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    Test and training environments

    The test environments allow providers and software vendors to test the integration of UCAS products with their own systems, simulate the applicant journey and assist with staff training and development.

    What are the test environments?

    The test environments allow providers to test the integration of UCAS products with their own systems.

    Check availability of the HEP test environments

    We have the following test environments available:

     

    HEP1

    This represents the main scheme and is configured to allow testing of the application process for the current cyclical year.

    More about HEP1

    HEP2

    This allows testing of admissions processes during Confirmation and Clearing. This environment will always be configured for Confirmation and Clearing.

    More about HEP2

    HEP3

    This is where you can test our most recently developed systems and services.

    More about HEP3

    What can I use the test environments for? 

    You can use the test environments for a number things, such as:

    • troubleshooting
    • testing
    • developing integration against our APIs (currently available to providers developing in-house and software vendors only)

    2026 cycle is now available in HEP1 and HEP3 test environments.

    We are pleased to announce that applicant facing changes for the 2026 cycle have been deployed to the HEP1 and HEP3 test environments. 

    This means that you will be able to simulate how an applicant will use the new three-part reformed personal statement then see it in Web-Link and, pending any required update from your vendor or developer in your student record system via XML-Link or UCAS-Link.

    To enable you to make a 2026 cycle application in the test environment, we have set up a course for you to use. Every HEP now has the course ‘Biology and Popular Music’ with a code of C100 available in our HEP1 and HEP3 test environments to apply to for this purpose.

    We will roll over the rest of the HEP courses in September 2025 as we usually do. Test applications to the C100 course will not be affected when this takes place.

    Details on how to generate single test applications using the application form as well as how to use bulk test data can be found here. 

    You can also request 2026 cycle bulk test data via our Halo support portal using the ‘Request test data’ template. The three-part personal statement will be populated as part of the request. Please ensure you make clear in any request that you require 2026 cycle data rather than 2025. These applications will include a choice referred to the C100 course.

    If you have any questions please contact the Service Delivery Management (Technical) team on sdmtech@ucas.ac.uk