These TARA FAQs answer the questions applicants most often ask about registration, exam format, results and test day. For a complete overview of deadlines, fees and university requirements, start with the TARA Exam 2027 guide.
Rules can change. Check the official UAT-UK FAQs and your university course page before acting on an answer.
What does TARA stand for?
TARA stands for Test of Academic Reasoning for Admissions. It is a computer-based admissions test owned and managed by UAT-UK and delivered at Pearson professional test centres.
Which universities use TARA for 2027 entry?
The current users are the University of Oxford and UCL for selected courses. Oxford lists several humanities and social-science programmes, while UCL lists Computer Science and Mechanical Engineering programmes. See the exact current lists in our TARA essentials guide, then confirm your specific course on the university website.
When is TARA for 2027 entry?
The main windows are 12–16 October 2026 and 4–8 January 2027. Candidates in China, Hong Kong and Macau have one TARA day in each window: 14 October and 7 January. See all milestones on the official deadlines page.
Do Oxford applicants have to take TARA in October?
Most Oxford applicants applying to a course with the October UCAS deadline must take the October sitting. Applicants to Oxford's Astrophoria Foundation Year can use October or January because that programme has a January application deadline.
Can UCL applicants choose October or January?
UAT-UK says applicants to institutions other than Oxford and Cambridge can normally choose either sitting, with no advantage from taking one over the other. You may take TARA only once in the cycle.
How much does TARA cost?
For the 2027-entry cycle, TARA costs £78 in the UK and Republic of Ireland and £133 elsewhere. Location of the test centre determines the fee.
Is a bursary available?
Yes. Eligible UK candidates in financial hardship can apply for a bursary covering the full fee. Apply and obtain approval before booking; UAT-UK cannot reimburse you after you have paid. Review the official bursary scheme.
How do I register?
Create a UAT-UK account, complete your details, apply for any bursary or access arrangements, select TARA and then book an available Pearson test-centre appointment. Registration is separate from UCAS and is the candidate's responsibility.
Can my school register or pay for me?
No. Under the standard process, candidates register and pay for their own tests.
Where do I take TARA?
TARA is taken in person at a Pearson professional test centre. It is not a remote at-home exam and is not normally sat at your school. Available centres and appointments appear during booking.
Can international students take TARA?
Yes. Pearson delivers UAT-UK tests through an international network. International candidates sit the same TARA, subject to local appointment availability, and pay the international fee if testing outside the UK and Republic of Ireland.
What is the TARA format?
TARA has three separately timed 40-minute modules:
- 22 Critical Thinking multiple-choice questions
- 22 Problem Solving multiple-choice questions
- one Writing Task chosen from three prompts, with a 750-word limit
Read our TARA syllabus guide for all question types and assumed maths.
Can I go back to an earlier module?
No. The modules are taken in order and separately timed. Once you move to the next module, you cannot return to the previous one. Unused time does not transfer.
Is a calculator allowed?
No. Calculators are not allowed in any TARA module.
Is a dictionary allowed?
No. Dictionaries are not permitted.
Can I use rough paper?
Pearson provides erasable sheets or a whiteboard and a pen for rough work. You cannot take your own paper or remove the provided material from the centre.
Is there negative marking?
No. Critical Thinking and Problem Solving scores are based on correct answers, and marks are not deducted for incorrect answers. Attempt every multiple-choice question.
How is TARA scored?
You receive separate Critical Thinking and Problem Solving scores on a 1.0 to 9.0 scale, reported to one decimal place. TARA has no universal pass or fail mark; universities decide how to use the scores.
Is the Writing Task scored?
UAT-UK does not score it. A copy is sent to relevant participating universities where you applied for a course requiring TARA. Universities may decide how to use it, so check the relevant course page.
When are results released?
October 2026 candidates are scheduled to receive results on 16 November 2026. January 2027 candidates are scheduled to receive them on 8 February 2027, through the UAT-UK account.
Do I send my score to universities?
No. UAT-UK matches results to your UCAS application and sends them automatically to participating universities for courses that require the test. Only relevant official users receive the result.
Can I choose which participating university sees my result?
No. If a participating university on your UCAS application requires TARA for your course, the result is sent automatically. It is not sent to a course that does not use the test.
Can I take TARA more than once?
Not in the same admissions cycle. The October 2026 and January 2027 sittings form one cycle, and using another account to sit again would breach the rules.
Can I reuse an old TARA score?
No. You must sit the test in the admissions cycle in which you apply, including when reapplying or applying for deferred entry.
Can I reschedule my test?
Yes, through your UAT-UK account or Pearson customer service, up to 48 hours before the appointment. Rescheduling is subject to available appointments, and the same centre or time is not guaranteed.
Can I cancel and receive a refund?
You can receive a full refund if you cancel at least 48 hours before the appointment. A late cancellation or failure to attend normally means losing the fee.
What photo ID do I need?
Your original, in-date photo ID must meet UAT-UK policy and exactly match the name used for registration. A passport is accepted at any centre. Other accepted ID varies by location. UK candidates without accepted ID may be able to request an exemption in advance; approval must appear on the booking.
What if I need extra time or another adjustment?
Apply for access arrangements through your UAT-UK dashboard, upload the requested evidence and wait for approval before booking. UAT-UK cannot add arrangements when you arrive at the centre. Use the access arrangements page for deadlines and evidence.
What if something goes wrong during the test?
Tell the invigilator immediately and obtain a Case ID. Follow up with Pearson customer service within 24 hours. If illness or other circumstances may affect your sitting, read UAT-UK's current special-consideration and incident policies rather than waiting until results day.
What is the best way to prepare?
Learn the question types, use the official Pearson practice tests, review mistakes by category and complete at least one full 120-minute simulation. Older BMAT Section 1 and TSA Section 1 papers linked by UAT-UK provide extra reasoning practice. Follow our step-by-step TARA preparation guide for a four-week plan and direct official links.
Where can I find official information?
Use these primary sources:
- Official TARA overview
- 2027 key dates
- Registration guidance
- Official preparation materials
- Official UAT-UK FAQs
- 2027 Candidate Handbook
For additional timed practice, visit ExamPrepIQ TARA practice.