Pharmacy College Admission Test (PCAT) – Complete Guide

The Pharmacy College Admissions Test (PCAT) is a standardized test used as part of the admissions process for pharmacy colleges.

It measures general academic ability and scientific knowledge necessary for the commencement of pharmaceutical education.

The PCAT is administered by PsychCorp, which is part of the Pearson group.

The American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP) endorses the PCAT as the official preferred admission test for entrance to pharmacy college.

The PCAT consists of 240 multiple-choice items and two writing topics.

Candidates are given four hours to complete the test (plus administrative time for instructions and time for a short rest break about halfway through the test).

The structure of the PCAT is as follows:

PCAT Test - Verbal Ability Section

This section assesses non-scientific vocabulary and usage; it is composed of verbal analogies and sentence completion exercises.

PCAT Test - Biology Section

This section assesses mastery of the basic concepts of biology, including general biology, microbiology, human anatomy and human physiology. General biology makes up 60% of the exam, microbiology makes up 20%, and anatomy and physiology make up the remaining 20%.

PCAT Test - Chemistry Section

This section assesses knowledge of the basic principles of elementary organic and inorganic chemistry. General chemistry makes up 60% of the subtest, while the remaining 40% is devoted to organic chemistry.

PCAT Test - Reading Comprehension Section

This section assesses the candidate’s ability to understand and evaluate science-related reading passages. 30% of the questions will test comprehension; 40% will test analytical skills; and the remaining 30% will assess the ability to evaluate the passages.

PCAT Test - Quantitative Ability Section

This section assesses mathematical skills and numerical reasoning in the areas of basic math, algebra, probability, statistics, pre-calculus, and calculus. Basic math skills make up 15% of the exam content, algebra makes up 20%, probability and statistics make up another 20%, pre-calculus makes up 22%, and the final 22% focuses on calculus.

PCAT Test - Writing Responses Section

This section assesses your problem-solving skills and the effective use of the conventions of language.

There is no pass score for the PCAT. Each pharmacy school has its own standards.

For this information you will need to contact the school or schools to which you are applying.

You may take the PCAT again by registering for another test date and paying the test fee. The PCAT Candidate Information Booklet contains instructions for registration on a future date.

However, you may want to check with the school or schools to which you are applying to see if they have a policy concerning scores from repeat exams.

There are some experimental multiple-choice questions on the PCAT and one experimental essay section.

However, because you will not know which items and essay count toward your scores and which do not, you should do your best and answer every item and write both essays.

PCAT Example Questions

1. Verbal Ability

Question 1 – Analogy

ANTIBIOTIC : INFECTION ::

a) sunscreen : sunburn
b) paint : wall
c) blanket : warmth
d) glasses : style

The correct answer is: a) sunscreen : sunburn

An antibiotic prevents or treats infection; sunscreen prevents sunburn.

Question 2 – Sentence Completion

The pharmacist gave a clear explanation, ensuring the patient’s instructions were ___ and easy to follow.

a) ambiguous
b) coherent
c) confusing
d) contradictory

The correct answer is: b) coherent

Only “coherent” fits the context of clarity and ease of understanding.

2. Biology

Question 1

Which organelle is responsible for protein synthesis?

a) Nucleus
b) Ribosome
c) Mitochondrion
d) Golgi apparatus

The correct answer is: b) Ribosome

Question 2

Which part of the nephron is primarily responsible for reabsorption of water?

a) Glomerulus
b) Proximal tubule
c) Loop of Henle
d) Collecting duct

The correct answer is: c) Loop of Henle

3. Chemistry

Question 1 – General Chemistry

What is the pH of a 0.001 M HCl solution?

a) 1
b) 2
c) 3
d) 4

The correct answer is: c) 3

HCl is a strong acid. pH = −log[H⁺] = −log(0.001) = 3.

Question 2 – Organic Chemistry

Which functional group is present in esters?

a) –OH
b) –COOH
c) –COOR
d) –NH₂

The correct answer is: c) –COOR

4. Reading Comprehension

Passage excerpt:

"Antibiotic resistance is a growing public health concern. Overuse and misuse of antibiotics have accelerated the evolution of resistant bacterial strains, reducing the effectiveness of existing treatments."

Question 1

According to the passage, what has contributed to antibiotic resistance?

a) Increased bacterial mutations in hospitals
b) Overuse and misuse of antibiotics
c) Lack of new drug development
d) Poor hygiene practices

The correct answer is: b) Overuse and misuse of antibiotics

Question 2

What is the main idea of the passage?

a) Hygiene practices are the main cause of bacterial spread.
b) Antibiotic resistance is only a problem in hospitals.
c) Antibiotic resistance is increasing due to human behaviour.
d) Antibiotics are no longer useful.

The correct answer is: c) Antibiotic resistance is increasing due to human behaviour.

5. Quantitative Ability

Question 1 – Algebra

Solve for $x$:

$2x^2 − 8 = 0$

a) ±2
b) ±4
c) ±√2
d) ±3

The correct answer is: a) ±2

$2x^2 = 8 → x^2 = 4 → x = ±2$

Question 2 – Probability

A bag contains 5 red, 3 blue and 2 green marbles. What is the probability of drawing a red marble?

a) 1/2
b) 1/3
c) 5/10
d) 5/12

The correct answer is: d) 5/12

Total = 10 marbles. Red = 5. Probability = 5/12.

6. Writing Responses

Prompt 1:

Discuss a solution to reduce medication errors in hospitals. Support your answer with reasons and examples.

Prompt 2:

Should over-the-counter antibiotics be banned to limit resistance? Explain your position with evidence.

(No fixed answers — candidates are graded on clarity, organisation, critical thinking, and grammar.)

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the PCAT still required for pharmacy school admission?

Some pharmacy schools have moved away from requiring the PCAT, but many still accept or recommend it. Always check the specific requirements of each programme you plan to apply to.

How is the PCAT scored?

Scores are reported as scaled scores ranging from 200 to 600, with a percentile rank indicating how you performed compared with other test-takers. Writing responses are scored separately.

What is considered a good PCAT score?

A competitive score often falls around the 400–430 range (70th–80th percentile) or higher, but requirements vary depending on the pharmacy school.

How many times can I take the PCAT?

You may take the PCAT up to five times. Additional attempts require permission from Pearson.

How long are PCAT scores valid?

Most pharmacy schools accept PCAT scores that are no more than 5 years old, though some schools may have stricter requirements.

Final Thoughts

The Pharmacy College Admission Test is designed to assess the scientific knowledge, critical thinking and academic skills needed to succeed in pharmacy school. While it is a demanding exam, effective preparation can make a big difference to your performance. Focus on strengthening both your science foundations and your test-taking strategies, and use practice questions to familiarise yourself with the structure and timing.

Remember that the PCAT is only one element of the admissions process. Pharmacy schools also look at your academic record, personal statement, references and interview performance. A balanced approach to preparation will help you present yourself as a strong candidate across all areas.

With consistent study and a clear plan, the PCAT can become an opportunity to demonstrate your readiness for the challenges of pharmacy education and your commitment to a career in healthcare.