The UCAT (University Clinical Aptitude Test) is a standardised test for entry into medical schools in Australia and New Zealand. To ace the UCAT ANZ, Edulyte gives extensive details of the test and exam prep techniques to approach each subtest and questions of UCAT practice tests.

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ucat test
The UCAT (University Clinical Aptitude Test) is a standardised test for entry into medical schools in Australia and New Zealand. To ace the UCAT ANZ, Edulyte gives extensive details of the test and exam prep techniques to approach each subtest and questions of UCAT practice tests.
ucat anz

Eligibility for UCAT ANZ

The UCAT ANZ has specific eligibility requirements for interested candidates.These include:

  • When sitting for the test, you should be in Year 12 (Australia) or Year 13 (New Zealand) or have completed your secondary education.

    OR

  • Completion of an undergraduate degree program.

What is UCAT? Why is this important?

The University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT ANZ) is a computer-based admissions test used by the UCAT ANZ Consortium of universities. These universities in Australia and New Zealand refer to your UCAT percentile for enrollment in their medical, dental and clinical science degree programmes

An aptitude test, the UCAT exam, makes you stand out from the other applicants and confirms your eligibility for rigorous training programmes.

ucat question bank

Why Pursuing a Career in the Medical Field is a Life-Changing Decision

The medical field has taken considerable strides in the past couple of centuries. And so has the significance of medicine as a profession. As a result, the range of specialisations to choose from in medicine is immense today. The Health Care segment worldwide is projected to grow by 10.95% (2023-2027) resulting in a market volume of US$92.01bn in 2027.*

With an ever-accelerating demand for specialists in this field, it is an exciting and sensible choice for a profession. A career in medicine secures health care’s future and yours.

*statista.com

UCAT Exam structure, Subjects / Subtests

The UCAT exam is a two-hour-computer-based test evaluating you for the abilities considered important to practising medicine/ clinical sciences/ dentistry. It is a multiple-choice format with 4 cognitive timed subsets: Verbal Reasoning, Decision Making, Quantitative Reasoning, Abstract Reasoning, and a non-cognitive subset: Situational Judgement.

UCAT Verbal Reasoning

The sub-test examines your ability to read complex information and then reach a conclusion based on it. Medical practitioners are expected to read medical journals and other works and use them in their practice. They should be able to critically analyse the validity of what they read and research. Such a skill is a prerequisite in medicine and clinical medicine.

UCAT Verbal Reasoning

Types of questions:

  • Read written passages of 200-300 words and answer related questions. It is considered the most demanding of all sub-tests.
  • You get eleven text passages. 4 questions follow each passage. In 21 minutes, 44 questions must be answered in UCAT Verbal Reasoning.
  • Use your critical reasoning skills to draw inferences and come to conclusions. You get a question or incomplete statement with four response options. You have to choose the most suitable response.
  • You may also get tasks to read each passage, and the statement provided after the passage. You must decide whether the statement is logically connected to the passage. You get three answer options to choose from:
  1. True: Based on the information in the passage, the statement is true.
  2. False: Based on the information in the passage, the statement is false.
  3. Can’t Tell: You cannot tell from the information in the passage whether the statement is true or false.

UCAT Example Question:

Rope is made from fibres of material which are twisted together to make ‘yarn’, which is then twisted together into ‘strands’. In the more common ‘laid’ rope, the strands are then twisted again in the same direction, to form the rope itself. However, the number of twists may cause the fibres to abrade and break, weakening the rope. Laid rope also has a tendency to untwist, which may fray unless the ends are bound.

In braided rope, eight or more strands are woven or plaited together, to form a smooth cylinder. The inside of the cylinder can be hollow, or filled with another rope with different properties. For example, in a double braid, there may be a strong braid as the inner core, covered with a soft braid to make handling easier.

Rope can be made of various materials. Natural fibres, such as hemp, sisal or manila, tend to shrink when wet, and be prone to rot and degrade, especially when exposed to dirt and sea water. Synthetic fibre ropes are generally far stronger and have a range of properties:

  • Nylon rope is strong and has a lot of stretch which is useful for ‘give’. However, when it is wet it doesn’t float and can lose up to 25% of its strength. It is degraded by rot and UV light.
  • Polypropylene is not as strong as nylon, but is cheaper, doesn’t absorb water and floats. It deteriorates in UV light, and may melt if subjected to heat such as friction.
  • Polyester rope wears better than polypropylene, is resistant to UV light, almost as strong (but not as stretchy) as nylon. It retains its strength when wet but does not float.

Using the information in the passage, which rope would be best suited for an outdoor hammock?

  • A.Nylon
  • B.Polypropylene
  • C.Polyester
  • D.Sisal

Answer: C

Using the information in the passage, the following statements are true about nylon, except:

  • A.It is the strongest fibre.
  • B.The fibre absorbs water when wet.
  • C.It is the only fibre degraded by rot.
  • D.The fibres are man-made.

Answer: C

UCAT Decision Making

It evaluates your skills in using logic and arguments and examining data to form proper conclusions. People in medicine must frequently deal with uncertain situations and assess them to decide the right course of action while managing risk.

UCAT Decision Making

Types of questions:

You will come across different types of questions: 

  • Syllogisms
  • Logical Puzzles
  • Recognising Assumptions
  • Interpreting Information
  • Venn Diagrams
  • Probabilistic and Statistical Reasoning
  1. There are 29 standalone questions in the sub-test. 
  2. You will have to select the correct answer from the given options.
  3. Other tasks will require you to answer as a ‘yes’ or a ‘no’ to five statements given. 

UCAT Example Question:

Clark, Sam, Drake, Rosie and Mary have one car each. The cars are either red, blue or green in colour. Three cars are hatchbacks and the rest are sedans. All the sedans are green. Hatchbacks are either blue or red. Mary and Clark do not have hatchbacks. Amongst Sam, Drake and Rosie, only Drake has a blue car.

Which of the following statements is true?

  • A.Rosie has a red sedan.
  • B.There are two blue cars.
  • C.There are three red cars.
  • D.Sam has a red hatchback.

Answer: D

Employees are promoted on the strength of their performance rating. A company rates all its employees between 1 and 4 for their bonus allocation. 1 is the highest, 4 is the lowest. Employees are only eligible for promotion after 3 years of service in the same position. All employees, and those eligible for promotion, must get a rating of 1 or 2 for a bonus payment.

 Place ‘Yes’ if the conclusion does follow. Place ‘No’ if the conclusion does not follow.

Answer: 

1st conclusion – Does follow because we are told that all employees must get a rating of 1 or 2 to get a bonus payment. If Diana received a rating of 4 then she will not receive a bonus payment.

2nd conclusion – Does not follow because Brian is only eligible for promotion now that he has been in the new position for 3 years.

3rd conclusion – Does follow because Roger must have received a 1 or 2 for a bonus payment; therefore, he cannot have been given a 3.

4th conclusion – Does follow because we are told that employees are only eligible for promotion after 3 years of service; therefore, if Salim got a promotion after 2 years of his working he can’t be working for this company.

5th conclusion – Does not follow because we don’t have any data to support whether the number of employees who receive a promotion each year is greater than those who do not.

UCAT Quantitative Reasoning

Your prowess in using numerical skills to solve problems is tested in the sub-test. Medical professionals review data to decide on a treatment or diagnosis. In clinical medicine, detailed statistics have to be interpreted for reliable results.

UCAT Quantitative Reasoning

Types of questions:

  • Many questions in Quantitative Reasoning are charts and graphs questions. 
  • There are question sets as well as standalone questions.
  •  Each question has 5 answer options.

UCAT Example Question:

The graph shows the velocity of two cars at different times.

Ucat example questions

How much greater is the acceleration of Car A than the acceleration of Car B?

[Acceleration (m/s2) = Change in velocity (m/s) ÷ Change in time (s)]

  • A.4 m/s2
  • B.6 m/s2
  • C.8 m/s2
  • D.12 m/s2
  • E.16 m/s2

Answer: A

Mineral water is classified on the basis of the amount of dissolved solid minerals it contains. The chart shows the codes for different levels of total dissolved solids (TDS) and the number of mineral water bottles for each code sold at a store.

UCAT example test

What fraction of the total number of bottles sold at the store with TDS greater than or equal to 50 mg/l, have the code TDS 4?

  • A.7/12
  • B.1/5
  • C.2/25
  • D.3/25
  • E.1/10

Answer: B

UCAT Abstract Reasoning

You get assessed for identifying patterns among abstract shapes while not getting distracted by the irrelevant information given. For example, doctors and dentists come across a lot of information while treating an ailment. They should be able to evaluate and generate hypotheses based on the information critically. Research in medicine means identifying a pattern in the given information or result and coming to a conclusion.

