BMAT About the Test
The BioMedical Admissions Test (BMAT) is a 2 hour pen and paper test consisting of 3 separate sections. The BMAT does not require a great amount of extra study as it relies on skills and knowledge that candidates should already have.
Background and development of BMAT
Test Format
Cambridge Assessment is responsible for producing and marking the BMAT. The test consists of the following three sections:
- Section 1: Aptitude and Skills
- Section 2: Scientific Knowledge and Application
- Section 3: Writing Task
Separate answer sheets will be provided for each section.
Calculators may not be used in the BMAT.
Each section is designed to measure a specific construct as detailed below, although more detailed information can be found in the BMAT Specification
Section 1 - Aptitude and Skills
Section |
What does it test? |
Questions |
Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aptitude and Skills | This section tests generic skills in problem solving, understanding argument and data analysis and inference |
35 multiple choice or short answer questions |
60 minutes |
Section 2 - Scientific Knowledge and Applications
Section |
What does it test? |
Questions |
Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scientific Knowledge and Applications | This section tests a candidate’s ability to apply scientific knowledge normally encountered in non-specialist school science and maths courses, up to and including National Curriculum Key Stage 4. BMAT Section 2 will always be based around the relevant version of the National Curriculum taken by the majority of the cohort. |
27 multiple choice or short answer questions |
30 minutes |
Section 3 - Writing Task
Section |
What does it test? |
Questions |
Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Writing Task | This section tests ability to select, develop and organise ideas and communicate them in writing in a concise and effective way |
1 essay question from a choice of 4 questions |
30 minutes |
Any rough work should be done in the space provided on the Section 3 question paper.
Scoring
Each question, in Sections 1 and 2, is worth one mark. Total raw marks for each section are converted to the BMAT scale, which runs from 1 (low) - 9 (high). Scores are reported to one decimal place. Typical BMAT candidates will score around 5.0, which equates to approximately half marks. The best candidates will score around 6.0, and a few exceptional candidates will score higher than 7.0.
Section 3 essays are double marked. Each examiner gives a score for quality of content on the scale of 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and a score for quality of written English on a scale of A, C, E.
If the two marks for quality of content are the same, or occupy adjacent positions on the scale, the average of the two marks is reported. If the two marks for quality of written English are the same, or occupy adjacent positions on the scale, the scores are combined in the following way: AA = A, AC = B, CC = C, CE = D and EE = E.
If there is a larger discrepancy in the marks, the essays are marked for a third time, and the final mark awarded is checked by the Senior Assessment Manager.
For example, an essay given a 4C by one examiner and 4A by the other will receive a final score of 4B; an essay given 3C by one examiner and 2C by the other will receive a mark of 2.5C.
Delivery
The BMAT will take place on 2nd November 2011 at 9.00am. The majority of candidates will sit the BMAT at their own school or college; other candidates should use the Open Centre Network to locate a centre.
Results
A statement of results will be issued to each candidate on 23rd November 2011. Candidates and centres will be able to download their results using our online results sites:
Results Online - Candidates
Results Online - Centres
Previous years’ explanation of results can be downloaded in PDF format:
2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 2010.
Results will be passed to any BMAT institution a candidate has applied to for use in their admissions process. The use of results varies between institutions; candidates should contact the institution(s) to which they have applied to in order to find out how their results will be used.
Results Enquiries and Appeals
Candidates can decide to query their BMAT result or make an appeal immediately following results release. Please see below for more information regarding Cambridge Assessment’s BMAT Special Considerations, Results Enquiries and Appeals Policy.
The flow diagram below gives details of the appropriate circumstances for submitting either a Results Enquiry or an Appeal, as well as the expected timescales for a response from Cambridge Assessment:
The relevant ‘Application for Results Enquiry’ or ‘Application for an Appeal’ form below must be filled in and signed by the candidate making the appeal, and then
- In the case of candidates who took the test at their school / college: given to their centre’s Examinations Officer, who should then submit the Application for Results Enquiry or Appeal form to Cambridge Assessment on the candidate’s behalf. All Results Enquiry or Appeal forms should be accompanied by a covering letter or fax on the centre’s headed notepaper.
- In the case of candidates who took the test at an open centre: the request for a Results Enquiry or Appeal form may be submitted to Cambridge Assessment directly by the candidate.
- Application for Results Enquiry (PDF, 22 KB)
- Application for an Appeal (PDF, 21 KB)
Candidates should be aware that their results can go down as well as up and that this could affect their university application.
The Results Enquiry or Appeal CANNOT proceed without the candidate’s written consent, as given on the Results Enquiry or Appeal form. Once this form has been received by Cambridge Assessment, the process will be instigated and the appropriate institution(s) informed.
For information about results enquiries and appeals fees please see BMAT Dates and Cost
For all other queries about Results Enquiries and Appeals, including deadline dates, please see the BMAT FAQs
Section |
Content |
Time |
|---|---|---|
| Aptitude and Skills | 35 multiple choice or short answer | 60 minutes |
| Scientific Knowledge and Application | 27 multiple choice or short answer | 30 minutes |
| Writing Task | 1 essay question from a choice of 4 | 30 minutes |
BMAT
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Background & Research
Information about the need for BMAT and research papers relating to BMAT
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Dates & Costs
Find out when tests are taking place and how much they cost
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Registration
Information for candidates and teachers about the BMAT registration process
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Results
View an explanation of results from previous years in PDF format
