Information for Neurodivergent Candidates
Introduction
In 2024 a student researcher at the University of Nottingham explored the experience of neurodivergent candidates in preparing for and taking the UCAT. The information below has been developed as an outcome from that research.
Neurodivergent is not a medical diagnosis, but an umbrella term for a range of conditions including autism, ADHD, dyslexia, dyscalculia and dyspraxia. Neurodivergent candidates may face different challenges to other candidates when preparing for and sitting the UCAT. We hope this information helps signpost candidates to this support. If you have any feedback regarding this content or questions about our advice, please contact [email protected].
Access arrangements should be arranged in advance of testing. For detailed information regarding access arrangements and how to put these in place please go here.
Neurodivergent candidates may be entitled to some or all of the following access arrangements. This is not an exhaustive list.
Adjustments to the test
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Access Arrangement
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Entitlement
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Actions Required
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Extra test time
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For candidates entitled to more time to read or process test content due to a disability which has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on speed of working.
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Requires prior approval
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Rest Breaks
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For candidates entitled to rest breaks to manage a disability during testing.
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Requires prior approval
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Test environment
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Access Arrangement
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Entitlement/details
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Actions Required
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Separate Room
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For candidates entitled to 1:1 invigilation. Test centre rooms usually accommodate up to 15 candidates and meet the requirement for testing in a smaller room.
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Requires prior approval.
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Non-electronic ear defenders or earplugs
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Must not have Bluetooth capabilities or be able to connect to any device.
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Do not require approval – will be subject to visual inspection.
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Fidget toy/stress balls/stim toys
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Requires prior approval.
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Coloured Overlay (supplied by the candidate)
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Overlays should lie flat against the screen (kept in place by static) or in a frame that sits on top of the monitor. Monitors in most UK test centres are 24" flat screen.
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Do not require approval – will be subject to visual inspection.
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Adjustable font/background colours
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Screen magnification or colour contrast features (provided using 'ZoomText').
most test centres use version 2023;
prior familiarity is strongly recommended - Download a free ZoomText trial
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Do not require approval but should be arranged at least 5 working days in advance of testing.
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Access to Water
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Requires prior approval.
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Medication
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Requires prior approval.
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The evidence we require depends on what stage you are at in education. For detailed information regarding access arrangements and how to put these in place please go here.
If you are currently in education, we would accept a letter from your school/college/university confirming the arrangements they have put in place to support you taking exams. If you are waiting for an ADHD/ASD diagnosis and can provide evidence from a medical practitioner (e.g. GP) confirming a referral or appointment for an assessment we may be able to offer rest breaks.
If this is not applicable to your circumstances, then I’m afraid you would need to wait to make an application until you had evidence to provide. Please get in touch with us to discuss your circumstances further.
More information regarding your Test Day can be found here.
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Arrival
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Arrive 15 minutes before your appointment time to complete check-in.
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ID
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Bring accepted government-issued photographic ID which meets all the requirements of the Photo ID Policy.
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Photograph
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Staff will take a digital photograph of you.
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Test Rules
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Read the UCAT Test Rules and sign to confirm you understand them. Your signature will be checked against your ID.
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Personal Belongings
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Store personal belongings in a designated area. Nothing is allowed in the test room apart from indoor clothes, photo ID, permitted comfort aids and approved access arrangements.
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Security Check
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Staff will conduct a routine visual inspection of your clothing, hands/arms, ears (if covered) and any comfort aids or approved access arrangements.
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The Test Room
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You will be taken into the testing room.
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Noise
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Our test centres are quiet spaces but there will be other people taking tests in the same room. Usually this would be a a maximum of 15 people. There may be limited disturbance as test takers arrive and leave or staff assist them. You may request earplugs to block out noise – Please see information regarding access arrangements above.
On occasion, there may be routine testing of fire alarm systems during your test.
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Breaks
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If you need a break (e.g. to use the toilets), raise your hand to notify the invigilator. Unless you have been approved for pause-the-clock breaks, the test cannot be paused. You will lose time when out of the room. You may want to take breaks during the instruction sections between subtests to limit impact on test time.
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Equipment
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You will be allocated a desk space at which you will find a PC, keyboard and mouse. You will be given a laminated notebook (A4 in size) and a pen. If you require replacements hold the notebook or pen in the air to request one from the invigilator.
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At the end
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After completing the test, raise your hand. The invigilator will end your test and escort you from the room to collect your score report.
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If you have any concerns over the check-in process contact Pearson VUE Customer Services at least 5 working days before your test.
Take the Test Centre Tour and watch this video to see what a UK Pearson VUE test centre looks like and what to expect on arrival.
Information for candidates who are not fit to test can be found here.
If you are not fit to test you must not proceed with your test and should contact the UCAT Office as soon as possible.
If you become ill during your test, raise your hand to notify the invigilator. If you are not well enough to continue, please ask to end your test. You then need to contact the UCAT Office as soon as possible.
We provide lots of free resources to help candidates prepare for the test here.
You can also watch an information presentation about the UCAT here
How you prepare for the test will depend on lots of things. You may have other commitments during the summer period which impact on the time you have available. Everyone revises in a different way. You may find some sections of the test easier than others.
- Try and find a study environment which is quiet, where you feel comfortable and where you can be organised.
- Planning ahead important. You may find our Preparation Plan and Preparation Calendar helpful to structure your time. You may like to search for revision apps that can support your preparation journey.
- You can add the key test cycle dates to your digital calendar and set yourself reminders, so you don’t miss deadlines.
- Once you have a plan, set yourself reminders and try and stick to this.
- Break up your preparation into manageable chunks and take breaks. For example you might find preparing for 20 minutes at a time with 10 minute breaks in between works for you.
- As your test date gets closer, you may find it helpful to mimic test conditions by taking timed practice tests (use the UCATSEN version to mimic extra test time. If you have been approved for pause-the-clock rest breaks, you should watch this video to familiarise yourself with this functionality)
- Reward yourself as you go along.
- Build in time to see family and friends. Get out of the house and think about regular exercise. Doing physical exercises regularly sharpens focus, enhances the immune system, and improves executive functioning skills especially for students with ADHD.
Pause and think about what is going well and what is not. Think about your strengths and weaknesses in the test. Revisit your plan based on this. If possible, speak to other people you know who are taking the test. Your teachers/advisors should be able to offer advice. Have a look at our advice from previous candidates.
If your wellbeing is being affected, read the advice on our wellbeing page.
There are lots of organisations offering advice around exams and revision for neurodivergent candidates. The links below might be helpful:
There is some information here about applying to universities which may be of help:
