Test dates for October 2025 and January 2026 have now been announced. Please see our key dates.

UAT-UK will offer a new Test of Academic Reasoning for University Admission (TARA) for 2026 entry.

More information on TARA will be published in April. See our statement on the homepage.

Prepare

As part of UAT-UK’s commitment to removing barriers to entry, we provide everything you need to prepare for the tests. You do not need anything beyond what is provided by UAT-UK and Pearson VUE. Please read through all the resources carefully.

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UAT-UK Statement on Commercial Test Preparation Services

UAT-UK is aware that there are private coaching services offered for a fee to help prepare for our admissions tests.

All the information needed to be successful in any of our tests is available on our website or via Pearson VUE. All necessary preparatory materials are available, free of charge, to all candidates.

UAT-UK provides a specification for each of our tests. Test content typically consists of material candidates have already studied at school.

Based on that, UAT-UK is not connected to, and does not endorse or promote, any such services. UAT-UK cannot verify if the information from these companies or individuals is accurate.

The sharing of test content either during or after the admissions cycle is strictly prohibited. Candidates may inadvertently disadvantage their own application(s) by engaging in this practice.

Resources

Candidates should read through all material relating to their test carefully. The resources available for each test are listed below. 

The test specifications describe the structure of each test. They provide a detailed list of possible topics that may be assessed.

The sample tests include question styles and formats you might see in the live test. They also closely reflect the actual testing experience. They come in two types: specimen tests and practice tests.

The specimen tests include explained answers that will aid your preparation. We recommend you complete the practice test(s) under timed conditions.

The sample tests open in the Pearson VUE test player. You will use this software in your test centre. It’s important to familiarise yourself with its accessibility and navigation features.

All questions should be viewed on a desktop, not on mobile devices. This helps to show the live test experience accurately.

Related Content

Test Preparation Materials

ESAT

The ESAT will draw on science and mathematics that you are likely to have already learned in your school studies, so you shouldn’t need to do too much additional preparation. We recommend that you read the test specification to see if there are any topics that you need to revise.

 

An ESAT Guide will be added here in May to aid your test preparation. 

TARA

The TARA doesn’t require any subject specific knowledge, but we do advise you read the specification carefully and engage with the sample tests.

A TARA Question Guide will be added here in May to aid your test preparation. 

TMUA

The TMUA will use maths that you are likely to have already learned in your school studies, so you shouldn’t need to do too much additional preparation. We recommend that you read the test specification to see if there are any topics that you need to revise.

Note to candidates

Our tests often draw upon what you’ve learned in school or test your general thinking and writing abilities. However, they are designed to be challenging.

Our tests need to clearly separate highly capable applicants. This includes those who may have achieved top grades in school exams.

This might be the first time you have taken a test designed for students of your high level of ability. You should not expect to score as highly on these tests as you would in your school exams.