What is the AHCAAT?
The AHCAAT (Ancient History and Classical Archaeology Admissions Test) is a new online test - introduced in 2024 - for all candidates applying for Classical Archaeology and Ancient History at Oxford University.
For the first two years of its running, the test should be considered as a pilot. It will be used only to supply ‘extra information’ on a candidate's application. This sounds slightly cryptic but seems to mean that while your performance will be noted, the primary function of the test for the 2024 and 2025 admissions round is to verify the functionality and validity of the test. Test performance will not make or break your application.
Candidates will instead be shortlisted or otherwise on the basis of past and predicted examination results, their UCAS personal statement, an academic reference, submitted written work – and performance at interview.
As with other Oxford tests, in 2024 there will be no charge for candidates to register.
Do I need to register for the AHCAAT?
In 2024, candidates must register for the test between Thursday 15 August and Friday 4 October. As the AHCAAT is a work in progress – like many Oxford admissions tests that are changing for 2024 – full details of the process will be communicated shortly on the Ancient History and Classical Archaeology pages [
Candidates will take the AHCAAT at Pearson VUE test centre local to them on 22 October 2024.
What does the AHCAAT look like?
The AHCAAT is a new test that aims to test two skills essential for those looking to study Ancient History and Classical Archaeology. Firstly, your ability to engage with - and criticise - academic argument; secondly, your ability to describe and analyse material evidence i.e. an ancient world artefact (normally a statue, relief or vase).
The test will contain two questions. First, you will be required to analyse a short passage of academic writing of the type you will have to read in your first terms in Oxford. You must evaluate the coherence of the argument; if the writer gives enough evidence for their claims, and in what ways the argument could be criticised.
Second, you must analyse an image of an artefact from the ancient world (some contextual information will be supplied), describe it in detail - and postulate how you think it can be used for writing history.
Both questions need answers in a short essay format; both questions are worth 50 marks. You have 90 minutes in total for the test. You should spend around 15 minutes reading and looking, and about 30 minutes writing – so 45 mins in total on each question.
View a sample test in the correct format – provided by Pearson VUE.
Are test preparation and practice materials available for the AHCAAT?
As this is a new test, past papers don’t exist – but Oxford have helpfully provided two sample papers in addition to the online version given by Pearson.
Is the AHCAAT difficult?
Tutors from the department do stress that both questions contain text and image that candidates may find difficult and unfamiliar. But this is almost the point: the exercise is designed to be challenging, and thought-provoking - but never impossible to approach.
There is no ‘right’ answer here and candidates will be judged on the intelligence of the case they put forward, how clearly it is made - and how effectively it is supported with evidence.
Tutors for the AHCAAT
Keystone has a range of specialist tutors who can assist students approaching university admissions tests for Oxford University including the AHCAAT. Our tutors will be able to help you with the skills required to succeed when applying to study Ancient History and Classical Archaeology, having studied this course at Oxford. Contact us to find out more.
Read more about our Oxbridge admissions test tutors.