What is the UKCAT®?
The UKCAT stands for UK Clinical Aptitude Test, and is required for entry to a medical/dentistry degree at many British universities.
The UKCAT is a computer-based test taken at Pearson Vue Centres between July and October every year.
Which Universities require the UKCAT?
Aberdeen, Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, Dundee, East Anglia, Edinburgh, Exeter, Glasgow, Hull York Medical School, Keele, King’s College London, Leicester, Liverpool, Manchester, Newcastle, Nottingham, Plymouth, Queen Mary- University of London, Queen’s University Belfast, Sheffield, Southampton, St. Andrew’s, St. George’s London and Warwick (grad only).
What is tested on the UKCAT?
The UKCAT test consists of 5 sections. The time granted to answer the questions in each section is reflected below, there will be an additional 1 minute of time granted per section to read instructions.
| Section |
Questions |
Timing |
Scoring |
|---|
| Verbal Reasoning |
44 |
21 minutes |
300-900 |
| Decision Making* |
29 |
31 minutes |
300-900 |
| Quantitative Reasoning |
36 |
24 minutes |
300-900 |
| Abstract Reasoning |
55 |
13 minutes |
300-900 |
| Situational Judgement |
69 |
26 minutes |
Band 1- 4 |
New for 2017! Decision Making, the piloted subtest in 2016, is an official section for the 2017 test and will contribute to your final test score.
What is the average UKCAT score?
In their annual report, the UKCAT Consortium release average scores, broken down by section of the test. Below are the figures from the 2016 UKCAT sitting:
Verbal reasoning: 573
Quantitative reasoning: 690
Abstract reasoning: 630
Situational Judgement: N/A
Total scaled score: 1893
What is the SJTace?
The SJTace is the Situational Judgement test for Admission to Clinical Education. It is used for Graduate entry to Medical Programmes in two Scottish Universities: the University of St Andrews, and the University of Dundee.
The registration and testing deadlines for this test follow that of the UKCAT. Candidates who sit the UKCAT will not need to sit the SJTace as it is identical to the Situational Judgement section in the UKCAT.
When do I sit the UKCAT?
Below are the key dates for the UKCAT in 2017.
Registration opens: 2nd May 2017
Testing begins: 3rd July 2017
Registration deadline: 19th September 2017
Bursary application deadline: 19 September 2017
Last test date: 3rd October 2017
UCAS application deadline: 15 October 2017
How much does the UKCAT cost?
£65 before 31st August 2017
£85 from 1st September 2017 onwards
£115 for Non-EU test-takers
Bursaries are available to cover the cost of the test. See www.ukcat.ac.uk for application details.
For further information about the UKCAT test and to register* please visit www.ukcat.ac.uk.
*We encourage all students to register early for the UKCAT, particularly if you would like a Test Date in September. Test Centres can fill up, so book early to avoid having to travel to an alternative test centre.
