In this day and age, accessibility for everyone is important to implement. This is true of most things, including the University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT), the UK’s standardised medicine admissions test.
Everyone should have an equal opportunity to study medicine regardless of their situation, so UCATSEN has been available for those who need additional requirements when sitting the test. In this guide, we’ll explore what those arrangements are and how to access them.
Written by Ayma Ahmed
What is UCATSEN?
The UCAT, like many other exams, has implemented procedures to help support students who require extra support to take the exam. UCATSEN specifically refers to an option for test takers to have extra time, but there are a wide variety of arrangements that can be made for those sitting the UCAT.
UCAT Access Arrangements
There are a range of accommodations that can be made, which may or may not require approval. Some of the examples of things that don’t require approval are:
- Comfort Aids: There are an array of different aids which do not require any pre-approval, they range from medicine and medical devices such as bandages and glucose tablets to mobility devices such as canes and crutches.
- Wheelchair Access: This may vary from test centre, depending on their availability.
- Adjustable Desk Height: This also varies depending on each test centre.
- ZoomText: This allows for magnification of text as well as colour enhancements depending on your needs.
- Coloured Overlays: You are allowed to bring in your own coloured overlay. However these will require inspection during your sign-in of the exam.
However, some access arrangements will require you to get prior approval. These include:
- Extra Test Time (UCATSEN): This is often granted when an individual requires extra time to read and process the content of the examination. Successful students who have applied for this are granted either 25% or 50% extra time depending on their need.
- Rest Breaks: You are able to be granted rest time if you require time to manage your disability. Students have access to a maximum of up to 3 rest breaks in each section, during these rest breaks you cannot access the test content.
- Separate Room: To be granted access to these it requires specific evidence that states and explains your need for separate invigilation.
- Online Testing: This is referred to as OnVUE and is only awarded in particular circumstances that stop you from completing the test from inside the test centre. It often involves checking whether you are attending school or working in person.
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UCAT Adjusted Timings
One of the most in-depth access arrangements is the allowance of additional time and rest breaks. There are 3 main categories of test times: UCAT, UCATSEN and UCATSEN50.
What do the different UCAT timings mean?
It can be confusing to understand what each of the timings are for the UCAT, UCATSEN and UCATSEN50 in comparison to one another.
UCAT Timings
In terms of the overall times the usual UCAT lasts for 120 minutes, with the UCATSA being 140 minutes (120 minutes and 20 minutes for pause-the-clock breaks).
UCATSEN Timings
UCATSEN lasts for 150 minutes, with UCATSENSA being 175 minutes (150 minutes and 25 minutes for pause-the-clock breaks).
UCATSEN50 Timings
Finally, UCATSEN50 lasts for 180 minutes, with the UCATSEN50SA lasting 210 minutes (180 minutes with an additional 30 minutes of pause-the-clock breaks).
All of these timings remain the same for the OnVUE variant of the test.
UCAT Timings Per Section
In all 3 variations of the test, the number of questions and their difficulty remains the same, it is only the timings that differ. This is how it affects each section:
- In UCAT you are granted 21 minutes for 44 questions.
- In UCATSEN you are granted 26 minutes and 15 seconds for 44 questions.
- In UCATSEN50 you are granted 31 minutes and 30 seconds for 44 questions.
- In UCAT you are granted 25 minutes for 29 questions.
- In UCATSEN you are granted 38 minutes and 45 seconds for 29 questions.
- In UCATSEN50 you are granted 46 minutes and 30 seconds for 29 questions.
- In UCAT you are granted 25 minutes for 36 questions.
- In UCATSEN you are granted 31 minutes and 15 seconds for 36 questions.
- In UCATSEN50 you are granted 37 minutes and 30 seconds for 36 questions.
- In UCAT you are granted 12 minutes for 50 questions.
- In UCATSEN you are granted 15 minutes for 50 questions.
- In UCATSEN50 you are granted 18 minutes for 50 questions.
- In UCAT you are granted 26 minutes for 69 questions.
- In UCATSEN you are granted 32 minutes and 30 seconds for 69 questions.
- In UCATSEN50 you are granted 39 minutes for 69 questions.
How To Apply For UCATSEN
To apply for any kind of additional time rest break, you will need to contact Pearson VUE directly in order to provide the necessary evidence for your needs. This will need to be offered as a signed letter or form.
When To Apply For UCATSEN
Access applications open mid-May (14th May 2024), a month prior to when the UCAT test date booking opens, allowing time for your application to be approved. However, if you haven’t managed to apply prior to this, access arrangement application and evidence deadlines tend to be during the middle of September (15th September 2024). You will receive a notification of the outcome of your application within 5 working days.
What evidence do you need for UCATSEN?
If you are currently in education, the UCAT requires you to provide a signed letter from your school, college or University which explains what your disability is, how much additional time you usually receive in exams, any rest break times as well as any other accommodations you may require. If you’re unable to provide this, the UCAT requires you to provide a JCQ form which can be found on their website (Form 8 or 9).
If you have been out of education for 2 years, the UCAT requires you to obtain a letter from a registered psychologist or GP, which once again highlights any recommendations of accommodations, what your disability is and how it affects your speed of work as well as any prior examination requirements.
I hope this guide has been helpful to you and that you’re now ready to apply for your UCAT. Remember that medicine applications aren’t judged by one’s circumstances but by their abilities and appreciation for the subject. If you’re passionate about medicine and have put the work in to explore your interest, you’ll have a good chance of getting your offer.
With that being said, support for the UCAT is always help, whether it be practice questions, live courses or one-to-one tuition. Luckily, 6med’s Tutoring Bundle contains all of this and more, making it the most comprehensive and effective tool for your UCAT prep. Discover more today by booking a free consultation with our friendly team!
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