Free UCAT Practice Test : Exam Questions & Study Guide
The UCAT exam (University Clinical Aptitude Test) is a crucial admissions test used by a consortium of UK and international universities for their medical and dental degree programs. It assesses a range of mental abilities identified as important for practicing in the fields of medicine and dentistry. Our free UCAT practice test questions help you familiarize yourself with the UCAT test format and question styles.
This comprehensive guide covers all five subtests: verbal reasoning UCAT, decision making, quantitative reasoning, abstract reasoning, and situational judgement UCAT. Whether you are preparing for the standard assessment or the UCAT ANZ (Australia and New Zealand version), mastering these sections through consistent UCAT practice is key to achieving a high decile score.
Did you know? The UCAT exam does not contain any curriculum content or science questions. It focuses entirely on cognitive attributes. This means you cannot revise for it in the traditional sense, but you can significantly improve your score through familiarity with the UCAT questions and timed practice.
Free UCAT Practice Test Questions
Prepare for your assessment with our free UCAT practice test modules. Each section focuses on a specific subtest to help you target your weak areas. Regular practice with these UCAT sample questions is essential for managing the strict time limits.
UCAT Exam Flashcards
Quick revision for key UCAT concepts
UCAT Exam Study Guide
Our comprehensive UCAT preparation guide breaks down everything you need to know. From the basic structure to detailed UCAT tips for each subtest, this resource is designed to help you maximize your UCAT score.
| What is the UCAT exam? | The UCAT exam (University Clinical Aptitude Test) is an admissions test used by medical and dental schools in the UK, Australia (UCAT ANZ), and New Zealand to assess cognitive abilities. |
| Who takes the UCAT? | Students applying to medicine or UCAT dentistry programs at participating universities must sit the exam during the summer before their application deadline. |
| What is UCAT ANZ? | The UCAT ANZ is the version of the test administered in Australia and New Zealand. The content and format are identical to the UK version. |
| Is it hard? | Yes, the UCAT test is challenging due to the strict time limits. UCAT preparation focusing on speed and accuracy is essential for success. |
| What are the sections? | The test consists of five subtests: Verbal Reasoning UCAT, Decision Making, Quantitative Reasoning, Abstract Reasoning, and Situational Judgement. |
| How many questions? | There are 228 multiple-choice questions in total. You have approximately 2 hours to complete the entire UCAT exam. |
| Is there a calculator? | Yes, a simple on-screen UCAT calculator is available for the quantitative reasoning and decision making sections. |
| How is it scored? | The first four cognitive subtests are scored between 300-900. The situational judgement UCAT section is scored in bands (Band 1 to Band 4). |
| How do I register? | You must register for a UCAT account on the Pearson VUE website. Registration typically opens in May or June each year. |
| When are the dates? | UCAT exam dates usually run from July to late September. It is best to book early to secure your preferred test center and time. |
| What is the cost? | The UCAT cost is approximately £70 for tests taken in the UK and £115 for tests taken outside the UK. UCAT bursary schemes are available for eligible UK candidates. |
| Can I reschedule? | Yes, you can reschedule your UCAT test via your Pearson VUE account, provided you do so within the allowed timeframe before your appointment. |
| When do I get results? | You receive your UCAT score report immediately after finishing the test at the test center. |
| What is a good score? | A good score varies by year, but generally, a total score above 2600-2700 is competitive. A Band 1 or 2 in situational judgement UCAT is preferred. |
| How do unis use it? | Universities use UCAT scores differently; some have a cutoff score, while others use it as a significant factor in interview selection. |
| How long is it valid? | UCAT results are only valid for the admissions cycle in which the test is taken (one year). You cannot use last year's score. |
| How to prepare? | Start early with a UCAT practice test to identify weaknesses. Use UCAT question bank resources to practice daily. |
| What are top tips? | Practice time management. Don't get stuck on difficult UCAT questions; guess and move on. Use keyboard shortcuts for the calculator. |
| Verbal Reasoning tips? | Read the question first, then scan the text. Verbal reasoning UCAT requires quick information synthesis, not deep reading. |
| Abstract Reasoning tips? | Learn common patterns (SCANS: Shape, Color, Arrangement, Number, Size). UCAT abstract reasoning relies on quick pattern recognition. |
UCAT Test Format and Structure
The UCAT exam is a computer-based test delivered in Pearson VUE centers. It is divided into five separately timed subtests. Understanding the unique demands of each section is critical for your UCAT preparation.
Assesses ability to critically evaluate written information.
