Pharmacy College Admission Test
The Pharmacy College Admission Test (PCAT) is the most common test required in order to be admitted to a pharmacy college. The PCAT test helps colleges determine if a particular applicant meets the college’s academic standards prior to admission. This test is endorsed by the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP).
Registration for the PCAT test is processed on a first-come, first-served basis, so it is recommended that you register well in advance of your preferred testing date. The PCAT test is administered four times a year. You will need to register online by creating a user name and a password to submit an online application, as well as pay the $199 testing fee. Once your payment and registration is received, you will receive a confirmation e-mail that will explain how to register for the PCAT test. Your registration will not be complete until you choose a testing date, so plan to do this as soon as possible. Once you do so, you will receive a confirmation e-mail with the date, time, and location of your PCAT test.
On the day of your PCAT test, you should plan to arrive at the testing center 30 minutes early. You will be required to provide a signature, photo, fingerprint, and/or palm vein pattern. You will need to bring two forms of ID, one of which must contain both a photo and a signature. The second form of ID can be a credit card, library card, or utility bill. You will not be allowed to bring any personal items into the testing area. You will be provided with a note board and marker should you need to compute any calculations.
The PCAT test is computer-based and consists of 240 multiple-choice questions and two written responses that must be completed within four hours. You will be provided with a scheduled break halfway through the test. The two writing topics are assessed by how well you understand language conventions and solve problems.
- The verbal ability section of the PCAT test assesses your knowledge of analogies and sentence completion. The biology section covers general biology, microbiology, anatomy, and physiology.
- The chemistry section consists of general and organic chemistry.
- The reading comprehension section gauges how well you can comprehend, analyze, and evaluate six passages.
- The quantitative ability section tests your knowledge of five types of math: basic math, algebra, probability and statistics, pre-calculus, and calculus.
- You are given 30 minutes to complete each section of the PCAT test, except for the quantitative ability (40 minutes) and reading comprehension (50 minutes) sections which allot longer periods of time.
After you finish the PCAT test, you will immediately receive your results. This unofficial score report will show your percentile ranks and scaled scores for each subtest. You will receive a scaled scare between 200 and 600 for each area of the PCAT test. The writing topics are scored on a scale of 0 to 5. You will receive your official score report via mail within five weeks. Whether you pass or fail is determined by each pharmacy school. Each school sets its own minimum score standards. If you fail the PCAT test more than five times, restrictions may be placed on your account and you may be unable to re-register until specific documentation is received.
Last Updated: 04/24/2012