meet your needs.

If evidence is missing, unclear, or does not meet the stated requirements, you will be given further opportunities to meet the evidence requirements. New evidence must meet the usual deadlines.

Read the full UCAT OnVUE (Online Proctored Testing) Policy.