Pearson PCAT Registration

Sample Test Questions and Answers
The Purpose of the Test
Test Development
Test Content
Experimental Items
Test-Taking Strategies

Sample Test Questions and Answers
Try some sample questions which are similar to those found in the test. (Sample Questions)

The Purpose of the Test
The Pharmacy College Admission Test (PCAT) is a specialized test that helps identify qualified applicants to pharmacy colleges by measuring general academic ability and scientific knowledge necessary for the commencement of pharmaceutical education.

Test Development
The PCAT is constructed specifically for colleges of pharmacy. The design and content of the PCAT are determined by the types of abilities, aptitudes, and skills deemed essential by colleges of pharmacy for success in the basic pharmacy curriculum, and by research concerning the kinds of tests that most accurately predict success in science-oriented courses, such as those included in pharmacy education. Periodic reviews of the test content are conducted with deans, faculty, and administrators in schools of pharmacy to ensure that the test items reflect curriculum changes in pharmacy schools.

Test Content
The PCAT consists of approximately 280 multiple-choice questions and an essay. Each multiple-choice question has four answer choices listed, only one of which is correct. The answer to each question can be determined independently of the answers to any other question.

You will have approximately four and one-half hours to complete the test (including a short rest break about halfway through the test).

The PCAT is divided into separate sections, or subtests, each of which is timed separately. During the time allowed for each subtest, you will be permitted to work only on that section. You will not be allowed to go back to earlier subtests or on to later ones. As you work on each section, you might find it useful to first answer the questions which are easy for you, skipping over those questions to which you will need to return for further thought.

There are five content areas measured by the PCAT in five separate subtests:

The Verbal Ability section measures general, non-scientific word knowledge and usage using analogies and sentence completion. There are approximately 58 questions in this section.

The Biology section measures knowledge of the principles and concepts of basic biology, including general biology, microbiology, and human anatomy and physiology. There are approximately 58 questions in this section.

The Reading Comprehension section measures ability to comprehend, analyze, and evaluate reading passages on science-related topics. There are approximately 48 questions in this section.

The Quantitative Ability section measures skills in mathematical processes and the ability to reason through and understand quantitative concepts and relationships, including applications of algebra, geometry, probability and statistics, pre-calculus and calculus. There are approximately 58 questions in this section.

The Chemistry section measures knowledge of principles and concepts of inorganic and elementary organic chemistry. There are approximately 58 questions in this section.

Critical thinking skills are also measured in items throughout the test and in a separate essay section. There is no separate score reported for Critical Thinking at this time.

Experimental Items
The form of the PCAT that you take may contain experimental multiple-choice items that are embedded within the five subtests, or it may have a separate section with experimental items or an essay. In either case, the experimental items are being tried out for future use on PCAT test forms and will not affect your score. However, because you will not know which items are experimental and which count toward your score, it is very important that you do your best on all the items and sections of the test.

Test-Taking Strategies
The following strategies are suggested to help you do your best on the PCAT.

* Familiarize yourself with the test by reviewing the test content descriptions and sample items in this booklet and with the Practice Test available in the Sample Questions section. Because most of the test involves knowledge, skills, and abilities accumulated over time, cramming will probably not help much.

* Be prepared physically and mentally. Get a good night's sleep the night before your test, eat what you consider a normal meal the morning of the test, and dress comfortably for the test.

* Because the heating and air conditioning systems may not be under the control of the Test Center staff, dress in a manner that will allow you to adapt to different room temperatures.

* Allow plenty of time to get to your test center.

* Answer as many questions as time allows. There is no penalty for guessing, so it is to your advantage to answer every question. When you are not sure which answer choice for a question is correct, eliminate as many wrong answers as you can first. When you have second thoughts about an answer to a question, change your answer only if you have a valid reason.

* Do not dwell on items that are unfamiliar or difficult, since all questions count the same. In each of the subtests, first answer questions about which you are confident, and then return to answer the more difficult items if time permits.

* Work quickly but carefully, and check regularly to make sure you are marking your answers in the correct place on the answer document.

Some of the pages contained on this web site are in Adobe® PDF file format. Download Adobe® Reader® here.