HEP1 represents the main scheme and allows you to test the application process for the current cyclical year.
HEP1 and HEP2
These are two of our testing environments for higher education providers (HEP) to test the integration of UCAS products with their own systems – including web-link (applicant data), xml-link, odbc-link and HESA data (Star J).
What are HEP1 and HEP2
HEP2 simulates Confirmation and Clearing, allowing you to test admissions processes during this period.
What can I use them for?
You can use them both for:
- troubleshooting
- vendor testing
- developing new functionality
- system testing
And in HEP1, here's how to:
Raise single applications yourself (475.18 KB)- Log in to applications our support teams set up for you in bulk (564.38 KB)
HEP2 test environment
Connecting to UCAS systems: A technical guide (387.01 KB)
How do I sign in?
UCAS Undergraduate Apply (HEP1 and HEP2)
A username and password will be generated on registration as an applicant.
If you forget your sign in details, you can raise a ticket through our ServiceNow portal.
web-link (HEP1 and HEP2)
- Username – USER_[HEP_Code]
- Password – PWD_[HEP Security Key]
- e.g. if the HEP code of X99 has the security key of 123456, the username will be USER_X99 and the password will be PWD_123456
Please raise a ticket through the ServiceNow portal to recover the security key for your course provider, if you need it.
odbc-link and xml-link (HEP1 and HEP2)
Please raise a ticket through the ServiceNow portal to establish a connection to our test environments – either for the first time, or if you need to recover your credentials.
Check the service status page for the latest availability, which depends on the time of year and the demand on the test environments. They also undergo fortnightly patching and maintenance – from 08:00 until 18:00 on Fridays. If you need access the out of the published hours, contact your Service Delivery Manager (Technical) to discuss an extension.
If you need technical support to make your connection – or to request new credentials or bespoke data sets – please raise a ticket through our ServiceNow portal. There are also system guides and manuals to support you.
Create or request data
We provide test data in batches of 100 sample applicants, aiming for five working days after your request is logged. We'll break down larger requests into batches of 100, and complex combinations of ABL results may take longer.
Request data via the service request option in ServiceNow.