Candidates with Diabetes

Candidates with diabetes may need access arrangements to manage their condition during their test.


What access arrangements are available?

The following access arrangements are available if you have diabetes:

  • Pause-the-clock rest breaks.
  • Taking food or drink into the test room.
  • Taking a blood sugar monitor and insulin treatment into the test room.


What access arrangements do not require approval?

Items on the Pearson Comfort Aid List such as glucose tablets or an inaudible continuous glucose monitor/insulin pump (attached to your body), are allowed into the test room after visual inspection and do not require prior approval.


What access arrangements require approval?

You must apply for approval to have the following access arrangements before you book your test:

  • Pause-the-clock rest breaks - the standard UCAT with rest breaks has 20 minutes available for pause-the-clock breaks.
  • *Food in a small transparent plastic bag or *Drinks (including water) in a transparent, spill-proof bottle with a spout.
  • *Blood sugar monitor and *Insulin treatment – this refers to items not on the comfort aid list.
  • *Mobile phone as a diabetes-monitoring device – must not contain a SIM card (i.e. no access to a mobile network) and this must be demonstrated to test centre staff.
  • *Medical devices that make noise.

*These arrangements require a separate room which is subject to test centre availability.


How do I apply for access arrangements that require approval?

Details of how to apply for access arrangements can be found here: Apply for Access Arrangements 


What if I become ill during testing?

Candidates who become unwell during testing are permitted to stop their test and can be supported to arrange a new test booking. This includes flare-ups or significant worsening of a candidate’s existing disability or medical condition (i.e. difficulties over and above those supported by approved access arrangements).

  • If you become unwell during your test, please raise your hand immediately to notify the invigilator.
  • If continuing would affect your test performance, you should ask to end your test. Staff cannot make this decision for you.
  • Ensure you obtain an incident case number before you leave the test centre.
  • You must then contact the UCAT Office as soon as possible (by submitting a Help Request via their UCAT account) to arrange a new test booking.

If a candidate chooses to continue testing, UCAT will not normally take action or allow the candidate to withdraw their fitness to test declaration.