The UK Clinical Aptitude Test

The UK Clinical Aptitude Test (UKCAT) is a test that is composed of five multiple-choice sub-tests:

• Verbal reasoning. There are 44 questions designed to assess your ability to think logically using written material. You are presented with a short passage (approx. 80 -120 words) and asked to decide if a series of statements are true, false, or if you cannot tell, given the information contained in the passage. The focus of this test is on your ability to think critically, identify logical errors, assumptions, and so forth.
  
  
• Quantitative reasoning. This is a 40 question numerical test comprised of a number of tables, charts and graphs. You are expected to identify the relevant information, perform a straight-forward calculation, and identify the correct answer from five multiple-choice options. The idea of this test is not necessarily to assess your numerical skills, but your ability to solve problems using quantitative information.
  
  
• Abstract reasoning. This is a 65 question test that assesses your ability to identify patterns amongst abstract shapes. Shapes are presented that belong to two different ‘families’ (each with different features in common), and your task is to decide which of a series of additional shapes belong to either family, or neither. This test is designed to see how well you can open a problem out (‘divergent’ thinking) and then close down on a solution (‘convergent’ thinking).
  
  
• Decision Analysis. This is a test that looks at how well you can make informed judgements, and decide on appropriate responses, in situations of increasing complexity and ambiguity. It is based on 26 questions that relate to a deciphering (verbal ‘code breaking’) scenario. The test increases in complexity as more information is added and requires you to make decisions based on logic and your own judgement.
  
  
• Non-cognitive analysis. A variety of ‘behavioural’ questions are asked that relate to how you might think or behave in certain situations. These may be based on scenarios that present particular moral dilemmas; or how you cope with the pressures of everyday life. The idea is to find out how you perceive yourself, and how you manage your behaviour, your dealings with other people, and your emotional reaction to different situations. As such questions will be concerned with attributes such as robustness (resilience), empathy and integrity.

How long does it take? The time allowed for the test is 120 minutes (22 minutes each for the Verbal and Quantitative tests, 16 minutes for the Abstract test, 30 minutes for the Decision Analysis test, and a maximum of 30 minutes for the behavioural questions). The times include a minute to prepare for each sub-test. The preparation time is short because you are supposed to have familiarised yourself with the tests, and the format, before taking them for real.

How are the results reported? The scaled scores on the first 4 sub-tests can range from 300 to 900. However, most candidates score between 500 and 700, with the average being 600. The results of the behavioural ‘test’ are reported in the form of a short description, and are used to indicate personal ‘style’. Style is not used as an indicator of whether you will make a good doctor or dentist.

Who uses it? The UKCAT is used for entry to medical and dentistry courses by the Universities of Aberdeen, Brighton & Sussex Medical School, Cardiff, Dundee, Durham, East Anglia, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Hull York Medical School, Imperial College, Keele, King’s College (London), Leeds, Leicester, Manchester, Newcastle, Nottingham, Oxford (Graduate), Peninsula Medical School, Queen Mary (London), Sheffield, Southampton, St Andrews, St Georges (London), Queens (Belfast) and Warwick (Graduate).

How do I take it? The test is administered by computer at test centres throughout the UK. You book a test session and a fee is charged.

How do I prepare?

• Basic. The UKCAT website contains details on each of the tests and some useful practice tests. Use this material and make sure that you explore the test taking interface – how the tests are presented at the test centre.
  
  
• Advanced.The full-length verbal, numerical (quantitative), abstract and decision analysis tests available via the practice tests page of this website provide an opportunity for important additional practice, benchmarked against other test takers.