What Is the PCAT?

If you’re planning to pursue pharmacy school, you’ve probably heard of the Pharmacy College Admission Test (PCAT). Much like the MCAT for medical school or the DAT for dental school, the PCAT has long been used to measure readiness for professional studies in pharmacy.

Although the exam is being phased out and will no longer be required after the 2024–2025 cycle, some students still choose to take it as part of their application strategy. Whether you’re sitting for the test or just curious about how it works, this guide covers everything you need to know: what’s on the PCAT, how it’s scored, how to register, and what counts as a good score.

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What Is the PCAT?

The Pharmacy College Admission Test (PCAT) is a standardized exam designed to assess skills essential for success in pharmacy school. It measures scientific knowledge, critical thinking, and communication—core abilities you’ll need to handle advanced coursework in pharmacology and clinical practice.

What’s on the PCAT?

The exam consists of 192 multiple-choice questions and one essay, spread across four sections:

Biological Processes (48 questions): 

General biology, anatomy, physiology, microbiology

Chemical Processes (48 questions): 

General chemistry, organic chemistry, biochemistry

Critical Reading (48 questions): 

Analysis, comprehension, and evaluation of passages

Quantitative Reasoning (48 questions): 

Math, algebra, calculus, probability, statistics

The Writing Section requires a 30-minute essay responding to a prompt related to science, health, or social issues.

The full exam lasts 220–235 minutes (just under 4 hours), including a short optional break.

How Is the PCAT Scored?

• Each section is scored on a 200–600 scale.
  
  

• Scores are reported with a percentile rank, showing how you performed compared to other test-takers.
  
  

• The Writing Section is scored separately on a scale of 1.0–6.0, with 4.0 as the median.
  
  

A score around 400 is considered average (50th percentile). Competitive applicants often aim for 416–430+, while top performers score well above 430.

What Is a Good PCAT Score?

Below 400: 

Below average, challenging for most accredited schools.

400–415: 

Competitive for mid-range programs.

416–430: 

Strong and above average, suitable for most schools.

430+: 

Excellent and highly competitive.

PCAT Registration and Cost

To register, students used the Pearson VUE system, selecting test dates and locations online. Registration cost $210, with an additional late fee of $49. Applicants also had to provide two valid IDs on test day.

PCAT 2024 Update

The January 2024 administration marked the final PCAT testing window. From 2025 onward, pharmacy schools in the U.S. will no longer accept PCAT scores. Instead, schools will weigh GPAs, prerequisite coursework, clinical exposure, and other standardized tests (like the GRE or MCAT) if required.

FAQs: PCAT Exam

#1. Is the PCAT hard?

Yes, the PCAT is challenging—it covers multiple sciences plus math, reading, and writing. With preparation, however, it’s manageable.

#2. Is the MCAT harder than the PCAT?

Yes. The MCAT is longer (7.5 hours vs. under 4) and broader in scope.

#3. How many times can I take the PCAT?

The PCAT could be taken up to five times, but the last test window was January 2024.

#4. What does PCAT stand for?

Pharmacy College Admission Test.

Final Thoughts

While the PCAT is no longer a requirement for U.S. pharmacy schools, understanding the exam helps put current admissions into context. If you’re preparing for a future in pharmacy, your energy is now better spent on building strong academics, clinical exposure, and research experience.

At Go Elective, we offer pre-health internships that give aspiring pharmacists and healthcare students guided hands-on global experience in Africa. Opportunities like these not only strengthen your application but also broaden your understanding of patient care in diverse settings.

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Recent Articles , Pre-health, MCAT/MSAR/USMLE,

Author: Go-Elective Abroad

Date Published: Sep 18, 2025