UCAT UK 2026 Access Arrangements

Did you know that if you have educational needs, disabilities or medical conditions you may be entitled to access arrangements (special conditions) when sitting the UCAT UK?

You must:

• Apply and be approved for access arrangements before your UCAT test can be booked

• Accompany applications with suitable official documentation

Access arrangements provided for UCAT

You can apply for the following access arrangements when sitting the UCAT:

• Extra test time is available for students whose disability affects reading speed or information processing. Usually, 25% extra time is allotted, although more can be approved with supporting evidence. Note that extra test time is not given for reading or language difficulties caused by English not being a student’s first language.

• Pause-the-clock rest breaks between UCAT sections for candidates that require rest breaks to manage a disability during testing. This may include:
  • Standard UCAT timing with an additional 20 minutes available for pause-the-clock breaks.
  • UCAT with 25% extra test time and an additional 25 minutes available for pause-the-clock breaks.
  • UCAT with 50% extra test time and an additional 30 minutes available for pause-the-clock breaks.

• Access to a separate UCAT testing room (subject to test centre availability).

• Access to medically necessary items (including food and water) at your UCAT workstation.

Access arrangements that do not require approval

General accessibility arrangements do not require an application or prior approval before booking your UCAT, including:

• Standard test tools, such as colour contrast features or screen magnification

• Items on the Pearson Comfort Aid List (such as medication, medical devices, and mobility devices), which can be taken into the testing room after a visual inspection

• Non-electronic ear defenders or earplugs, provided they do not have Bluetooth capability or any ability to connect to a device

• Your own coloured overlay (for students with dyslexia). Most UCAT test centre monitors are 24-inch flat screens

Some UCAT access arrangements must be arranged at least 5 working days before your test. You will need to contact Pearson VUE Customer Services. These arrangements are subject to UCAT test centre availability and include:

• Wheelchair access

Applying to sit UCAT online

Candidates who have a medical condition, disability, or other circumstances (for example, living in a location without a test centre) that make it difficult or impossible to sit the UCAT in a test centre may be able to take the exam online using Pearson's OnVUE system.

OnVUE testing allows you to complete the UCAT from a private location, such as your home, while being supervised remotely through your webcam and microphone. The exam content is the same as the test delivered in centres, and some access arrangements are also supported.

To sit the OnVUE UCAT, candidates will need:

• equipment that meets the required technical specifications

• to complete a System Test to confirm your setup works correctly

• a strong and stable internet connection

• a quiet, private space where you will not be disturbed

Supporting evidence needed

Supporting evidence must be provided by an appropriately qualified specialist assessor or recognised medical practitioner.

For candidates currently in secondary school in 2026, evidence is typically provided through a signed and dated letter on headed paper from the school, college, or university. This should confirm the disability, outline why access arrangements are needed, and list any approved arrangements currently used in examinations (such as extra time, rest breaks, or access to medical items), along with the basis for these arrangements (for example, a medical diagnosis or specialist assessment).

Applying for UCAT access arrangements

Applications for UCAT access arrangements can be made via the UCAT access arrangements page.

If you have already booked your test, you must cancel it before applying for access arrangements.

For UCAT UK 2026, the deadline for submitting access arrangement applications is 10 September 2026.

START YOUR UCAT PREP