UCAT Test Format

The UCAT assesses a range of mental abilities identified by university medical and dental schools as important.

The test consists of four separately timed subtests in multiple-choice format:

  • Verbal Reasoning assesses your ability to critically evaluate information presented in a written form
  • Decision Making assess your ability to make sound decisions and judgements using complex information
  • Quantitative Reasoning assesses your ability to critically evaluate information presented in a numerical form
  • Situational Judgement measures your capacity to understand real world situations and to identify critical factors and appropriate behaviour in dealing with them

The standard test is just under 2 hours. Once the test has started it cannot be paused but each subtest is preceded by a timed instruction section.

Subtest Questions Instruction section UCAT Subtest Time Scoring
Verbal Reasoning 44 1 minute 30 seconds 22 minutes 300 - 900
Decision Making 35 1 minute 30 seconds 37 minutes 300 - 900
Quantitative Reasoning 36 2 minutes 26 minutes 300 - 900
Situational Judgement 69 1 minute 30 seconds 26 minutes Bands 1 - 4

Eligible candidates can apply for Access Arrangements to sit an extended version of the test.


UCAT Scoring

Candidates will receive a total score of 900-2700 and a Situational Judgement Band. Detailed scoring information can be found on the UCAT Scoring page.


UCAT Subtests

The information below provides an overview of the four subtests.

More detailed information can be found in the Question Tutorials. The tutorials include general advice on how to approach the test as well as in-depth tips and strategies on how to approach and answer each of the different question types within all four subtests.

You should also use the free, Official UCAT Preparation Advice and Resources and Question Banks and Practice Tests to prepare for your test.

Verbal Reasoning

Decision Making

Quantitative Reasoning

Situational Judgement Test