UCAT ANZ test format: sections, timings and questions
How long is the UCAT ANZ, and what is in it?
The UCAT ANZ has four separately timed sections with 184 questions in total. The questions take 1 hour 51 minutes, and with the timed instruction screens before each section the whole test runs just under two hours.
| Section | Questions | Instructions | Test time | Time per question |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Verbal Reasoning | 44 | 1 min 30 s | 22 min | 30 s |
| Decision Making | 35 | 1 min 30 s | 37 min | about 63 s |
| Quantitative Reasoning | 36 | 2 min | 26 min | about 43 s |
| Situational Judgement | 69 | 1 min 30 s | 26 min | about 23 s |
| Total | 184 | 6 min 30 s | 1 h 51 min |
The sections always come in this order. The test is sat on a computer at a test centre, and every question is multiple choice.
Can you pause the test or go back to a section?
No. Once the test starts the clock cannot be paused, and each section has its own timer. When a section's time runs out you are moved to the next one, and you cannot return to an earlier section.
Time you save in one section does not carry over to the next. The instruction screens are timed separately, so reading them does not use up your question time.
What does each section test?
Verbal Reasoning: 44 questions in 22 minutes
You read 11 passages of text and answer 4 questions on each. That is 2 minutes per passage, reading included. Some questions ask whether a statement is True, False or Can't Tell from the passage. Others are multiple-choice comprehension questions. You answer only from what the passage says, never from outside knowledge.
Decision Making: 35 questions in 37 minutes
You apply logic to reach a conclusion, judge arguments and interpret statistical information. Question types include syllogisms, logic puzzles, Venn diagrams and probability. Most questions have one correct option. Some give you five statements and ask for a Yes or No on each. A simple on-screen calculator is available.
Quantitative Reasoning: 36 questions in 26 minutes
You solve problems using numbers, most often from a table, chart or graph. Questions usually come in sets that share one piece of data. The mathematics is school level; the difficulty is finding the right figures and working quickly. A basic on-screen calculator is available.
Situational Judgement: 69 questions in 26 minutes
You read short scenarios set in clinical or training settings, with up to six questions on each. You rate how appropriate a response is or how important a consideration is, or pick the most and least appropriate action. No medical knowledge is needed.
Is Abstract Reasoning still in the UCAT?
No. Abstract Reasoning was removed ahead of the 2025 test. The UCAT ANZ now has the four sections above. Older guides, books and videos that describe five sections, or different question counts and timings, are describing the previous format.
See what changed in the UCAT ANZ from 2025.
How is the UCAT ANZ scored?
Marks are given for correct answers only. There is no negative marking, so a guess never costs you anything and no question should be left blank.
| Section | Marks per question | Reported score |
|---|---|---|
| Verbal Reasoning | 1 | 300 to 900 |
| Decision Making | 1, or 2 for a five-statement question (1 if partly correct) | 300 to 900 |
| Quantitative Reasoning | 1 | 300 to 900 |
| Situational Judgement | Full marks for the correct answer, part marks for a close one | 300 to 900 |
The scores for Verbal Reasoning, Decision Making and Quantitative Reasoning are added to give a total between 900 and 2700. Situational Judgement is reported as its own score and is not part of that total.
For averages, percentiles and when results arrive, see how UCAT ANZ scoring works.
What does the timing mean for preparation?
- Pace differs by section. You have about 23 seconds per question in Situational Judgement and about 63 in Decision Making. Practise each section against its own clock.
- Verbal Reasoning is the tightest on reading. Two minutes covers reading the passage and answering four questions on it.
- Never leave a blank. With no negative marking, flag a hard question, choose an answer and move on.
- Practise on a screen. The real test uses an on-screen calculator, a flag button and a question navigator, and none of them feel the same on paper.
Extra time
Candidates with a documented medical condition or disability, who already receive exam accommodations at school or university, can apply for Access Arrangements to sit an extended version of the test. How to apply is set out on the official website.
Sources
- UCAT ANZ Consortium, Test Format
- UCAT ANZ Consortium, Scoring
The official website is the authority on the test. Check it for anything that affects your registration or sitting.
MyelinMed is not affiliated with UCAT ANZ, the UCAT Consortium or Pearson VUE.