The Pharmacy College Admission Test (PCAT) is administered by the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP) to assess the academic ability and scientific knowledge of applicants to pharmacy colleges.
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PCAT Practice Tests by Subject
If you need some extra practice in a specific subject, click one of the subjects below to get started on a subject-specific PCAT practice test.
PCAT Exam Outline
The PCAT contains 192 multiple-choice questions and one writing prompt, and you will be given a time limit of 220 minutes.
The exam is split into five sections, which are outlined below:
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How to Study for the PCAT Exam
How to Study Effectively
Your success on PCAT test day depends not only on how many hours you put into preparing but also on whether you prepared the right way. It’s good to check along the way to see whether your studying is paying off. One of the most effective ways to do this is by taking PCAT practice tests to evaluate your progress. Practice tests are useful because they show exactly where you need to improve. Every time you take a free PCAT exam practice test, pay special attention to these three groups of questions:
- The questions you got wrong
- The ones you had to guess on, even if you guessed right
- The ones you found difficult or slow to work through
This will show you exactly what your weak areas are and where you need to devote more study time. Ask yourself why each of these questions gave you trouble. Was it because you didn’t understand the material? Was it because you didn’t remember the vocabulary? Do you need more repetitions on this type of question to build speed and confidence? Dig into those questions and figure out how you can strengthen your weak areas as you go back to review the material.
Answer Explanations
Additionally, many PCAT practice tests have a section explaining the answer choices. It can be tempting to read the explanation and think that you now have a good understanding of the concept. However, an explanation likely only covers part of the question’s broader context. Even if the explanation makes sense, go back and investigate every concept related to the question until you’re positive you have a thorough understanding.
Comprehend Each Topic
As you go along, keep in mind that the PCAT practice test is just that: practice. Memorizing these questions and answers will not be very helpful on the actual test because it is unlikely to have any of the same exact questions. If you only know the right answers to the sample questions, you won’t be prepared for the real thing. Study the concepts until you understand them fully, and then you’ll be able to answer any question that shows up on the test.
Strategy for PCAT Practice
When you’re ready to start taking practice tests, follow this strategy:
- Remove Limitations. Take the first test with no time constraints and with your notes and PCAT study guide handy. Take your time and focus on applying the strategies you’ve learned.
- Time Yourself. Take the second practice test “open book” as well, but set a timer and practice pacing yourself to finish in time.
- Simulate Test Day. Take any other practice tests as if it were test day. Set a timer and put away your study materials. Sit at a table or desk in a quiet room, imagine yourself at the testing center, and answer questions as quickly and accurately as possible.
- Keep Practicing. Keep taking practice tests on a regular basis until you run out of practice tests or it’s time for the actual test. Your mind will be ready for the schedule and stress of test day, and you’ll be able to focus on recalling the material you’ve learned.
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FAQs
Q
What is the PCAT?
A
The Pharmacy College Admission Test is a test taken by applicants to pharmacy colleges in the United States.
Q
How many questions are on the PCAT?
A
There are 192 multiple-choice questions and one writing prompt on the exam.
Q
How long is the PCAT?
A
The time limit for the exam is 220 minutes, which doesn’t include the optional 15-minute break.
Q
What is the passing score for the PCAT?
A
There is no set passing score for this exam since it is an admissions test. Every school sets their own scoring requirements.
Q
How much does the PCAT cost?
A
The examination fee is $210.
