Suppose you want to pursue a medical career. In that case, you need to know which admission test to take before officially enrolling in any educational institution that offers such medical degrees and courses.
And suppose you are planning to be a physician, surgeon, cardiology, and other related medical careers. In that case, you will be required to take the MCAT since it is the standard test for most medical schools in different countries.
For those planning to have a career in pharmacy, you will be asked to take the PCAT. It is the standardized exam intended for pharmacy school.
But before you jump into taking these exams, you should know why these two are different and why they should not be taken alternatively.
This article will go through the different exam structures, exam fees, and other characteristics of MCAT and PCAT. We will give a comprehensive comparison between these two.What is the MCAT?
If you plan to get into med school, you are expected to take the MCAT (Medical College Admission Test). It is a standardized test for incoming medical students who want to pursue a medical profession.
The MCAT is a computer-based admission exam that is 7 hours and 30 minutes long. It contains four test sections that center on the different branches of science and the basics of medical principles. It assess other essential skills and knowledge needed for you to be successful in med school.
There are a total of 230 test questions in the MCAT, which are in a multiple-choice format that you need to respond to in the given duration.
The admission exam is highly recommended by The Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), which administers the exam and is available in the United States, Canada, Australia, and other counties worldwide.
The test’s primary purpose is to assess the knowledge of pre-medical students in Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Psychology, and Sociology. These basic sciences are usually encountered when taking any medical course.
What is the PCAT?
PsychCorp, a Pearson VUE division, develops the Pharmacy College Admission Test (PCAT). It is also backed up by the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP) as a standardized admission test for all pharmacy schools.
The PCAT is an admission exam specifically created for pharmacy colleges. The primary objective of this exam is to help these institutions screen and identify qualified applicants to take up a professional pharmacy education.
The PCAT is a computer-based exam that lasts 3 to 4 hours. It contains four test sections with an additional essay writing exam, which will not be scored. The test has 192 test questions, all in multiple-choice format.
The PCAT five test sections are:
MCAT vs. PCAT: What are the Similarities?
The MCAT and PCAT are similar in how they are administered, and it is through a computer.
The two exams are computerized, allowing the applicants to easily answer the exam without needing any additional testing materials.
Another similarity is that these two exams are both parts of the admission process of most medical and pharmacy schools worldwide.
The MCAT and PCAT also test the readiness, skills, and fundamental knowledge of the applicants in relation to the medical career they want to pursue.
Exam Format and Structure: MCAT vs. PCAT
The MCAT and PCAT are identically offered in a computerized format. These two exams make use of the multiple-choice type of questions across their test sections.
The MCAT has 230 test questions, while the PCAT has 192 test questions in all.
However, the PCAT has a writing test where you are required to answer the question in an essay format.
They significantly differ concerning their respective duration. MCAT is known as an extensive and lengthy exam that runs for 7 hours and 33 minutes. While the PCAT only takes about 3 hours and 40 minutes.
In terms of test sections, the MCAT and PCAT both contain four scorable test sections, and these test sections similarly focus on the different areas of sciences, including biology and chemistry. The PCAT has an additional writing section requiring the applicant to write an essay about a particular topic, which will not be scored.
The PCAT also tests the applicant’s reading comprehension, verbal ability, and quantitative ability. The MCAT assesses the applicant's critical analysis and reasoning skills (CARS).
The table below compares the MCAT and PCAT test structure and format, including their test frequency.
Exam Format and Structure | MCAT | PCAT |
|---|---|---|
Test Sections | - Biological and Biochemical Foundations - Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems - Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior - Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills | - Verbal Ability - Biology - Chemistry - Reading Comprehension - Quantitative Ability - Writing Section (Unscored) |
Test Duration | Duration per test section:
90 to 95 minutes each Overall:
7 hours and 33 minutes, including break times. | Duration per test section: Writing - 30 minutes Biology - 45 minutes Chemical Processes - 45 minutes Critical Reading - 50 minutes Quantitative Reasoning - 50 minutes Overall: 3 hours and 40 minutes (15 minutes break) |
Number of Test Questions | 230 Test Questions | 192 Test Questions |
Type of Test Questions | Multiple-choice Type | Multiple-choice Type Essay/Writing Question |
Test Frequency | 35 testing dates annually from January to September. | Several times annually (January, July, and September) |
Test Delivery Mode | Computer-Based Test | Computer-Based Test |
Scoring: MCAT vs. PCAT
The MCAT and PCAT varies in the scoring system they used to score the answers of each of their test-takers.
The MCAT uses a percentile rank that helps you identify the ranking of your scores in comparison to its previous test-takers. The MCAT scores 132 to 118 points for each of its test sections.
