UKCAT Test Structure

UKCAT is a computer-based multiple choice test focused on logical and critical reasoning. UKCAT structure is made of different subtests described below.

UKCAT is also an entry requirement for 2017 non-EU applicants to the first year of the Medicine degree course at Humanitas University: in order to participate, applicants need to complete Humanitas University Admission Form and follow all the instructions reported here by 11 April 2017. Humanitas UKCAT test will take place on 18 – 26 April 2017 in more than 100 countries worldwide. 

UKCAT Structure: the Subtests

For candidates sitting the test in April 2017, Humanitas UKCAT will consist of Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Abstract Reasoning. They will also sit Decision Making and a Situational Judgement Test but will not receive a score for these subtests as they are not a part of the cognitive assessment. 

The UKCAT does not contain any curriculum or science content as the test examines innate skills. It focuses on exploring the cognitive powers of candidates and other attributes considered to be valuable for health care professionals.

The test is run by the UKCAT Consortium in partnership with Pearson VUE, a global leader in computer-based testing. All test questions are written by assessment experts and must pass detailed trials to ensure their validity and reliability. 

Cognitive Subtests Overview & Scores

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Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning and Abstract Reasoning are marked on the number of correct answers a candidate gives. There is no negative marking for incorrect answers.  Performance on one item does not influence which other items are presented.

As the number of items varies between Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning and Abstract Reasoning it is not possible to make a direct comparison of the raw scores between the cognitive subtests. Raw scores are therefore converted to scale scores that share a common range from 300 to 900. A total scale score is generated by summing the individual scale scores of Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning and Abstract Reasoning. 

Verbal Reasoning – 44 items, 22 minutes 

Items in this test assess critical reasoning skills, requiring candidates to make inferences and draw conclusions from information. 

• Time: 22 minutes (1 minute for instruction + 21 minutes for items)
• Items: 44 items associated with 11 reading passages (4 questions each)

Examples and more information about the Verbal Reasoning subtest.

Quantitative Reasoning – 36 items, 25 minutes 

Items in this section have less to do with numerical facility and more to do with problem solving.

• Time: 25 minutes (1 minute for instruction, 24 minutes for items)
• Items: 36 items associated with tables, charts, and/or graphs 

A simple on-screen calculator is available for use in this section. The calculator is integrated into the practice tests and we strongly recommend that candidates familiarize themselves with using it.

Examples and more information about the Quantitative Reasoning subtest.

Abstract Reasoning – 55 items, 14 minutes 

Abstract Reasoning assesses your ability to identify patterns amongst abstract shapes. Doctors need to identify patterns in results in order to generate further hypotheses. The test therefore measures your ability to change track, critically evaluate and generate hypotheses and requires you to query judgements. 

• Time: 14 minutes (1 minute for instruction, 13 minutes for items)
• Items: 55 items associated with sets of shapes

Examples and more information about the Abstract Reasoning subtest.

UKCAT Test Practice Materials & Tips

Candidates should prepare for their test using the free resources available in the Candidate Preparation Toolkit, including practice tests and tutorials developed by UKCAT. 

Humanitas University has also collected 10 vital pieces of information and techniques that will help you take on the UKCAT:

Test Day and Test Results

Candidates should ensure they familiarize themselves with the test center check-in process and note the important information regarding the correct photographic identification to take to their appointment.

When candidates leave the test center they are given a copy of their UKCAT Score Report.

Please click here for further information on the test day.

2017 Key Application Dates:

• 11 April – Registration Closes
• 18 April – Testing Opens
• 25 April – Booking Closes
• 26 April – Testing Closes 

To apply for 2017 Humanitas UKCAT: