All aspiring doctors, dentists, and vets must get through UCAT for their dream careers. However, it must be accessible to everyone, regardless of their disabilities and special requirements. If eligible, you can benefit from UCAT access arrangements by following the application process. Here is a brief overview of the UCAT access arrangements process.
- Check your eligibility by going through the supporting evidence
- Apply for arrangements with all the required official documents
- Apply before 16 September 2025, the due date for access arrangements
What Are UCAT Access Arrangements?
Access arrangements are special accommodations or adjustments made to the UCAT testing process. It is to support students with documented disabilities, medical conditions, or special educational needs. These special arrangements include extra test time, rest breaks, separate testing rooms, and access to medical items. Some accommodations, like comfort aids, do not require prior approval, while others, such as extra time or separate invigilation, require formal applications with supporting evidence.
UCAT Access Arrangements That Do Not Require Approval
You can bring some comfort aids without any prior approval. These include a list of medical appliances. Some of these are available at the UCAT test centres; others will be inspected at the entrance. According to Pearson VUE’s Comfort Aid List, these include:
- Medical Devices: EpiPen, inhaler, hearing aids, insulin pump, or glucose monitor.
- Mobility Aids: Canes, crutches, wheelchairs, or walkers.
- Physical Supports: Bandages, braces, casts, or slings.
- Small Medical Items: In transparent containers, eye drops, glucose tablets, or medication.
- Earplugs or Headphones: These are provided at most test centres to reduce noise or personal earplugs after inspection.
Unless used during approved rest breaks, these items must be declared at check-in and stored away from the workstation. Unapproved items must be stored outside the testing room and accessed only during standard breaks, with the test timer running unless pause-the-clock breaks are approved.
UCAT Access Arrangements For Which You Need To Apply
Accommodations requiring formal approval from the UCAT Office include extra test time, pause-the-clock rest breaks, separate testing rooms, and other specialized arrangements. These are subject to in-person (Pearson VUE test centres) and online (OnVUE) testing.
You have to provide acceptable evidence for each of these access arrangements. If some of the arrangements you need for the UCAT test are missing, you must write to UCAT customer support to access those arrangements.
Separate Testing Room:
It is for one-on-one invigilation, often required for readers/recorders or medical item access. These are highly subject to test centre availability.
Access to Medical Items or Food/Drink:
It includes medically necessary items (e.g., food for diabetes) at the workstation, requiring transparent packaging and use during approved breaks.
Time and Rest Breaks, Which Require Approval
- UCATSEN
This version provides 25% extra time for candidates with reading or processing difficulties. The total test time is 145 minutes and 15 seconds, with no rest breaks included. - UCATSEN50
Offering 50% extra time, UCATSEN50 is intended for candidates with more significant processing issues. It lasts 173 minutes and does not allow rest breaks. - UCATSA
UCATSA follows standard test timings but includes up to 20 minutes of pause-the-clock breaks for those with medical or disability needs. The total duration is up to 137 minutes and 30 seconds. - UCATSENSA
This version adds pause-the-clock breaks to the 25% extra time format. The total test time is up to 170 minutes and 15 seconds, including 25 minutes of rest breaks. - UCATSEN50SA
Combining 50% extra time with rest breaks, UCATSEN50SA lasts up to 203 minutes and includes 30 minutes of pause-the-clock time. - OnVUE UCATSEN
The online proctored equivalent of UCATSEN offers 25% extra time and lasts 145 minutes and 15 seconds, with no rest breaks. - OnVUE UCATSA
This remote version of UCATSA includes pause-the-clock breaks of up to 20 minutes, with a maximum duration of 137 minutes and 30 seconds. - OnVUE UCATSENSA
An online format providing both 25% extra time and rest breaks, OnVUE UCATSENSA runs up to 170 minutes and 15 seconds, including 25 minutes of break time. - OnVUE UCATSEN50
The remote version of UCATSEN50 offers 50% extra time and a total duration of 173 minutes, without rest breaks.
Applying To Sit In UCAT online
The UCAT OnVUE online proctored test is available from 7 July to 19 September 2025 for candidates unable to access a Pearson VUE test centre due to distance, health concerns, or other barriers. Check your eligibility to ensure your condition qualifies for accommodations and that OnVUE supports your needs. Then, create a UCAT account and obtain a candidate ID (UKCAT + 6 digits) via Pearson VUE. Complete all the document submissions for arrangements before the due date to save time for unavailable arrangements.
Access Arrangements That Are Not Provided For UCAT
The following arrangements can not be provided even if you need one, due to the testing nature of UCAT.
- Extra time for slow handwriting is irrelevant, as UCAT is computer-based.
- Non-native English speakers cannot receive extra time, as UCAT assesses cognitive skills, not language proficiency.
- UCAT is exclusively computer-based, so paper-based formats are not offered.
- Online test breaks must be taken at the desk and monitored via webcam.
- Due to availability constraints, some test centres may lack specialized equipment (e.g., specific adjustable desks).
Supporting Evidence Needed
UCAT gives you a detailed guide with supporting evidence needed for UCAT access arrangements on their official page. Below is a concise outline for different cases for your guidance.
In school/college (2025)
- Option 1: Letter from your school (2025, on official letterhead) confirming your disability, exam accommodations (extra time, rest breaks, 1:1 invigilation), and the basis (e.g., diagnosis or assessment).
- Option 2: Signed JCQ Form 8 or 9 (all pages).
In school/college (2025)
- Option 1: Letter from your university (2025, on letterhead) detailing your disability, support provided (extra time, rest breaks, 1:1 invigilation), and the justification.
- Option 2: Post-16 diagnostic report from a qualified assessor recommending specific test arrangements.
Left education before 2025
- Option 1: Letter from your last school/university (2025, on letterhead) confirming your disability, past exam support, and basis of entitlement.
- Option 2: Signed JCQ Form 8 or 9 (all pages).
- Option 3: Full diagnostic report post-16, recommending specific exam support.
- Option 4: Letter (2025) from a GP or specialist explaining your condition, impact on test speed, and recommended accommodations based on clinical judgment.
