Everything You Need to Know About the UK UCAT 2025: A Comprehensive Guide for Aspiring Medical Students

Medicine remains one of the most competitive courses in the UK, attracting thousands of applicants each year. In 2023, over 36,000 students took the UCAT, a crucial two-hour aptitude test to assess candidates for medical and dental programs. With significant changes, including the introduction of Qualitative Reasoning, set to take effect in 2025, aspiring students must understand every aspect of this exam. This blog is a comprehensive guide to the UCAT, covering everything from eligibility and test format to scoring, registration, and practical preparation strategies.

What is the UK UCAT?

The University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) is a standardised, computer-based exam that UK universities use to assess the key skills of prospective medical and dental students. Unlike traditional exams, the UCAT does not test academic knowledge in biology or chemistry. Instead, it evaluates critical thinking, situational judgement, and decision-making abilities, which are essential for success in these fields. 

Most UK medical courses require UCAT scores, including those at the University of Glasgow, King’s College London, and the University of Manchester. To maximise their chances of admission, applicants should carefully review the UCAT requirements of each target university to understand how their scores will be assessed. 

Students typically take the UCAT in the same year they apply to university. Candidates must be in or have completed Year 12 (or equivalent) and should check whether their chosen medical or dental schools require the UCAT. International students can sit the test at authorised centres by Pearson Vue worldwide. Applicants can sit the UCAT only once per application cycle, and their score is valid for that year’s admissions process. If they decide to reapply in a future cycle, they must retake the test, as previous scores cannot be carried forward. However, there is no restriction on how often a candidate can attempt the UCAT over different years, allowing them multiple opportunities to improve their performance.

What’s changed about the UK UCAT 2025? 

The most significant change in the UCAT 2025 is replacing Abstract Reasoning with Qualitative Reasoning, which better reflects clinical judgement and data evaluation. Other subtests will have minor changes in question distribution and time limits, but their main goal remains to test cognitive skills under time pressure. The UCAT 2025 consists of four subtests, each assessing distinct cognitive and professional skills essential for success in healthcare. Here’s a breakdown of the subtests: 

1) Verbal Reasoning

Doctors and dentists rely on verbal reasoning skills to understand and explain complex information to patients. They must also evaluate research findings, apply relevant insights, and assess the reliability of published studies. The Verbal Reasoning subtest measures a candidate’s ability to read and analyse written information to decide whether the text supports specific conclusions. No prior knowledge of medicine is needed, as answers must be based only on the provided material. This subtest includes 44 questions (eleven passages, each with four questions) and takes 22 minutes to complete. Typically, there are two types of questions:

• Multiple-choice questions where candidates choose the most appropriate answer.
• Questions where candidates decide if a statement is true, false, or uncertain based on the passage.

Decision making 

Doctors frequently encounter complex situations that require problem-solving skills, risk assessment, and the ability to manage uncertainty. Strong decision-making abilities are essential for making sound clinical judgments and ensuring patient safety. Therefore, The Decision Making subtest evaluates a candidate’s ability to use logic, assess arguments, and interpret statistical information to make informed decisions. No prior knowledge of specific mathematical or logical reasoning terminology is required, as all questions are based on reasoning rather than memorised concepts.

This subtest includes 35 questions and takes approximately 37 minutes to complete. Questions involve text, charts, tables, graphs, or diagrams, with additional information sometimes provided within the question. Applicants may use a basic on-screen calculator or a notebook and pen to calculate a solution manually. Candidates must be adept at answering several types of questions. Here are some of the kinds of questions applicants can expect: 

• Multiple-choice questions
• Questions with  ‘yes’ and ‘no’ answers. 

Quantitative Reasoning 

The Quantitative Reasoning subtest evaluates a candidate’s problem-solving ability using numerical skills. Rather than focusing purely on mathematical ability, this section assesses problem-solving skills in numerical contexts. Doctors work with data, from calculating drug dosages based on a patient’s weight and age to interpreting research findings presented as statistical information. A firm grasp of numerical reasoning is essential for ensuring accurate calculations and making evidence-based decisions in medical practice. Universities, therefore, use this subtest to assess whether applicants have the necessary skills to handle these challenges.

