UCAT ANZ subtests explained, with a six-week practice schedule
The UCAT ANZ has 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). Speed is the main challenge, so practise each under time pressure in short sets, and use a six-week cycle that builds from untimed method to full timed runs.
The UCAT ANZ is used by many Australian and New Zealand medical and dental schools as part of selection. It is not a test of knowledge, which is what makes it feel unfamiliar. It measures reasoning speed and judgement under a tight clock. For the official information, including registration and scoring, see the UCAT ANZ website.
The four subtests
| Subtest | Questions | Time | What it tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| Verbal Reasoning | 44 | 22 minutes | Reading dense passages and judging statements (true, false, can't tell) or finding the best conclusion |
| Decision Making | 35 | 37 minutes | Logic puzzles, syllogisms, Venn diagrams, probability and argument evaluation |
| Quantitative Reasoning | 36 | 26 minutes | Data from tables and charts, with an on-screen calculator |
| Situational Judgement | 69 | 26 minutes | Appropriate or inappropriate responses to realistic professional scenarios |
Where the time goes
- Verbal Reasoning gives about 30 seconds a question. Read the statement first, then scan the passage for the matching sentence.
- Decision Making gives about 63 seconds. Do the quick ones first, flag long ones.
- Quantitative Reasoning gives about 43 seconds. Estimate first, calculate only when needed, and learn the calculator shortcuts.
- Situational Judgement gives about 23 seconds. Decide on principles (patient safety, honesty, teamwork, confidentiality) and apply them quickly.
A six-week schedule
| Week | Plan |
|---|---|
| 1 | Learn each question type untimed. Read every explanation. Start an error log. |
| 2 | Short timed sets (10 to 15 questions) in each subtest. Focus on technique: skimming, estimation, elimination. |
| 3 | Weakest two subtests in depth. Learn the calculator layout for Quantitative Reasoning. |
| 4 | Full timed subtests, one per day, with a full review the next day. |
| 5 | Two full test simulations (all four subtests) on different days. |
| 6 | Taper. Light review of the error log, one short timed set per subtest, rest. |
Habits that raise scores
- Guess strategically. There is no penalty for wrong answers, so always answer. Flag and guess when a question is eating time.
- Work to a running clock. Check every five questions that you are on pace.
- Practise on screen. The real test is computer-based, so get used to the on-screen layout and calculator.
- Review with explanations. A correct guess is not the same as understanding.
Treat the UCAT like a sport: short, frequent, focused sessions beat occasional marathons.
Common questions
How is the UCAT ANZ scored?
The three cognitive subtests (Verbal Reasoning, Decision Making, Quantitative Reasoning) are scored from 300 to 900 each. Situational Judgement is reported separately as its own scaled score from 300 to 900, which is converted to a band (1 to 4) when results go to UK and partner universities. Check the UCAT ANZ website for current details.
Is Situational Judgement worth practising?
Yes. How it counts depends on the university, so check each course's selection rules, but it is part of the test and it rewards learning the professional standards the questions test.
Should I buy a lot of question banks?
Quality matters more than quantity. Choose a source with worked explanations for every question, and spend as long reviewing as you do sitting.
When should I start?
Six to eight weeks of consistent practice is typical, with at least two weeks of full timed sections near the end.