EXAM FORMAT
The UCAT ANZ is a two-hour computer-based test delivered at Pearson VUE centres across Australia and New Zealand. It comprises five separately timed subtests that assess cognitive abilities and situational judgement. Understanding the format inside and out is your first step toward effective preparation.
The UCAT ANZ (University Clinical Aptitude Test for Australia and New Zealand) is a computer-based aptitude test used by universities across Australia and New Zealand as part of their medical and dental school admissions processes. The test is delivered at Pearson VUE test centres during a testing window that typically runs from July to August each year.
The exam consists of four separately timed subtests completed in a fixed order: Verbal Reasoning (VR), Decision Making (DM), Quantitative Reasoning (QR), and Situational Judgement Test (SJT). Abstract Reasoning was removed from the UCAT in 2025. The total testing time is approximately two hours, with a one-minute break between each subtest. There is no overall break during the test.
Each subtest assesses different cognitive abilities or behavioural attributes. The three cognitive subtests are scored on a scale of 300 to 900 each, giving a total cognitive score out of 2700. The SJT is scored separately on a Band scale from 1 (highest) to 4 (lowest).
Verbal Reasoning (VR) consists of 44 questions to be completed in 21 minutes. You are presented with passages of text and must answer questions that assess your ability to critically evaluate written information. Question formats include True/False/Can't Tell items and multiple-choice comprehension questions. Speed is essential—you have less than 30 seconds per question on average.
Decision Making (DM) has 29 questions in 31 minutes, making it the most generous in terms of time per question. This subtest assesses your ability to make sound decisions and judgements using complex information. Question types include logical puzzles, Venn diagrams, probabilistic reasoning, syllogisms, and interpreting data from charts and tables.
Quantitative Reasoning (QR) presents 36 questions in 25 minutes and tests your ability to solve numerical problems. Questions involve data interpretation from tables, charts, and graphs, as well as calculations involving percentages, ratios, proportions, and basic arithmetic. An on-screen calculator is provided for this subtest only.
The Situational Judgement Test (SJT) is the final subtest, with 69 questions in 27 minutes. Unlike the cognitive subtests, the SJT assesses your ability to understand real-world situations and identify appropriate professional behaviours. You are presented with scenarios relevant to healthcare settings and asked to evaluate the appropriateness or importance of various responses.
The SJT is scored on Bands (1 to 4) rather than the 300–900 scale used for cognitive subtests. Band 1 represents the highest performance. While SJT cannot be easily 'studied for' in the traditional sense, familiarising yourself with the types of scenarios and understanding the values expected of healthcare professionals can improve your performance.
Note: Abstract Reasoning was removed from the UCAT in 2025. The exam now consists of four subtests only. If you are using older study materials, skip any AR content and focus your time on the remaining four sections.
The UCAT ANZ is delivered exclusively at Pearson VUE test centres. On test day, you should arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment time. You will need to bring valid photo identification (such as a passport or driver's licence) that matches the name on your UCAT registration exactly.
At the test centre, you will store personal belongings in a locker and be provided with a laminated booklet and marker for rough working. No personal items, including phones, watches, or calculators, are permitted in the testing room. The on-screen calculator is available only during the Quantitative Reasoning subtest.
The test interface allows you to flag questions for review and navigate within each subtest. However, once a subtest's time expires, you cannot return to it. Managing your time effectively within each subtest is critical, as unanswered questions receive no marks. There is no negative marking, so always select an answer even if you are unsure.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
The UCAT ANZ takes approximately two hours in total testing time. This includes four separately timed subtests: Verbal Reasoning (22 min), Decision Making (32 min), Quantitative Reasoning (25 min), and Situational Judgement Test (27 min), plus one-minute breaks between subtests. Including check-in procedures, expect to spend about 2.5 hours at the test centre.
There is a one-minute optional break between each subtest, but there is no extended break during the UCAT. You cannot leave the testing room during these one-minute intervals. The breaks allow you a brief moment to mentally reset before the next section begins.
An on-screen calculator is provided only during the Quantitative Reasoning subtest. You cannot use a physical calculator or any external device during the test. For all other subtests, you must perform any calculations mentally or using the laminated booklet and marker provided at the test centre.
No, there is no negative marking on the UCAT ANZ. Unanswered questions receive zero marks, so you should always select an answer for every question, even if you need to guess. This makes time management especially important—never leave a question blank.
RELATED GUIDES
Master every UCAT ANZ question type across all 4 subtests. Detailed guide to VR, DM, QR, and SJT question formats with strategies for each.
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