CAT (Classics Admissions Test)
2025 CAT test dates: 22, 23 & 24 October
What is the CAT?
If you are applying for one of the following courses you will be required to sit the CAT:
- Classics
- Classics and English
- Classics and Modern Languages
- Classics and Asian and Middle Eastern Studies.
The Classics Admissions Test consists of three separate computer-based tests:
- the Latin Translation Test
- the Greek Translation Test
- and the Classics Language Aptitude Test (CLAT).
Each paper lasts 1 hour and is sat under timed exam conditions. Which papers you take depends on the course you are applying for, and whether you are studying Latin or Greek to A-level or equivalent.
You will need to arrange to take the CAT at a Pearson VUE authorised test centre. Instructions on how to do this can be found under the How do I register and book? tab on this page.
Greek and Latin Translation Tests
The two translation tests each consist of a short passage in the prose and verse of the classical language, to be translated into English. The passages are carefully chosen to be of a difficulty suitable to students at A-level or equivalent.
You are not allowed to take dictionaries, grammar books or notes into the test, so if you are not used to translating without these aids, you should get lots of practise doing so, and try to learn vocabulary before sitting the test.
Classics Language Aptitude Test
The CLAT is designed to assess your ability to analyse how languages work, in a way which doesn't depend on your knowledge of any particular language. Instead we are looking to gauge your aptitude for learning a new language rapidly.
Which test(s) do I need to take?
Classics (Q800)
- If you are studying Latin and/or Greek to A-level or equivalent, you must take the Translation Test(s) in whichever of those languages you are studying. So if you are taking both Latin and Greek A-level you will need to take both of the Translation Tests, and if you are taking just one of Latin and Greek A-levels you will need to take just the test for the language you are already studying.
- If you are studying neither Latin nor Greek to A-level or equivalent, you must take the Classics Language Aptitude Test only.
Classics and English (QQ38)
- Classics and English is for those who are studying Latin or Greek to A-level or equivalent. You must take Translation Test(s) in whichever of those languages you are currently studying.
Classics and English with Beginners' Latin or Greek (QQH8)
- Classics and English with Beginners' Latin or Greek is for those who are currently studying neither Latin nor Greek to A-level or equivalent. You must take the third test, the Classics Language Aptitude Test (CLAT), only.
Classics and Modern Languages (find course combinations and codes on the course page)
- Classics and Modern Languages options A: If you are currently studying Latin and/or Greek to A-level or equivalent, you must take the Translation Test(s) in whichever of those languages you are studying. You must also sit the MLAT.
- Classics and Modern Languages option A with Beginners' Latin or Greek: If you are currently studying neither Latin nor Greek to A-level or equivalent, you must take the third test, the Classics Language Aptitude Test. You must also sit the MLAT.
- Classics and Modern Languages options B: If you are currently studying Latin or Greek to A-level or equivalent, you must take the Translation Test(s) in whichever of those languages you are studying. If you are currently studying neither Latin nor Greek to A-level or equivalent, you must take the third test, the Classics Language Aptitude Test. You must also sit the MLAT.
Classics and Asian and Middle Eastern Studies (Q8T9 and T9Q8)
- For both Q8T9 and T9Q8: if you are studying Latin and/or Greek to A-level or equivalent you must take the Translation Test(s) in whichever of those languages you are studying. If you are studying neither Latin nor Greek to A-level or equivalent, you must take the Classics Language Aptitude Test.
How do I register and book?
Step 1: Check out our comprehensive guidance
Depending on whether you will be requesting access arrangements, please start by reading our guidance for candidates:
- Test registration and booking guidance for candidates
- Test registration and booking guidance for candidates requesting access arrangements
We also strongly recommend that you watch the corresponding 'Registering for and booking your admissions test' video, which you can find below.
Step 2: Register for your test – 18 June to 19 September (6pm BST)
Any time between 18 June and 19 September (6pm BST), go to the Oxford Admissions Test Registration portal and follow the instructions to create your own user account profile and register for your test. It will be easier to do this if you know your course code, which you can find on your chosen course page.
Note: you will be asked for your UCAS ID and you will not be able to register without it. So long as you have started a UCAS application, you will have a UCAS ID number. You do not have to submit your application to receive this. Your UCAS ID is a mandatory part of registration because otherwise we will not be able to match your test registration and booking with your UCAS application to Oxford.
As part of registration, you will be able to request access arrangements so long as you are able to upload sufficient evidence from a medical or educational specialist to support this request. You must upload this at the time of registering. Should you not have evidence, please delay registration until you have suitable documented evidence of the arrangement/s you require. Read our Admissions Test Access Arrangement Policy carefully to ensure your evidence is suitable.
