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, Buckingham, Cardiff, Dundee, Durham, 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 |
unscored |
| Quantitative Reasoning |
36 |
24 minutes |
300-900 |
| Abstract Reasoning |
55 |
13 minutes |
300-900 |
| Situational Judgement |
69 |
26 minutes |
Band 1- 4 |
*New for 2016! Decision Making is a piloted new subtest and will not contribute to your final test score. To find out more about the 2016 test change, check out our UKCAT Blog for the latest updates.
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 2015 UKCAT sitting:
Verbal reasoning: 577
Quantitative reasoning: 685
Abstract reasoning: 640
Decision analysis: 629
Situational Judgement: N/A
Total scaled score: 2,531 (up from 2,505 in 2014)
When do I sit the UKCAT?
Below are the key dates for the UKCAT in 2016.
Registration opens: 3 May 2016
Testing begins: 1st July 2016
Registration deadline: 21 September 2016
Bursary application deadline: 21 September 2016
Last test date: 5 October 2016
UCAS application deadline: 15 October 2016
How much does the UKCAT cost?
£65 before 31st August 2016
£80 from 1st September 2016 onwards
£100 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.
