UCAT Decision Making: Format and Preparation

Decision Making is one of the four current UCAT subtests. It assesses the ability to make sound decisions and judgements using complex information. Applicants should use the official UCAT test-format guidance as the primary source for current requirements.

What the Subtest Involves

The current UCAT format includes 35 Decision Making questions, with 37 minutes for the subtest after the timed instruction section. Questions require careful reading and reasoning from the information provided. Some question types use multiple statements, where partially correct responses can receive partial credit under the UCAT’s published scoring approach.

A Practical Preparation Routine

A useful approach is to separate the question method from the topic. After each practice set, identify whether an error came from interpreting the information, choosing a response, using a diagram or managing time.

• Work through official question tutorials before timed practice.
• Practise one question type at a time before combining them.
• Use the answer rationale to understand where reasoning went wrong.
• Move to timed practice tests once the core methods feel familiar.

Use Official UCAT Resources

The UCAT Consortium provides free question banks and practice tests. These resources help applicants become familiar with the current question formats and on-screen tools.

UCAT Preparation Support

Applicants looking for additional structure around their preparation routine can explore MedScore’s UCAT preparation and one-to-one tutoring options or book a consultation to discuss the support route they are considering.

For an overview of the full test, read What Is the UCAT? Test Format and Preparation.