OnVUE Online Proctored Testing
The majority of candidates will 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 our 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 10 July and 22 September.
Applications to sit the OnVUE UCAT can be made between 20 June and 12 noon (BST) on 19 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
You may be eligible to sit the OnVUE UCAT for medical reasons. Please refer to information at the bottom of this page.
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, 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 accommodations, your desktop should be clean.
How can I check whether I can test at test centre?
The easiest way for candidates to check test centre availability is by following the steps to schedule a test through their UCAT account once booking opens on 20 June.
Please do not contact the UCAT Office or Pearson VUE Customer Services before 20 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 test cycle opening.
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 20 June and close at 12 noon (BST) on 19 September.
We reserve the right to request evidence to verify your eligibility.
APPLY FOR THE ONVUE UCAT (OPENS 20 JUNE)
Applications from UK candidates unable to find a test slot will be rejected. Additional test slots will become available as Pearson VUE manage capacity in test centres during August and September. Please keep checking local test centre availability through your UCAT Account.
Can I sit the OnVUE UCAT for medical reasons?
Requests to sit the OnVUE UCAT for medical reasons should be made through an Access Arrangement Application.
Your evidence must support the need for you to sit an online proctored test. Ensure you clearly state you are applying to sit the OnVUE UCAT in the details section of the application form.
All applications must be received by 12 noon (BST) on 19 September 2023.
Please refer to the Access Arrangement page for more information.
Before making an access arrangement application ensure you have read the section ‘Other eligibility considerations’ on this page.
