What is in the Test

The test assesses a wide range of mental abilities and behavioural attributes identified by university Medical and Dental Schools as important.

For candidates sitting the examination in summer 2010, the UKCAT will consist

  • Verbal reasoning - assesses candidates' ability to think logically about written information and to arrive at a reasoned conclusion.
  • Quantitative reasoning - assesses candidates' ability to solve numerical problems.
  • Abstract reasoning - assesses candidates' ability to infer relationships from information by convergent and divergent thinking.
  • Decision analysis - assesses candidates' ability to deal with various forms of information, to infer relationships, to make informed judgements, and to decide on an appropriate response, in situations of complexity and ambiguity.
  • Non-cognitive analysis - identifies the attributes and characteristics of robustness, empathy and integrity that may contribute to successful health professional practice.

There is no curriculum content as the test examines innate skills. Examples of questions you may be asked can be found in the Preparation section. It is not necessary or possible to practise for these questions but you are advised to familiarise yourself with the format.

The test is delivered in 2 hours. Each subtest is in a multiple-choice format and is separately timed.

There are two versions of UKCAT: the standard UKCAT and the UKCATSEN (Special Educational Needs). The UKCATSEN is a longer version of the UKCAT intended for candidates who require additional time due to a documented medical condition or disability.

The timings of the two tests are detailed below:

UKCAT - Regular Timing

Section Time (includes introduction) Items
Verbal Reasoning 22 minutes 44 items
Quantitative Reasoning 23 minutes 36 items
Abstract Reasoning 16 minutes 65 items
Decision Analysis 32 minutes 28 items
Non-Cognitive Analysis 27 minutes *

UKCATSEN - Special Educational Needs

Section Time (includes introduction) Items
Verbal Reasoning 28 minutes 44 items
Quantitative Reasoning 29 minutes 36 items
Abstract Reasoning 20 minutes 65 items
Decision Analysis 39 minutes 28 items
Non-Cognitive Analysis 34 minutes *

* varies depending upon the version section taken