PCAT Exam
Exam Information
Harcourt Assessment Customer Relations-PCAT
19500 Bulverde Road
San Antonio, TX 78259
http://www.pcatweb.info
(800) 622-3231
Exam Preparation
Overview
The Pharmacy College Admission Test (PCAT), an exam developed by PsychCorp, a brand of Harcourt Assessment, Inc. 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.
Description of the Test
The PCAT is divided into separate sections, or subtests, each of which is timed separately. The PCAT consists of approximately 280 multiple-choice questions and an essay, and candidates are given four and a half hours to complete the exam.
Verbal Ability
Measures general, non-scientific word knowledge and usage using analogies and sentence completion. There are approximately 58 questions in this section.
Biology
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.
Reading Comprehension
Measures ability to comprehend, analyze, and evaluate reading passages on science-related topics. There are approximately 48 questions in this section.
Quantitative Ability
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.
Chemistry
Measures knowledge of principles and concepts of inorganic and elementary organic chemistry. There are approximately 58 questions in this section. The written Essay section measures conventions of language skills in terms of sentence formation, usage, and mechanics. Examinees will have 30 minutes to write an essay on a topic provided to them.