Access Arrangements

Access arrangements are available for candidates with learning difficulties, disabilities and other medical conditions.

Access arrangements should be arranged in advance of testing.

Arrangements not requiring approval

The following are allowed into the testing room after visual inspection and do not require prior approval:

Items on the Pearson VUE Comfort Aid List
Non-electronic ear defenders or earplugs (must not have Bluetooth capabilities or be able to connect to any device).
Coloured overlay (supplied by the candidate). Overlays should lie flat against the screen (kept in place by static) or in a frame that sits on top of the monitor. Monitors in most UK test centres are 24" flat screen.

The following do not require approval but should be arranged at least 5 working days in advance of testing by calling Pearson VUE Customer Services:

Wheelchair access or adjustable height desk (subject to test centre availability)
Screen magnification or colour contrast features (provided using 'ZoomText').
- most test centres use version 2023;
- prior familiarity is strongly recommended - Download a free ZoomText trial

You must apply to the UCAT Office for approval to put rest breaks, extra test time, or special accommodations in place.

Rest breaks are approved if you are entitled to these to manage a disability during testing.
Rest breaks (which equate to 10 minutes per hour of testing) may be used to pause-the-clock and take a break without losing test time.
You are limited to a maximum of 3 rest breaks in each subtest or introduction screen.
Read the guidance on pause-the-clock rest breaks and see the timings of tests with rest breaks.

Extra test time is approved if you are entitled to more time to read or process test content due to a disability which has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on speed of working.
Extra test time will not be normally approved if you are applying for additional time because English is not your first language.
As the UCAT test is computer-based, extra test time will not be approved if your request only relates to handwriting issues.
Find out about the timings of tests with extra test time.

In most cases 25% extra test time (with rest breaks if appropriate) is sufficient.

Approval for a separate room is only given if your evidence specifies you are entitled to 1:1 invigilation. Test centre rooms usually accommodate up to 15 candidates and meet the requirement for testing in a smaller room.
Separate rooms are subject to test centre availability.
Separate rooms are not soundproofed or quieter than the main testing area. You should request earplugs to limit disruption.

Approval is only required for items not considered Comfort Aids.
Evidence must support the need for continuous or immediate access to these items.
This usually requires a separate room (see above), which is subject to test centre availability.
Items not approved must be stored in a designated place at the test centre and used outside the testing room. This also applies if a separate room is not available.
Food/drink must not be placed or consumed near the workstation. You are responsible for damage related to these items.
Candidates with diabetes should refer to this information.

Online proctored testing may be appropriate to support candidates with disabilities/medical conditions who would not be able to sit their test at a test centre.
- Evidence must confirm your access needs would not be met in a test centre separate room.
- We will also consider whether you are currently attending school or work in-person.
Access arrangements available for online proctored testing are different to those we can support at a test centre. Online proctored testing is unlikely to be approved if you would be disadvantaged by testing online (e.g. if other accommodations cannot be supported for security reasons).
Find out the timings of online proctored tests.
Online proctored testing takes place in a different test window (7 July to 19 September).
Other eligibility considerations are outlined here.