The UKCAT is the Clinical Aptitude Test in the United Kingdom. It is a standardized test that is required for students who want to enter a college program majoring in medicine or dentistry. The UKCAT is generally offered between the months of July and October each year at Pearson Vue Centres, which are located throughout the United Kingdom.

About the Test

There are five different sections of the UKCAT:

• Decision Analysis – this section contains 26 questions. Students are allowed 29 minutes to complete this portion of the exam.
• Verbal Reasoning – this section contains 55 questions. The amount of time allotted for completion of this part of the exam is 21 minutes.
• Non-Cognitive Analysis – the number of questions contained in this section tends to vary. Students have approximately 29 minutes to complete this portion of the exam.
• Quantitative Reasoning – this part of the exam contains 40 questions, and students are given 21 minutes to finish this section.
• Abstract Reasoning – there are 65 questions in this section of the test. Students are only allowed 15 minutes to complete it, making it quite challenging.

Test Prep

There are a variety of different test prep activities that students can participate in to prepare for this exam. The most popular study methods include the following.

• Live Online Courses – this option allows students to take advantage of UKCAT’s test prep course work without having to attend classes in person. The virtual classroom provides students with interactive software that allows for a complete class experience, including teacher interaction and live chats with classmates.
• Classroom Course – this option involves four half-day classroom sessions over a consecutive two-day period. In these courses, students learn problem-solving skills and critical thinking, which will help them to be prepared for testing day. Students who enroll in classroom courses also have the benefit of ongoing contact with their test prep teacher up until the day of the exam. This can be extremely beneficial for students who have questions at the last minute.
• Online Private Tutoring – private tutoring sessions are ideal for students who cannot work a UKCAT prep course into their schedules. Online tutoring can be done from the comfort of your own home. It is recommended that students choose tutors who have been certified to teach this specific test prep material.
• Private Tutoring – it is often recommended that students take advantage of this option in addition to attending at least one test prep course, whether in the classroom or online.

In addition, students might also want to take advantage of UKCAT’s simulated testing to become familiar with the overall testing process. Other test prep options include reviewing the UKCAT Strategy Book, which outlines the different types of questions that are included on the exam. It also includes practice test questions to help students get used to the format that they will see on the day of the exam.