The University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) is a computer-based admissions test used by most UK medical and dental schools (and some international partner universities) as part of their selection process. It assesses cognitive abilities and professional behaviours — not academic knowledge.
Note: The test was originally called the UKCAT (United Kingdom Clinical Aptitude Test) but was renamed UCAT in 2019.
Features of a UKCAT/UCAT Preparation Course
Preparation courses (both paid and free) typically include:
Practice questions in all UCAT sections
Full-length timed mock tests
Section-by-section strategies (timing, pacing, question techniques)
Diagnostic tools to identify strengths/weaknesses
Video lessons or live tutoring (optional)
Review of official exam tools and tutorials
Courses vary: some are short bootcamps (e.g., one-day immersion), others are multi-week programs with online access to question banks and mock tests.
Structure of the UCAT
The UCAT is a timed, multiple-choice computer test lasting ~2 hours and is split into four separate sections:
Verbal Reasoning – interpreting written info under time pressure
Decision Making – logical reasoning and problem solving
Quantitative Reasoning – numerical and data interpretation
Situational Judgement – understanding ethical or professional scenarios
There are no syllabus subjects like biology or chemistry — rather, it tests innate thinking skills.
UCAT Exam Fees
Fees depend on where you sit the exam:
In the UK: approximately £70
Outside the UK: approximately £115
These fees are payable at registration. A bursary scheme is available for eligible UK candidates which may waive the fee.
Official Website to Register
You must register and book the exam online through the official UCAT Consortium website:
https://www.ucat.ac.uk/
Registration typically opens in May/June each year and testing runs July–September for applicants applying that cycle.
join with The Preparation Review Training Center for your UCAT Prep – +971556626209