UCAT Abstract Reasoning

Types of questions:

  • In the UCAT question bank, you will find that most questions are in sets of five. Each is connected to the same set of shapes. Some questions are stand- alone. 
  • Each question will have three or four answer options. You get to select one response. 

You can also be asked to: 

  • decide whether an example shape belongs to certain Shape Sets mentioned in the option or not;
  • determine the next shape in the given series;
  • decide which of the given shape completes a statement;
  • figure out which shape belongs to a particular Shape Set.

UCAT Example Question:

ucat preparation course
Answer: Set A
ucat verbal reasoning
Answer: Set A

UCAT Situational Judgement

The sub-test examines your capacity to understand real-world situations and determine the appropriate ways of dealing with them. In addition, your skills in teamwork, adaptability, and ethics, considering different perspectives, are assessed in the sub-test.

UCAT Situational Judgement

Types of questions:

  • You get hypothetical scenarios based on a clinical setting or during educational training. Each situation may have up to six questions.
  • You have to rate the suitability of a series of statements in response to the given situation or their significance.
  • Some questions will have two or four answer options.
  • You can also be asked to choose the most and least appropriate action to respond to the situation. 
  • You are presented with hypothetical scenarios in a medical setting/ training for a medical or dental profession.
  • There can be up to 6 questions associated with a scenario.
  • You will be asked to rate the significance or suitability of a series of statements in response to each scenario.
  • Some questions have two or four answer options.
  • Other questions require you to choose the most and least appropriate action from the three actions provided in the scenario.

UCAT Example Question:

Merryn, a medical student, is walking through a hospital corridor when she sees a small pool of liquid in the middle of the floor. She is already five minutes late for the start of her shift, however does not want to leave without cleaning it up. Merryn must decide how to deal with the situation.

How important to take into account are the following considerations for Merryn when deciding how to respond to the situation?
The potential risk of infection that the liquid presents to patients in the hospital

  • A.Very important
  • B.Important
  • C.Of minor importance
  • D.Not important at all

Answer: A

A medical student, Cameron, is told by a patient, that a consultant frequently swears loudly on the ward which makes him feel so uncomfortable that he does not want to stay in hospital. Cameron consults a nurse on the ward and she tells him that she has not ever witnessed this behaviour by the consultant. The nurse reminds Cameron that the patient might just dislike being in hospital. Cameron is unsure what to do because the consultant is marking one of his assessments.

How important to take into account are the following considerations for Cameron when deciding how to respond to the situation?
The consultant is marking one of his assessments

  • A.Very important
  • B.Important
  • C.Of minor importance
  • D.Not important at all

Answer: D

*Questions sourced

What universities /courses require UCAT?

The UCAT ANZ is a requisite entry requirement for Australia and New Zealand Consortium universities. A thorough UCAT preparation ensures admission to a course of your choice.

The following universities and courses require your UCAT result:

University

Course

Central Queensland University

Medical Science (Regional Medical Pathway provisional entry to UQ)

The University of Adelaide

Medicine, Dental Surgery, Oral Heal

Curtin University

Medicine

Flinders University

Clinical Sciences / Medicine

Charles Stuart University

Dental Science, Medicine (Joint Program in Medicine)

Griffith University

Dental Health Science

University of Newcastle/University of New England

Joint Medical Program

Monash University

Medicine

The University of Queensland

Medicine (provisional entry pathway) Dental Science

Dental Science

The University of New South Wales

The University of New South Wales

Medicine

University of Tasmania

Medicine

University of Southern Queensland

Medicine Pathway (provisional entry to UQ MD, Darling Downs-South West Medical Pathway)

Western Sydney University

Medicine (Joint Program in Medicine)

The University of Western Australia

Medicine (Direct Pathway) Dental Medicine (Direct Pathway)

The University of Auckland

Medicine

University of Otago

Medicine, Dentistry

How is UCAT scored and marked?

It is essential to understand  the marking and scoring of the UCAT test before you attempt it. Whether in a UCAT prep course or preparing independently for the test, your knowledge of the UCAT scoring and marking scheme is necessary for you to score well. 

  • The items in each sub-test are presented randomly. It means your performance in one question is independent of the test questions given to you. 