If you require access arrangements, we strongly recommend that you register and submit your evidence for approval as soon as possible. It can take five days for standard arrangements and more than ten days for non-standard arrangements to be approved. Getting the approval in place will mean that you are able to book your test early and ideally as soon as booking opens on 18 August.
For all candidates, the final registration step is to review a summary page where you must check and confirm all the information you have entered is correct.
Step 3: Book your test – 18 August to 26 September (6pm BST)
All registered candidates (including those with some approved standard access arrangements such as extra time) will be able to book their test from 18 August until 26 September (6pm BST). From this time, a link will be available on your Oxford Admissions Test Registration portal dashboard directing you to Pearson VUE’s test booking platform. Places at test centres are allocated on a first come, first served basis and we strongly recommend booking as soon as possible.
If you have an approved further access arrangement for certain physical access arrangements, for example, a separate room, reader/recorder, screen overlays, or an adjustable workstation, you will have been sent a link to a Pearson VUE form. Once you have completed and returned it, Pearson VUE will contact you to finalise a booking.
If you have an approved non-standard access arrangement, Pearson VUE will create an implementation plan for you and will contact you directly to book your test.
Note: Once you have selected the date of your test, Pearson VUE’s Find a test centre functionality will automatically suggest centres near to the address associated with your user account. If you know that you will be taking your test away from home, you can override the default suggestions and enter another location to search.
If there are multiple sittings at your chosen test centre, you will be invited to select the time you want to book your appointment. It is very important that you scroll to the bottom of the booking page and confirm your test details. Once you have pressed the button, you will be taken to the Pearson VUE dashboard where you will see all the details of your arranged test. You will also receive an email from Pearson VUE giving the date, appointment time and duration, the test centre address and directions.
Registering for and booking your Oxford admissions test video
- 0:00 Introduction
- 1:00 Overview
- 2:52 Registering for your test
- 5:18 Booking your test appointment
- 7:20 Further guidance and support
Registering for and booking your Oxford admissions test with access arrangements video
- 0:00 Introduction
- 1:04 Overview
- 3:13 Registering for your test
- 4:48 Requesting access arrangements
- 8:04 Booking your test appointment
- 10:45 Further guidance and support
Additional support
- View our FAQs or contact Oxford through the 'messages' option available on the Oxford Admissions Test Registration portal.
- You can also contact us through Oxford’s undergraduate applicant helpdesk with questions regarding your Oxford application.
- Contact Pearson VUE customer service with queries about your test centre booking.
- You can make changes to your test appointment by signing in to your Oxford Admissions Test user account and selecting 'Manage appointment'.
Test preparation and practice materials
The CAT practice test offers you valuable preparation for your test. It allows you to familiarise yourself with the online test platform and format for 2026-entry. Please note that as this is for practice only, you will not be able to submit this for a score or feedback after taking the test.
Candidates can view the past papers and resources below to get a sense of the types of questions asked in the test. Please note that although the exact format of this year's test may differ slightly from these materials, working through past papers will still be very valuable preparation.
Past papers
Review the sample papers below for the CAT.
The Classics Admissions Test consists of three separate papers:
- the Latin Translation Test
- the Greek Translation Test
- and the Classics Language Aptitude Test (CLAT).
You are given 1 hour for each paper that you answer. All candidates must take the relevant section(s) of the Classics Admissions Test (CAT) as part of their application. If you are not sure which section(s) this is, please see the How do I register? tab and find your chosen course.
- CAT paper 2022 (Please note that in a version of this paper previously available on this page, a few characters were not displayed correctly. This has now been corrected.)
- CAT paper 2021
- CAT paper 2020
The University does not endorse, or allow use of, its tests that are protected by copyright for commercial uses.
Classics Language Aptitude Test solutions
Below are the answers to the Language Aptitude Test, which you can use to mark your own answers, or ask your teacher to refer to them.
The University does not endorse, or allow use of, its tests that are protected by copyright for commercial use.
When do I take the test?
Candidates will take the CAT at Pearson VUE test centres on 22, 23 & 24 October 2025.
What should I expect on test day?
More information on what to expect on test day will be made available soon.
How do I get my results?
Admissions tutors will receive the results of all candidates' tests directly and in time to make their shortlisting decisions in November.
Test scores will be automatically distributed to all applicants after college decision letters are sent in January. Applicants will still be able to write to their college to request feedback.
