PCAT 2014-2015 Testing Dates

Registration opens 3-3-2014:

July 17-18, 2014
September 3-5, 2014
January 6-7, 2015

Registration opens 9-4-2014:

October 6, 16, 2014
October/November 2014
Oct. 27-31, Nov. 3-7

For comprehensive 2014-2015 PCAT information, visit PCATweb.info!

About PCAT

The PCAT is a specialized test developed by NCS Pearson that helps identify qualified applicants to pharmacy colleges. It measures general academic ability and scientific knowledge necessary for the commencement of pharmaceutical education. The PCAT is constructed specifically for colleges of pharmacy.

The PCAT consists of 232 multiple-choice items and one Writing topic. Candidates are given approximately four hours to complete the test (including administrative time for instructions and time for a short rest break about halfway through the test).

To learn more, visit AACP, read this AACP/PCAT article, or follow us on YouTube and Twitter.

About the PCAT

The PCAT is a specialized test that helps identify qualified applicants to pharmacy colleges. It measures general academic ability and scientific knowledge necessary for the commencement of pharmaceutical education. The PCAT is constructed specifically for colleges of pharmacy.

Important Notice to Candidates

The Pharmacy College Admission Test (PCAT®) is administered in a computer-based test (CBT) format. For the 2014-2015 testing cycle, the standard administration of the PCAT will occur on one or more dates in July, September, October, November, and January.

By registering for the PCAT online, you are agreeing to adhere to all the policies and procedures described in the most recent online version of the Candidate Information Booklet (CIB) and to those stated on this PCAT website.

Register and Schedule for the PCAT

Register early, as seating is on a first-come, first-served basis for scheduling at a Pearson VUE Test Center. Register by clicking on the PCAT Candidate Login and Registration link, under Related Links.

THERE ARE TWO DEADLINES:

• Meeting the Register and Schedule By deadline means that you will likely receive your preferred testing date, time, and location.

• The Late Registration and Schedule By deadline will result in additional fees and no assurances that you will receive your preferred testing date, time, and location.

To schedule your preferred testing date, time, and location, click on the Pearson VUE link, under Related Links and click Schedule a Test.

Proceed through the on-screen instructions to select your testing date, time, and location. Please take sufficient time to carefully read the check-in policy and the cancellation policy.

We strongly suggest that you review the Pearson VUE Testing Tutorial and Practice Exam located at www.pearsonvue.com/athena prior to testing at a Pearson VUE Test Center.

PCAT Test Day

You will need to arrive at your scheduled Test Center 30 minutes before your scheduled appointment time. This will give you adequate time to complete the necessary sign-in procedures.

If you arrive more than 15 minutes late for an exam, you will be denied admission, and you will also forfeit your PCAT Registration Fee and any other fees paid for optional services.

You will not be admitted to the test without the following:

Two forms of valid, unexpired ID, one of which must be government-issued and contain both your photograph and your signature.

Prohibited items include, but are not limited to:

Any hat with a bill or brim unless it is worn for a religious or medical reason that has been pre-approved by Pearson.*

Any article of clothing, jewelry, or accessory containing any information (whether as a design or otherwise) that may be reasonably related to the assessment.

*To receive approval, submit a request with the appropriate documentation explaining the need for this accommodation to PCAT Customer Relations.

Do not bring prohibited items to the test.

You will NOT have access to any purses, cell phones, or backpacks during the exam. These items must be stored in a designated secure area provided at the Pearson VUE Test Center. All electronic devices must be turned off while in the secure area. If your cell phone rings or makes any noise while in the secure area, your test will be invalidated and your fees will not be refunded. If, at the rest break, you must access a personal item, such as an item needed to take a restroom, this is allowed. However, if you access anything else from the secure area (cell phone, backpack, study notes, etc.), your test will be invalidated. If you access, check, or turn on your cell phone at any time during your test session (including your break) your test will be invalidated.

If you are found to have violated the above policy or prohibited items prohibition in any way, your PCAT scores will be invalidated and no refund will be issued.

Neither Pearson, its affiliated companies, agents, contractors, nor the Pearson VUE Test Centers assume responsibility for the theft, loss, or damage to any prohibited electronic device or other personal property brought into the testing center or left in your car.

PCAT Scoring and Reporting

Within 5 weeks following the end of the testing window, your Official Score Report will be available online for 1 year from the date of your test administration, and Official Transcripts will be sent by the U.S. Postal Service to the institutions you designated to receive your scores.

Your PCAT scores will be reported on your Official Transcript unless you selected the No Score Option at the time of your test administration. Beginning with the July 2012 PCAT administration, all percentile ranks are based on 2011 norms.

Pharmacy schools will only accept Official Transcripts.

Under no circumstances will scores be reported over the phone, emailed, or faxed.

Requesting Official Transcripts

If your specified Pharmacy College has not received your Official Transcript 7 weeks after the last test date in the testing window, you are eligible to receive a replacement Official Transcript, provided the proper recipient code and school were specified. You must email your request to PCAT Customer Relations no later than 10 weeks after the last testing date in the testing window. Additional fees will apply for requests made after 10 weeks. Requests received after 10 weeks must be accompanied with the appropriate fees.

Official PCAT Practice Test^™

Comprehensive tools to prepare for the PCAT

The Official PCAT Practice Tests and Study Guide will provide you with a unique opportunity to prepare for the actual test. Three components are now available for purchase:

• PCAT Multiple-Choice Practice Tests — Three complete sets of five multiple-choice subtests include items like those you will find on the actual test, provide explanations for each item, and allow you to print out a diagnostic score report with your results. A timer is provided if you choose to simulate timed conditions like the actual PCAT.
• NEW PCAT Writing Practice Tests — Four different writing prompts allow you to compose essays on topics like you will find on the PCAT, have your essays scored electronically, and immediately receive a score report with your results. A timer is provided if you choose to replicate the time limit of the exam.
• NEW PCAT Study Guide — This 150-page booklet contains detailed information about the structure and contents of the PCAT, scoring information, and sample items for the five multiple-choice subtests (formerly on Practice Test 1) and the Writing subtest.

All Official PCAT Practice Tests are aligned to the current structure of the PCAT and are available for purchase. All purchases are nonrefundable and provide you with access to all test preparation components purchased from the date of purchase until January 31 of the following year, when the current annual test cycle ends.

To access these test preparation components, you must first register for the Official PCAT Practice Test. Click the link below to register. Once you have registered on the Official PCAT Practice Test site, you may purchase the Multiple-Choice Practice Tests, the Writing Practice Tests, and the Study Guide from the “My Profile” page. You only need to register once and can reuse the site as often as you like. If you have registered previously, click the “Login” link to get to the “My Profile” page.