  • There is no negative marking. 

  • As the number of questions varies between the sub-tests, the raw marks are converted to scaled scores. The scaled scores share a common range: 300-900.

  • A total score is generated by summing the scores in each cognitive sub-test between 1200 -3600.

  • Within the Situational Judgement test, full marks are awarded for a question if your response matches the correct answer, and partial marks are awarded if your response is close to the correct answer.

Subtests

Questions

Scale Score Range

Marking

Verbal Reasoning

44

300-900

1 mark questions

Decision Making

29

300-900

Questions with 1 correct answer:1 mark , Questions with multiple statements: 2 marks, partial correct answers in multiple statement questions: 1 mark

Quantitative Reasoning

36

300-900

1 mark questions

Abstract Reasoning

50

300-900

1 mark questions

Situational Judgement

66

300-900

Full marks for correct answers, partial marks if answer is close to correct answer

Total Scale Score Range


1200-3600


UCAT practice tests and Question Banks

Going through the UCAT practice tests and question banks aids your UCAT preparation. In addition, the UCAT website provides online resources produced by the UCAT Consortium. They are presented in a live test format. You even get instructions about the test tools as you would during the exam. Since the UCAT has been utilised in the UK for much longer than in Australia and New Zealand, you will find many questions from the UK format. 

The following links will take you to the different sub-tests, mock papers and practice tests. 

UCAT vs UMAT

The UCAT is a recent phenomenon in Australia and New Zealand. In 2019, the University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) replaced the Undergraduate Medicine and Health Sciences Admission Test (UMAT). The UCAT has been a significant test for applying to medical schools in the UK. The crucial difference between the UCAT and UMAT is the format of the test.

To know more about UMAT vs UCAT refer to the table below:

Parameter

UMAT

UCAT

Sections

3

5

Choice of Test Date

Single Date

Choose any date & time in July & August

Format

Paper based

Computer based

Test Duration

3 hours

2 hours

  • UCAT is flexible compared to the older format. It allows you to determine where and when the test takes place, including the availability of several test dates.
  • The UMAT had three sections: Logical Reasoning and Problem-Solving, Understanding People and Non-verbal Reasoning.
  • The UCAT now has Verbal Reasoning, Qualitative Reasoning, Abstract Reasoning, Decision Making and Situational Judgement.
  • As mentioned in the table, the significant differences include the total test time and the number of questions. 
  • Also, immediate results are generated due to the computer-based nature of the UCAT test.
  • The UCAT exam has nearly a hundred more questions than UMAT, but UCAT is an hour shorter as a test. 

The contrast between the UCAT vs UMAT may seem quite acute. But the basics of the test remain the same,

UCAT Preparation Strategies - How can you prepare for UCAT?

With endless online prep resources, sample papers, practice questions, and UCAT courses, you might feel confused and overwhelmed regarding your UCAT preparation. To relieve your UCAT stress, Edulyte’s faculty has some fail-proof strategies to assist you in getting a great UCAT percentile.

  • Get Familiar with the Test: as it builds your confidence in tackling the test. Go through the question bank and practice questions. Study the marking scheme.You get essential insights into navigating the online test, saving time and effort during the exam.
  • Invest in Each Subtest: Each subtest is designed to test a range of skills critical for the medical profession. Comprehending the skills required in each subtest will allow you to interpret the nature of questions and create a game plan to deal with them. You will have a more outstanding grip over your preparation and answer questions productively. 
  • Create a Study Planner: spend time preparing a comprehensive study plan, which you devote to each sub-test. Allocate more time to the sub-test, which is the most challenging for you. Set aside adequate test time and revision time to be UCAT-ready. Refer to Eduyte’s Study Planners blog and choose one that suits your prep style.
  • Develop Speed Reading: put efforts into developing the ability to read quickly, taking in the critical points in the text and jumping over the irrelevant information. With a vast resource bank to go through for preparation and many passages to read in the UCAT Verbal Reasoning subtest, this is one necessary skill you must develop. Read as much as you can every day, and in each reading, look for words and phrases that form the essence of the text, while skipping the unnecessary words.
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Conclusion

The UCAT test is a crucial component of the medical school admission process in Australia and New Zealand, and aspiring medical students should aim to carry out UCAT prep on war footing. With its focus on assessing critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills, the UCAT ANZ provides medical schools with valuable insights into the aptitude and potential of prospective students.