This subtest includes 36 questions, which must be completed within 26 minutes. Applicants may use the simple on-screen calculator or a notebook and pen for calculations. Questions typically involve charts, graphs, and tables containing numerical data.

• Most questions appear in sets of four, all linked to the same data source. However, some standalone questions do not share information with others.
• Each question provides five answer choices, with only one correct response.

Situational Judgement Test

The Situational Judgement Test evaluates a candidate’s ability to assess real-world situations and determine the most appropriate responses. It does not require medical or procedural knowledge but focuses on decision-making, ethical reasoning, and professional behaviour in different scenarios. This subtest measures key attributes such as integrity, teamwork, adaptability, resilience, and perspective-taking. It is also widely used in postgraduate medical and dental admissions to assess how applicants handle workplace challenges.

Candidates are presented with hypothetical scenarios related to medical and dental careers in clinical or educational training environments. This subtest, which lasts 26 minutes and has approximately 69 questions, assesses their ability to navigate ethical dilemmas and professional challenges in healthcare settings. Candidates must choose their responses carefully. 

• Each scenario may include up to six related questions.
• Some questions require rating the importance or appropriateness of different responses, with four answer choices available.
• Other questions ask candidates to identify the most and least appropriate action from the three options.

The UK UCAT 2025 Scoring System 

The UCAT scoring system is based on the number of correct answers, with no penalties for incorrect responses. This means that candidates can attempt all questions without worrying about negative markings. Additionally, the performance on one question does not impact which other questions are presented during the test.

Due to variations in the number of questions across the cognitive subtests, raw scores cannot be directly compared. Instead, raw scores are converted to a scaled score ranging from 300 to 900 for each subtest. The total scaled score is calculated by summing the individual scaled scores of the Verbal Reasoning, Decision Making, and Quantitative Reasoning subtests, ranging from 900 to 2700.

In Verbal Reasoning, there are 44 questions, each worth one mark. In Decision Making, there are 35 questions, where single-answer questions are worth one mark, multiple-statement questions are worth two marks, with one mark awarded for partially correct responses. In Quantitative Reasoning, there are 36 questions, each worth one mark.

In the Situational Judgement Test, full marks are awarded when a response matches the correct answer, while partial marks are given for answers close to the proper response. Scores for this subtest are expressed in one of four bands, where Band 1 represents the highest level of performance and Band 4 the lowest.

This scoring system helps admissions committees evaluate candidates’ cognitive and decision-making abilities and capacity for situational judgment in real-world scenarios.

UK UCAT 2025: Overview

UK UCAT 2025: Cost, testing centres and key dates 

The UCAT fee has historically ranged from £70 to £115, depending on whether you sit the exam inside or outside the UK. While final details for 2025 have not been officially confirmed, the fees will likely fall within a similar range. Fee bursaries are often available for eligible candidates facing financial hardship. Don’t forget to check if you’re eligible for the bursary schemes. 

Deadlines for the UCAT are strictly enforced, and no exceptions are made. Candidates can book and complete their tests within the designated testing window. It is highly recommended to schedule the test early in the window to allow flexibility in unforeseen circumstances. Those who choose a later test date and then miss their appointment may not have the opportunity to reschedule within the available timeframe. 

UK UCAT 2025: How to register and book a test?  

Registering for the UK UCAT 2025 is a crucial step for medical and dental applicants. The process involves creating an account, booking a test, and selecting a suitable test date. Candidates should complete their registration well in advance to avoid any last-minute complications. Below is the two-step process: 

Step 1: Creating a UCAT Account 

New candidates must first create an account before booking their test. When registering, applicants must enter their legal name exactly as it appears on the photo identification they will use on test day. The accepted forms of ID are listed in the Photo ID Policy. Any discrepancies may prevent candidates from sitting the exam, resulting in the loss of the test fee. Applicants who need to update their name on their account should check the FAQs on the Photo ID Policy page before making a request.