- Topics: General topics, not science-based.
- Questions: 44 questions in 21 minutes.
Tests ability to make sound decisions and judgments.
- Topics: Text, charts, tables, graphs.
- Questions: 29 questions in 31 minutes.
Evaluates numerical problem-solving skills.
- Topics: Financial, percentages, ratios.
- Questions: 36 questions in 25 minutes.
Assesses ability to identify patterns and relationships.
- Topics: Geometric shapes, set A/B.
- Questions: 50 questions in 12 minutes.
Measures capacity to understand real world situations.
- Topics: Medical ethics, teamwork.
- Questions: 69 questions in 26 minutes.
How your performance is calculated and reported.
- Topics: 300-900 per section + Bands.
- Questions: Total score 1200-3600.
The UCAT exam is time-pressured. You have less than 15 seconds per question in Abstract Reasoning. Practice "triage" strategies—quickly answering easy questions and flagging harder ones to guess later. Never leave a question blank.
UCAT Score Calculator
Estimate your UCAT score based on correct answers per cognitive section.
UCAT Score Interpretation
Understanding your UCAT score is vital. Scores are reported in deciles, comparing you to other test-takers.
| Score Range | Interpretation | Percentile | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2900+ | Excellent | Top 10% (9th Decile) | Apply to High UCAT Unis |
| 2700-2899 | Good | 70th-80th Percentile | Strong Application |
| 2500-2699 | Average | 50th-60th Percentile | Check Uni Requirements |
| 2300-2499 | Below Average | 30th-40th Percentile | Strategic Applications |
| <2300 | Low | Bottom 20% | Consider BMAT/GAMSAT |
Don't ignore the situational judgement UCAT section. Even with a high total cognitive score, some universities will reject applicants with a Band 4 (lowest band) in Situational Judgement. Aim for Band 1 or 2.
How to Register for the UCAT Exam
The UCAT registration process is strict. Missing deadlines means you cannot sit the UCAT test for that year's admissions cycle.
- Create Account - Register on the Pearson VUE website when registration opens (usually May).
- Apply for Bursary - If eligible, apply for the UCAT bursary to cover test fees before booking.
- Book Your Test - Select a test center and date. Early dates (July/August) allow time for rescheduling if ill.
- Prepare - Use UCAT practice test resources and official question banks.
- Sit the Test - Take the 2-hour computer-based exam at your chosen center.
- Receive Results - You get your UCAT score report immediately after the test.
- Apply to Universities - Your score is automatically sent to your chosen universities (UCAS).
UCAT Exam Costs and Bursaries
Understanding the UCAT cost helps with planning. Prices differ depending on location and when you book.
The UCAT consortium offers a bursary scheme for UK candidates in financial need. If approved, you can take the test for free. Be sure to apply before the deadline on the official website.
Careers Requiring UCAT
The UCAT is the gateway to these prestigious healthcare careers.
UCAT Testing Contacts
For official queries regarding registration, booking, or technical issues, contact the official bodies.
While most candidates test at a center, UCAT online proctoring (OnVUE) has been available in exceptional circumstances. Check the official website for current eligibility rules regarding remote testing.
UCAT Test Day Checklist
Ready to Ace Your Medical Admissions Test?
Join thousands of students who improved their scores using our free UCAT practice test questions. Start your preparation today!
START FREE PRACTICE EXAMUCAT Exam Frequently Asked Questions
The UCAT test is an admissions assessment used by UK and ANZ universities to select candidates for medicine and dentistry degrees.
Yes, a simple on-screen UCAT calculator is provided. You should practice using it with keyboard shortcuts to save time.
The UCAT cost is typically £70 for UK tests and £115 for international tests. UCAT ANZ costs around $305 AUD.
The situational judgement UCAT section assesses your capacity to understand real-world medical situations and identify critical factors and appropriate behaviors.
You can only sit the UCAT exam once per admissions cycle. If you don't get the score you want, you must wait until the next year to retake it.
UCAT ANZ is the version of the UCAT used for admissions by a consortium of universities in Australia and New Zealand.
The exam contains 228 questions across five subtests. Efficient time management is crucial to answer all UCAT questions.
You can find free UCAT preparation materials, including a UCAT practice test and question banks, right here on PracticeTestGeeks.com.
Yes, the UCAT test is considered difficult primarily due to the intense time pressure, requiring rapid cognitive processing.
Yes, candidates with specific needs can apply for access arrangements, such as extra time (UCATSEN), before booking their test.