Admissions tests
Tests form one part of Oxford's admissions process and are used alongside a range of information to help assess candidate’s academic potential and suitability for many of our courses. All admissions tests will be online, delivered in partnership with Pearson VUE via its established network of test centres.
The 2024 deadline for candidates to register and book their test at a Pearson VUE test centre was Friday 4 October and has now passed.
Test preparation
We strongly recommend that all candidates who have booked to take an admissions test start preparing using the test-specific resources on our individual test pages. For most tests, you will find several years of past papers and solutions as well as an online practice test. Wherever possible, candidates should have a go at the relevant online practice test. This will allow you to try out the test platform, including accessibility features, so when you are taking your test you can focus fully on your answers. Taking the online practice test will also familiarise you with the structure and content of your test and help you manage your time on test day.
What to expect on test day
You will be taking your admissions test at a Pearson VUE test centre and we advise that you read Pearson VUE's guidance on what to expect on your test day. This includes information on:
- Reschedule and cancellation policies
- Pearson VUE test centre management
- ID requirements
- Candidate rules
- Test centre check-in procedures
- Personal belongings (including information on note taking)
- In the test room
- Breaks
You can also find this information in the On Test Day edition of our newsletter for applicants.
Remember your candidate ID
When you arrive at the Pearson VUE test centre on the day of your test appointment, before being permitted to enter the test room, you will be required to confirm your identity by presenting one or more forms of accepted ID (see specific information about acceptable IDs). If you arrive at the test centre without the required ID, you will not be permitted to take your test.
HAT technical issue
We are aware that for a short time during the delivery of the History Admissions Test, some candidates were affected by a technical issue experienced by Pearson VUE test centres. If you were impacted by this, please follow the instructions on the HAT webpage.
