Get Accurate Practice for the Universal Cognitive Aptitude Test (UCAT) & Pass With a High Score
The Universal Cognitive Aptitude Test (UCAT) measures your critical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and reasoning skills.
The UCAT test questions are divided into four main topics:
- Spatial Reasoning
Next in Series, Odd One Out, and Matrices - Numerical Reasoning
Basic math questions, arithmetic, math word problems, and tables & graphs - Logical Reasoning
Mainly deduction ("If A then B" statements) - Attention to Detail
Finding differences between shapes and figures
This page will help you prepare for the exam with:
- Full-length UCAT practice test simulations that resemble the real assessment (same time limits, question types, and difficulty level) and help improve your skills in each of the four areas above.
- Step-by-step explanations for each question, ensuring you'll learn from your mistakes, master the best solving methods, and know how to approach every question.
JobTestPrep offers accurate practice simulations and prep guides for 100's of pre-hire tests, since 1992. If you have any additional questions about your assessment, feel free to send us an email, we usually reply within 24 hours.
UCAT Practice Course
- 5 Full-length Criteria's UCAT simulation tests
- 6 Guides and video tutorials
- 19 Math practice tests
- 24 Figural reasoning practice tests
- 5 Formal logic practice
- 8 Guides & video tutorials
If you are here for the University Clinical Aptitude Test (previously UkCAT), visit our UK page to see its complete preparation guide.
What Is The Universal Cognitive Aptitude Test (UCAT)?
The Universal Cognitive Aptitude Test was created by Criteria Corp. and it's based on the Criteria Cognitive Aptitude Test (CCAT). But as opposed to the CCAT exam, the UCAT is a language-independent test and does not include the verbal reasoning and verbal ability questions.
This pre-employment test assesses your critical thinking, problem-solving, analysis, and mathematical reasoning skills. It has 40 questions that must be answered within 20 minutes.
What Is on the UCAT Test?
Spatial Reasoning Questions
These questions involve making adequate spatial judgments, visualize solutions, and solve problems. Spatial reasoning tests aren’t reliant on educational and cultural background, so individuals are assessed at an equal level.
Numerical Reasoning Questions
Evaluates your math reasoning by using arithmetical concepts and solving numerical problems.
Logical Reasoning Questions
Assesses your judgment and cognitive abilities to resolve problems and comprehend data. Analytical skills are highly linked to general cognitive aptitude and mental compatibility with the job.
Attention to Detail Questions
Measures your ability to identify differences between a set of abstract and geometric figures.
What Is a Good UCAT Score? (for Various Positions)
Different professions require your score to fall within different percentiles. Here are just a few examples:
- Customer Service Rep: 18-32
- Store Manager: 20-37
- Lawyer: 29-42
When taking the UCAT, you will want to aim towards receiving a grade that’s on the upper end of your desired profession’s required score, as this will give you a significant advantage over your competition.
UCAT Sample Questions
Here are some of our example questions so that you will get a feel of the test format and types of questions asked.
Let's start with an easier one:
Sample Question 1
Look at the pictures in this matrix. They go together in a specific way. Something belongs in the empty box. Choose the picture that belongs in the empty box.
Ready for a more challenging matrix question?
Sample Question 2
Choose the picture that belongs in the empty box:
Here is a different sample question that examines mathematical capabilities:
Sample Question 3
A lock contains four 0-9 digits.
How many optional combinations are there for this lock?
Create Your Own Assessment Prep Kit!
Finding a job can be a lengthy and challenging journey, often stretching over months and requiring multiple pre-employment tests and interviews. With our Premium Membership, you'll have the support you need every step of the way.
Mix & match 3 Preparation Packs at 50% discount for 1,3, or 6 months
Universal Cognitive Aptitude Test - Important Tips
1. Review the four basic functions, which are: addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. Take time to go over fractions, ratios, and percentages as well.
2. Working with distractors. “Distractor” is the name given to the incorrect choices in a list of multiple-choice options. All the UCAT tests are multiple-choice, so working well with distractors is crucial to your UCAT success.
3. When looking at the sets, consider what each shape has in common. This can include the size, shape, number of items, shading, color, direction, position, etc. Taking these things into consideration will also help you to identify the patterns in the sets.
4. Make sure to manage your time wisely. As each question provides different data, and you will only have about one minute per question. When taking the UCAT test, it is advised to bring in a stopwatch to help keep track of time by calculating the longest amount of time allowed per question.
Online tests depend largely on the amount of time provided, so it’s important not to stay stuck on a difficult question since easy and hard questions have the same score. Your goal should be to answer as many questions correctly as possible.
5. You should get used to conceptualizing the answers. It’s probable that you won’t be able to take notes in an official cognitive ability test. For this reason, you should conceptualize your answers, and put yourself in realistic test situations to mimic the real test environment you will face.