Overview of UKAT (University Clinical Aptitude Test)

Introduction

• The UKAT is an admissions test used by a consortium of medical and dental schools.
• It has no curriculum content but assesses skills essential for success in medical courses.
• Test results are used alongside other criteria (academic grades, interview scores) for admissions.

Test Format

• Duration: 2-hour multiple-choice, computer-based test.
• Frequency: Once per year, in-person at Pearson VUE test centers.
• Requirement: Needed by 44 UK universities for specific courses.

Subtests

1. Verbal Reasoning

   • Time: 21 minutes
   • Questions: 44
   • Skills: Critical reasoning, drawing conclusions from text.
   • Preparation: Speed reading, extracting key facts quickly from articles.

2. Decision Making

   • Time: 31 minutes
   • Questions: 29
   • Skills: Logical puzzles, syllogisms, Venn diagrams.
   • Preparation: Practice logical reasoning, note-taking.

3. Quantitative Reasoning

   • Time: 25 minutes
   • Questions: 36
   • Skills: Numerical problem solving.
   • Preparation: Brush up on math skills like ratios, fractions, and percentages. Practice with the online calculator.

4. Abstract Reasoning

   • Time: 12 minutes
   • Questions: 50
   • Skills: Pattern recognition among abstract shapes.
   • Preparation: Practice spotting patterns and rules.

5. Situational Judgment Test (SJT)

   • Time: 26 minutes
   • Questions: 69
   • Skills: Assessing real-world scenarios, professional behavior.
   • Preparation: Read GMC guidelines on good medical practice.

Scoring

• Cognitive Subtests: Scores between 300-900 per subtest, total 1200-3600.
• SJT: Banding score from Band 1 (highest) to Band 4 (lowest).

Booking the Test

• Registration: Opens 14th May, create a web account.
• Booking: Opens 18th June, use the test center locator.
• Test Dates: 8th July to 26th September.
• Fees: £70 in the UK, £115 outside the UK.
• Bursaries: Available for low-income candidates.
• Access Arrangements: Available for candidates with special requirements.

Preparation Tips

• Start preparation at least 6 weeks before test date.
• Use free resources on the UKAT website.
• Practice with question banks and timed practice tests.
• Familiarize with subtest timings, use the flag and review function.

Test Day

• Know your test center location and bring correct ID.
• Be aware of examination rules and test environment.
• Ear plugs available to minimize disturbance.

Results

• Results available on test day and through web account within 24 hours.
• Test results are passed to universities in early November.
• Research how different universities use the test results.

Conclusion

• All information is available on the UKAT website and social media.
• Best of luck with the UKAT!