2027 entry · support must be approved before booking

Access arrangements, in the right order.

If a disability, learning difference, sensory impairment or medical condition affects the test, apply through UAT-UK before selecting and booking TMUA.

The direct answer

School arrangements do not transfer automatically. Create the UAT-UK account, request every adjustment you need, provide evidence, wait for approval, then book.

Most requests can take up to ten working days. Non-standard requests may take longer.
October request deadline14 September · 6pm BST
January request deadline7 December · 6pm GMT
Normal extra time25% when approved

Who can request an arrangement?

UAT-UK considers requests connected to a learning difference, disability, sensory impairment or medical condition that could affect the candidate's ability to take the test. Approval depends on the requested adjustment and the evidence supplied.

Ask for everything you need in the form. UAT-UK states that it reviews only the adjustments a candidate has requested.

Apply before you book

01Create the account

Complete the UAT-UK account details and open the dashboard.

02Submit the request

List each adjustment and upload the supporting evidence.

03Wait for approval

Approved arrangements appear on the dashboard.

04Book the test

Use the booking route shown after approval. Some arrangements require customer service.

Do not select and book the test first. UAT-UK says arrangements cannot be added to an existing booking. Extra time or rest breaks may still allow online booking once approved; other arrangements can require booking through Pearson Customer Services.

What can be approved?

Extra time

Normally 25% where additional reading or processing time is justified by a disability, learning difference or long-term condition.

Pause-the-clock breaks

Used where a condition, medication or an approved comfort aid requires breaks during the test.

Separate invigilation

Available where the evidence supports a separate room. Not every centre can provide one, so the nearest available location may be offered.

Reader or recorder

Considered when a candidate's ability to read the test or enter responses on the computer is impaired.

Medical items and overlays

Items not covered by Pearson's permitted comfort-aid list need advance approval. A coloured overlay may also be approved where the built-in display adjustments are insufficient.

Non-digital earplugs are permitted for all UAT-UK candidates without approval, subject to inspection. Wheelchair access and adjustable-height desks do not require UAT-UK approval, but candidates should contact Pearson before booking to confirm centre availability.

What evidence is needed?

If you are currently in education

UAT-UK normally asks for a signed letter on headed paper from the school, college or university. It should identify the condition, confirm the candidate's normal way of working and state the exact amount of extra time or need for one-to-one invigilation where relevant. Complete JCQ Form 8 or Form 9 documentation may be accepted instead.

If you have left education

For a learning difference, the published guidance asks for a full post-14 diagnostic assessment from an appropriate specialist. For a physical disability, sensory impairment or health condition, it asks for a recent letter from the usual GP practice or relevant specialist.

If the school is closed, still apply. Evidence can be uploaded later through secure messaging, but it must arrive before the relevant deadline or the booking may be cancelled.

The two deadline paths

October 2026 sitting14 September

Requests must be made by 6pm BST. Candidates needing a separate room, reader or recorder are advised to apply earlier.

January 2027 sitting7 December

Requests must be made by 6pm GMT. Applications reopen on 5 October and booking opens on 26 October.

Review timeAllow 10 working days

Most applications can take this long; non-standard adjustments may take longer.

Common questions

01Does extra time at school guarantee approval?

No automatic transfer occurs, but UAT-UK says equivalent arrangements should normally be possible where the evidence supports them.

02Can extra time be requested because English is not my first language?

No. UAT-UK states that this request will not be approved on that basis.

03Will universities be told?

UAT-UK states that it does not share access-arrangement information or details of a disability with universities.

04Can I take water into the room?

Not under the standard rules. Medical access to water requires an approved request.

Primary sources

Do this before selecting TMUA

Submit the request, then wait for approval.

Once the arrangement appears on the dashboard, follow the booking instructions attached to it.

Open UAT-UK access guidance
Published and checked 5 August 2026Recheck the live policy before submitting evidence