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 between 8 July and 20 September.

Applications to sit the OnVUE UCAT can be made between 18 June and 12 noon (BST) on 16 September.


Who may be 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

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 23:59 (BST) on 15 September 2024.


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), South Korea, Sudan, 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 VUE cannot accept IDs from Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Sudan, 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.
  • to have run the System Test to check your equipment meets minimum requirements.
  • a stable internet connection.
  • 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 should 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 18 June.

Please do not contact the UCAT Office or Pearson VUE Customer Services before 18 June as we are unable to advise on availability until booking opens.  This is because we operate a live booking system and availability may change between now and the start of testing.

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


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

Applications to sit the OnVUE UCAT for geographic reasons open at 09:30 on 18 June and close at 12 noon (BST) on 16 September.  

We reserve the right to request evidence to verify your eligibility.

ONVUE UCAT APPLICATIONS (LINK OPENS 18 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.