MAP Tests

The Mental Aptitude Profile (MAP) Test is a computer based assessment. It is based upon the University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) which is an admissions test used by a consortium of UK Universities for their medical and dental degree programmes. It is an assessment used to determine a candidate's cognitive ability.

What do the tests measure?

The four MAP tests cover distinct areas of reasoning ability:

  • Abstract – The ability to identify patterns in abstract shapes and generate and test hypotheses – abilities related to creative thinking and problem-solving.

  • Verbal – The ability to understand written information and determine what follows logically from the information.

  • Numerical – The ability to use numerical information to solve problems.

  • Memory - The ability to quickly and accurately memorise then apply guidelines and procedures.

Whilst you cannot increase your mental aptitude (grow your brain!), you can practise the mental aptitude type testing in order to familiarise yourself with the process and lateral thinking. This will put you more at ease during the testing, subsequently you will be perform at your optimum capacity.

Step Up at Mainboard

There is a jump in the difficulty of the MAP tests from Briefing to Mainboard, do not become complacent if you found the Briefing MAP tests a breeze, you might get caught out at Mainboard!

At Breifing you will only do the three MAP test; Abstract, Verbal, Numerical. In addition to these three test, at Mainboard you will do two more assessments: a memory test and personality assessment. The latter is not a pass or fail but is based upon your personality and only you can answer it correctly.

Top Tips

To maintain peak brain performance keep hydrated but don't forget to use the facilities before you do the tests are you will be doing them for a while.

Click on the flowing image tiles to get advice on how you can best prepare for MAP tests.

Number of Questions: 40
Types of Questions: True, False, Cannot Say
Time Limit: 15 minutes

Number of Questions: 36
Types of Questions: Tables & graphs, word problems
Time Limit: 15 minutes

Number of Questions: 70

Type of Questions: Group A, Group B, Neither

Time Limit: 12 minutes

Types of questions: Following instructions and procedures
Time Limit: 20 Minutes

*Mainboard only

Resorces

The document vault is full of useful bits that can help you better prepare for the MAP tests, just go the MAP Test section.

There is a free UCAT App available for IOS & Android. Another good source of free UCAT questions can be found on this blog. Alternatively you can buy a UCAT book for under £5 with 600 practise questions from Amazon.

Another free resource is Lumosity which is an App where you can do daily mind training that will help with MAP tests. There is a paid membership option but the features on the free version are all you should need alongside the other resources shared on the RA ResPO KX.

MedicMind has a selection of free online practices test that you can take here as well as an option to pay a nominal fee to gain access to 5000+ questions and tutorial videos.