What is the AHCAAT?
The AHCAAT (Ancient History and Classical Archaeology Admissions Test) is a new online test, first introduced in 2024, that all candidates applying for Classical Archaeology and Ancient History at Oxford University must sit.
It may be worth saying that, for the first two years of its running, it has been stated by Oxford that the test will be considered as a pilot. It will be used only to supply ‘extra information’ on a candidate's application. This sounds 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.
In reality this means that 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.) What this does not mean is that you should not take the test seriously, regardless of the year in which you sit the exam.
As with other Oxford tests there is no charge for candidates to register.
Do I need to register for the AHCAAT?
Candidates must register with Pearson VUE as early as possible, via the Oxford Ancient History and Classical Archaeology pages. In past years the test has taken place in mid to late October in the year preceding your taking up your place on a university course. The registration window has typically stretched from mid-August to October, but its recommended that you register as early as possible. Candidates will take the AHCAAT at Pearson VUE test centre local to them.
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.
How do I prepare for the AHCAAT?
Tutors from the course are careful to state that neither the academic writing analysis nor the artefact part of the test are likely to have anything to do with much you have studied previously. This is a test therefore of your ability to write about what you see, treat what is in front of you without prejudice or foreknowledge: it is a test of your intuition and ability to think on your feet. There is a games element or feel to the paper. This may feel refreshing after the burden of carrying around quantities of knowledge required for relevant courses at A Level. Practise papers will give you a good feel for the type of text and interpretation involved.
Both passage and artefact analysis are effectively divided into two parts: the first is to do with comprehension or description, the second involves interpretation. Your mini essay responses should treat these two parts independently. For the artefact, for example, describe the thing first and interpret after (accurate and detailed description will aid your analysis). Effective separation will allow you to meet the dual assessment requirements of the paper.
On a practical level, make sure you sit at least one of the past papers under timed conditions: you will have 45 minutes for each section. Timing is part of the challenge of this exam so get a sense of how much you can effectively write in these conditions. Before the test date Oxford will also present candidates with a version of this test in the same Pearson format, so you can work on this online in replica conditions.
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.