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UCAT Format

What is the structure of the UCAT exam?

 UCAT Structure and Format 

The information below has been extracted from the VUE Pearson official website.

The UCAT is just under a two-hour computer-based test, which assesses a range of abilities identified by universities as important to practising in the fields of medicine/dentistry/clinical sciences.  The test consists of 4 separately timed subtests which each of which contains a number of questions in a multiple-choice format.  Once started the test cannot be paused for a break, but before each subtest, there is a timed instruction section.  

Candidates either sit the standard test or apply for an extended version of the test if they are entitled to extra time due to a documented medical condition or disability. 

UCAT Sections 2025 (each section scored 300-900)

Number of questions

Subtest timing

 

Verbal Reasoning 
Assesses the ability to critically evaluate information presented in a written form.

44

1 minute 30 seconds instruction section

22 minutes test time

 

Decision Making
Assesses the ability to make sound decisions and judgements using complex information.

35

1 minute 30 seconds instruction section

37 minutes test time

 

Quantitative Reasoning
Assesses the ability to critically evaluate information presented in a numerical form.

36

2-minute instruction section

26 minutes test time

 

Situational Judgement
Measures the capacity to understand real world situations and to identify critical factors and appropriate behaviour in dealing with them.

69

1 minute 30 seconds instruction section

26 minutes test time

 

 

UCAT 2026 testing begins in...


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