How to prepare for the UCAT ANZ: format, pacing and practice strategy
The UCAT ANZ is a two-hour computer-based test with four subtests: Verbal Reasoning (44 questions, 22 minutes), Decision Making (35 questions, 37 minutes), Quantitative Reasoning (36 questions, 26 minutes) and Situational Judgement (69 questions, 26 minutes). There is no negative marking, so answer every question. Speed is the main challenge, so practise each subtest in short timed sets and review every mistake with an explanation.
Medical and dental schools in Australia and New Zealand use the UCAT ANZ in selection alongside other measures, and each university sets its own rules. This guide covers the format and a practical way to prepare. The official site is ucat.edu.au.
The format
| Subtest | Questions | Time | Seconds a question |
|---|---|---|---|
| Verbal Reasoning | 44 | 22 minutes | about 30 |
| Decision Making | 35 | 37 minutes | about 63 |
| Quantitative Reasoning | 36 | 26 minutes | about 43 |
| Situational Judgement | 69 | 26 minutes | about 23 |
Strategies that help in each subtest
- Verbal Reasoning: read the question or statement first, scan for anchor words (names, dates, terms), then read that part of the passage closely. Be wary of absolute words like "always" and "never".
- Decision Making: sketch quick diagrams for syllogisms and Venn problems. Do the quick items first and flag the long ones.
- Quantitative Reasoning: estimate first, calculate only when needed, and learn the on-screen calculator so it does not cost you time.
- Situational Judgement: judge each response against professional principles such as patient safety, honesty, teamwork and confidentiality, not personal preference.
Pacing
Because there is no negative marking, a flagged guess is always better than a blank. Set a rule such as "guess, flag and move on" for any question that takes more than twice its allowance, and check your pace every five questions.
A practice routine
- Learn the question types untimed, reading every explanation.
- Move to short timed sets of 10 to 15 questions.
- Do full timed subtests, then full simulations of all four.
- After each session, sort errors into did not know, misread, ran out of time and fell for a trap, and fix the biggest group first.
Common questions
Is there negative marking in the UCAT?
No. Marks are awarded for correct answers only, so always give an answer, even if it is a guess.
Do I need expensive tutoring?
Not necessarily. What matters is regular timed practice with good explanations. Tutoring suits some students, but many prepare well with practice papers, review and the official UCAT ANZ preparation materials.
Is there a calculator?
Yes, an on-screen calculator is available in Quantitative Reasoning and Decision Making. Learn its layout and any keypad shortcuts the test allows before test day.