UNDERSTANDING  THE  UKCAT

What is the UKCAT?:

The UKCAT (United Kingdom Clinical Aptitude Test) is a computer-based test.  It is an admissions requirement for most medical and dental schools in the United Kingdom.

Purpose of the UKCAT:

The purpose of the UKCAT is to serve as an extra tool for admissions officers to evaluate candidates for admission to medical and dental schools in the United Kingdom.

Structure of the UKCAT:

The UKCAT consists of 5 sections:

Section 1.  Verbal Reasoning Section:  This is a reading comprehension subtest composed of 11 passages, each with 4 associated questions.  So, there are a total of 44 items.  You will be given 22 minutes for this section: 1 minute for instructions, and 21 minutes to answer the 44 questions in this section.

Section 2.  Quantitative Reasoning Section: This subtest is composed of 9 tables, charts, graphs, or other presentations, each with 4 associated numerical problem-solving questions, which will require you to first extract relevant numerical information, and then manipulate this extracted numerical information to find the answer.  A calculator is integraded into the test and available for use in this section.  For each question, you will choose among 5 possible answer choices. You will be given 25 minutes for this section: 1 minute for instructions, and 24 minutes to answer the 36 questions in this section.

Section 3.  Abstract Reasoning Section:  This subtest assesses a candidate's ability to identify patterns amongst abstract shapes.  You will be given 14 minutes for this section: 1 minute for instructions, and 13 minutes to judge a total of 55 test shapes in this section.

Section 4.  Decision Making Section:  In 2016 UKCAT is piloting a new subtest of Decision Making which replaces Decision Analysis.  The new Decision Making subtest tests your ability to apply logic to reach a decision or conclusion, evaluate arguments and analyse statistical information.  You are required to take this subtest as part of the UKCAT.  However your performance in this subtest will not contribute to your final score, will not be communicated to your chosen medical and dental schools and will not be taken into consideration by universities during their admission processes.  There are 29 items associated with text, charts, tables, graphs or diagrams.  You will have 32 minutes (1 minute for instruction and 31 minutes for items) to complete this section of the UKCAT.

Section 5.  Situational Judgement Section: The test measures your capacity to understand real world situations and to identify critical factors and appropriate behaviour in dealing with them. The test assesses integrity, perspective taking, team involvement, resilience and adaptability. The questions do not require medical or procedural knowledge. You will be asked to judge the appropriateness of responses of individuals and groups in these settings. You will have 27 minutes to complete 69 items that are linked to 17 scenarios.

What the UKCAT Does Not Do:
 
The UKCAT does not test for scientific or curriculum content knowledge; the admissions officers will have information on performance in such areas via the applicant's GCSEs, A-Levels, Scottish Highers or undergraduate degree transcripts.

Who Runs the UKCAT?:

The test is run by the UKCAT Consortium. 
Telephone #:  +44 161 855 7409

Where Does One Register for the UKCAT:

You must register online at this web site:  http://www.ukcat.ac.uk

Where is the UKCAT Taken?:

The UKCAT is delivered by computer at Pearson Vue specialist test centres.  These test centres are distributed throughout most the world. The telephone # for Pearson Vue +44 161 855 7409.  The list of test centres is here

When is the UKCAT Taken?:

First Available Testing Date This Year:  01 July 2016
Last Available Testing Date This Year:  05 Oct 2016
[Deadline To Book/Register For A Testing Date:  04 Oct 2016]

Where and When are the UKCAT scores sent?:

The UKCAT scores are automatically sent to UCAS and automatically incorporated into your UCAS application.