Candidates must enter additional personal details when creating an account, as Pearson VUE requires. After registering, they will receive an email with their username, which, along with their chosen password, will be used to log into the account. Applicants will also be assigned a UCAT candidate ID, which will appear in the top-left corner of the account dashboard. This ID should be included in all communications with Pearson VUE and the UCAT Office.

Account setup may take up to one working day. In some cases, additional validation may be required, and candidates will receive an email from Pearson VUE with further instructions. If the email is not received within this timeframe (after checking junk/spam folders), Pearson VUE Customer Services should be contacted for assistance.

It is important to note that delays in account registration will not be considered a valid reason for missing the booking deadline. Candidates should complete this process well in advance to avoid last-minute issues.

2025 Test dates and booking the UCAT

Once the account is created, candidates can book their UCAT test through the Pearson VUE system. When booking, candidates should:

• Select a test date, time, and location from the available options.
• Ensure their photo identification matches the details provided during registration.
• Pay the required test fee to confirm the booking.

After booking, candidates will receive a confirmation email from Pearson VUE with test appointment details. It is essential to review this information carefully to avoid errors. Subject to availability, test date or location changes can be made within the rescheduling period. However, failing to attend the test without rescheduling will result in losing the test fee. Applicants should book their UCAT test as early as possible, as availability may be limited closer to the deadline.

Candidates will receive a UCAT score report immediately after completing their test at the Pearson VUE test centre. The score report will also be available in their UCAT account within 24 hours of the test. It can be viewed, printed directly from the browser, or saved as a PDF. To ensure the results display correctly, candidates should avoid using Internet Explorer or any browser with JavaScript disabled. Instead, they should access their report using an alternative browser such as Chrome, Safari, or Edge or switch to a different device if needed.

UK UCAT 2025: How to prepare for the test? 

Preparing for the UK UCAT 2025 requires a strategic approach. A well-structured study plan and consistent practice can significantly improve performance and build confidence before the exam. Thankfully, the UCAT Consortium guides applicants through the entire process.

1) Embark on a tutorial tour: 

Before preparing for the UCAT 2025, candidates are advised to take a Tour Tutorial. This tutorial demonstrates the computer-based UCAT’s key functions, including navigating between screens, answering questions, accessing the on-screen calculator, and using the flag and review features. Understanding these tools in advance can help candidates manage their time more effectively on test day. 

2) View the question tutorials:

The question tutorials guide how to approach the UCAT and offer an overview of each subtest. These comprehensive tutorials include strategies and tips for tackling different question types across all four subtests, helping candidates develop effective problem-solving techniques.

3) Explore the UCAT question banks: 

The question banks familiarise candidates with the types of questions that appear in the UCAT. Each subtest question bank includes several questions designed for practice over multiple sessions. 

4) Take practice tests:

The practice tests will be updated on 1 March 2025 to incorporate the changes introduced in the UCAT 2025. Candidates are encouraged to use the four practice tests closer to their exam date to assess their performance under timed conditions. These tests closely reflect the format and experience of the actual UCAT.

5) Get advice from former applicants:

Candidates can find valuable insights from previous test-takers on the Candidate Advice page, where top-scoring applicants from past years share their strategies and preparation tips for the UCAT.

6) Watch UCAT videos: 

The official UCAT YouTube channel offers a range of videos to assist candidates with their preparation. These include insights from the UCAT Team, advice from high-scoring past candidates on their study strategies, and perspectives from University Admissions Tutors on how the test is used in the selection process.

7) Enrol for online courses on Medify: 

Medify’s UCAT prep offers 20,000+ questions, 24 mocks, video tutorials, and performance analytics. Updated for 2025 changes, it helps students improve speed, accuracy, and test strategy.

UK UCAT 2025: In a Nutshell

Success in the UCAT isn’t about cramming facts—it’s about mastering problem-solving under pressure. Adaptability is key, especially with the new Qualitative Reasoning section and refined time allocations. A well-structured study plan, strategic practice, and leveraging official resources will give you a competitive edge. Please contact us for assistance with UK undergraduate medicine applications. Meanwhile, read our blogs: Study Medicine in the UK: A Complete Guide for Undergraduates and Exploring Veterinary Medicine in the UK: What You Need to Know.