Moreover, the UCAT test is a gateway to  becoming a competent and compassionate healthcare professional. By demonstrating their ability to handle complex situations and think on their feet, UCAT ANZ test-takers show that they have what it takes to excel in the demanding and rewarding field of medicine.

Edulyte offers live personalised classes where experts around the globe can guide you to fulfil your learning needs. Register for free and begin your journey to academic success.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How hard is the UCAT test?

Undoubtedly, you would have read in the online discussion forums that UCAT is a challenging test. But the only reason it becomes challenging is if you are not aware of the type of questions you will be asked and how to prepare well to handle the pressure, you can get in touch with Edulyte regarding assistance for the UCAT test and get a personalised learning course catering just for your learning needs!

How many questions are in UCAT?

There are 225 questions in UCAT.

How can I register for UCAT?

Registering for the UCAT is a simple process online. It involves two steps:

  • Creating an account: you must register with your name on the acceptable photo ID you will present. After answering a few questions, you will receive an email from Pearson VUE. You will be given a username which you have to employ along with the password you set up during your registration to log into your account. You are assigned a UCAT candidate ID for all correspondence with the UCAT Office and Pearson VUE. 
  • Booking a test: while booking a test, try to book a date early in the test cycle. You will get a confirmation email with important details regarding your booking. 

When can I register for the UCAT test?

Go to the official UCAT website and check out registration page to know the registration dates.

How much does UCAT cost?

The main fee details for the 2023 UCAT ANZ test are:



Tests were taken in Australia or New Zealand

$325

Concession Fee (Australia only)

$199

Tests taken overseas / outside Australia and New Zealand

$395

Refund fee

$50 of the test fee deducted*

When will I get my UCAT test results?

A significant highlight of the UCAT is that you get your result before you leave the Pearson VUE test centre. Your score report will also be accessible online through your UCAT account.

How long should I prepare for my UCAT test?

It is advisable that you devote at least 6 weeks to your UCAT prep. It gives you enough time to prepare effectively and carry out revision tasks as well.

What is a good UCAT Score?

A UCAT score above 2700 is usually considered a good UCAT score. It means you have to score above 670 in each subtest.

Where can I find UCAT questions and answers in pdf?

Example questions and sample papers are created by the UCAt consortium, which can be attempted as live tests on the UCAT portal.

How many students take the UCAT every year?

Around 14,000 students attempt the UCAT while applying to dentistry, medicine and medical sciences courses.

How do I book my UCAT?

Registering for the UCAT is a simple process online. It involves two steps:

  • Creating an account: you must register with your name on the acceptable photo ID you will present. Then, after answering a few questions, you will receive an email from Pearson VUE with your username. Then, you must use it and the password you set up at registration to log into your account. You are assigned a UCAT candidate ID for all correspondence with the UCAT Office and the Pearson VUE.
  • Booking a test: while booking a test, try to book a date early in the test cycle. You will get a confirmation email with important details regarding your booking. 

How is UCAT scored?

Subtests

Questions

Scale Score Range

Marking

Verbal Reasoning

44

300-900

1 mark questions

Decision Making

29

300-900

Questions with 1 correct answer:1 mark , Questions with multiple statements: 2 marks, partial correct answers in multiple  statement questions: 1 mark

Quantitative

Reasoning

36

300-900

1 mark questions

Abstract Reasoning

50

300-900

1 mark questions

Total Scale Score Range

 

1200-3600

 

Situational

Judgement

66

300-900

Full marks for correct answers,partial marks if answer is close to correct answer



Do I get penalised for wrong answers in UCAT?

A great relief for those who attempt UCAT is that there is no negative marking. So ensure that you answer all the questions. 

How long are UCAT test scores valid?

The UCAT score is valid for a year, so if you attempt the exam this year, your score is valid for next year's admission cycle.

Can I use a calculator for the UCAT test?

You cannot bring your calculator or any electronic device to the test venue in UCAT. The UCAT provides a basic on-screen calculator for decision-making and quantitative reasoning subtests. The Test Tools page makes you familiar with it and its use

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Distance is not a barrier on Edulyte. Come to Edulyte as our teaching methods and pedagogy sets us apart from others. We don't just offer solutions to learning problems but also ensure that real learning takes place for long-term  success.

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Absolutely! Our platform is devised to connect you to qualified tutors globally so that you learn from the best.

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