What happens at the UCAT test centre?

So you're working on your UCAT preparation and are thinking about test day?

Arriving at the test centre can be a nerve-wracking experience. The best way to fight off the nerves is to be as prepared as possible.

When you arrive at your testing room, you are given a desk space with a PC, keyboard and a whiteboard with a pen. 

If you were hoping for complete silence, you may be disappointed. You take the test with many others in the same room, and some minimal disturbances are inevitable as others come and go. Every attempt is made to minimise this, including headphones or earplugs available on request. You will also be socially distanced, where appropriate.

With the exception of your indoor clothes, you will not be allowed any other items (unless they are included on the Pearson VUE Comfort Aid List).

Here’s a tour of a test centre.

For security reasons, only those taking the test can attend the test centres and there are no waiting areas for those not taking the test. 

Getting ready for the UCAT? Try some free UCAT practice questions.

UCAT Test centre ID

Before entering the test centre, you must show a piece of official photographic ID. This may be one of the following.

• Passport: accepted at all test centres

• Driver's license: only accepted at test centres located in the issuing country

• Government-issued ID: only accepted at test centres located in the issuing country

• Australian Proof of Age or Keypass card: issued by your state or territory, or by Australia Post

• Kiwi Access Card: this is issued by the New Zealand Postal Services 

Note that your ID must be original, valid, and signed, and your name needs to match the one on your appointment confirmation email. Any digital cards or photos of cards will not be accepted.

If you have any doubts, refer to the official test ID guide  or contact Pearson VUE customer services 

How to check UCAT test centre locations

Use the Pearson VUE test locator. Simply enter your address or city to find the nearest test centres on the map.

Access to your UCAT test centre

Some UCAT test centres are much easier to access than others. When you book your test slot, consider your transport options. 

If you don’t have access to a car, make sure to choose a centre which has good links to public transport. Similarly, some test centres have no public parking available. This information can be found on the ‘Test Centre Information’ link on the Pearson VUE test locator.

What should I bring to the test centre?

To find out more about arrangements before arriving at your test centre, visit our UCAT FAQ article.

Disabled access arrangements 

Some Pearson VUE test centres have better disabled access than others, and some require you to call ahead to make arrangements. If you have various testing centres near you, find the one with the best disabled access.

Learn more about UCAT access arrangements.

UCAT test centre checklist

• Check you have the appropriate photographic ID and your appointment confirmation printed

• Check any access requirements before booking and call ahead before arrival

• By sitting the exam, you are declaring yourself healthy. If there is anything that may affect your performance, you should not take the test

• Write down the name and address of the centre and check the directions well in advance

• Don’t drink too much before the test, as any toilet breaks are taken out of your exam time, which is already limited

What to expect on the day

1. Go to the exam venue early, at least 30 minutes before your scheduled time.

2. You will be expected to have a valid form of photographic identification and a printed/electronic copy of your confirmation email from Pearson VUE.

3. You will be provided with the necessary equipment (earplugs or headphones, whiteboard and a marker pen) and guided to your seat.

4. Once you are ready, follow instructions on-screen. You will have 1 minute before each section to read instructions. You can skip it, but this will not give you an extra minute to answer questions.

5. Your exam will be in the following order: Verbal Reasoning, Decision Making, Quantitative Reasoning, Abstract Reasoning, Situational Judgement.

6. During the exam, if you have any issues, such as requiring a toilet break, you can quietly raise your hand. However, your time will continue running.

7. When finished, you can raise your hand and the examiner will guide you out of the room. Your UCAT results will be emailed to you.

Wondering what to do in the run-up to your test date? Check out our article on preparing for your UCAT test day to find out how best to prepare one month, one week, and one day before your exam, as well as how to get into the optimal mindset on test day.

UCAT preparation course

Medify has the most established UCAT preparation course and the largest question bank in the world. If you want to get a place in medical or dental school, our course will help you get there.

Good luck!