Your accumulated scores from the four test sections will be summed up to get the overall scoring. As for the overall score, it ranges from 472 to 528 points.
On the other hand, the PCAT has a scoring system that ranges from 200 to 600 points. The highest score is 600 points, and the lowest score is 200. The average score is 400 points.MCAT Scoring | PCAT Scoring |
|---|---|
Score Range Per Test Section: 118 to 132 Overall Score Range: 472 to 528 | Overall Score Range: 200 to 600 |
This is the MCAT Percentile Rank from May 1, 2021, to April 30, 2022. It is updated every year.
The table below shows the MCAT overall scores with their corresponding percentile ranks. You may use this as a comparison and check your MCAT scores' percentile ranking.
Overall MCAT Score | Percentile Rank | Header | Overall MCAT Score | Percentile Rank | Header | Overall MCAT Score | Percentile Rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
472 | <1% | Cell | 491 | 19% | Cell | 510 | 78% |
473 | <1% | Cell | 492 | 21% | Cell | 511 | 81% |
474 | <1% | Cell | 493 | 24% | Cell | 512 | 84% |
475 | <1% | Cell | 494 | 27% | Cell | 513 | 86% |
476 | 1% | Cell | 495 | 29% | Cell | 514 | 88% |
477 | 1% | Cell | 496 | 32% | Cell | 515 | 90% |
478 | 1% | Cell | 497 | 35% | Cell | 516 | 92% |
479 | 2% | Cell | 498 | 38% | Cell | 517 | 94% |
480 | 3% | Cell | 499 | 42% | Cell | 518 | 95% |
481 | 4% | Cell | 500 | 45% | Cell | 519 | 96% |
482 | 4% | Cell | 501 | 48% | Cell | 520 | 97% |
483 | 6% | Cell | 502 | 52% | Cell | 521 | 98% |
484 | 7% | Cell | 503 | 55% | Cell | 522 | 99% |
485 | 8% | Cell | 504 | 58% | Cell | 523 | 99% |
486 | 9% | Cell | 505 | 62% | Cell | 524 | 100% |
487 | 11% | Cell | 506 | 65% | Cell | 525 | 100% |
488 | 13% | Cell | 507 | 69% | Cell | 526 | 100% |
489 | 15% | Cell | 508 | 72% | Cell | 527 | 100% |
490 | 17% | Cell | 509 | 75% | Cell | 528 | 100% |
Test Requirements: MCAT vs. PCAT
You can easily register for the MCAT and PCAT since they offer online registration for your convenience.
You only need to visit their official websites, follow the directions, comply with the needed requirements and complete the registration process.
As for the PCAT, you need to go to two websites, one for creating your user account and one to register to schedule the test.
The MCAT and PCAT are quite similar in the valid IDs they accept to prove the applicant’s identity.
The table below compares the MCAT and PCAT registration processes and test requirements.
MCAT Test Requirements | PCAT Test Requirements |
|---|---|
For Online Application - Make an account on the AAMC website. - Fill out the application questions and prompts on their website. - Go to MCAT registration systems and follow the instructions given. Present the following upon registration: 1. Any government-issued IDs (must be valid and not expired) 2. ID must contain a clear photo of you. 3. ID must be in English. 4. Accepted IDs include: - Driver’s license - Passport - Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) - Employment Authorization Document - Canada Health Car (For Ontario and British Columbia only) - Consular ID - Canadian Aviation Card 5. Submit your academic transcripts (applicable for high school, undergraduate, and any post-graduate education). Also, it accepts unofficial transcripts but must reflect your full name | For Online Application: (Two-Step Process) - Go to pcatweb.info and click the Register and Schedule option. - Create your user account. - Follow all the instructions on registering and paying for the exam. - Go to Pearson VUE to schedule a test date at a Pearson VUE Test Center. Present the following on the test date: 1. Two forms of original and valid IDs (1 primary ID and 1 secondary ID). These IDs must reflect the same name on the registration details you provided. 2. Accepted Primary IDs include: (Unexpired IDs with photo and signature) - Passport - Driver’s License - Military ID - Government-issued identification card - Alien registration card - Canadian Health Card 3. Accepted Secondary IDs include: - Major credit card/debit card (American Express, MasterCard, VISA) with or without a picture - Library Card - Student ID - A utility bill (reflecting your first and last names and current address the same as your primary ID) - Any government-issued ID without a visible signature, but should match the name of your primary ID) |
Test Costs: MCAT vs. PCAT
These two admission exams accepts payment using only major credit cards and debit cards. As for the PCAT, it only accepts credit cards drawn from U.S banks.
As for the costs, the MCAT is priced at USD 325, which is more costly than PCAT, which only costs USD 210.
Here’s a comprehensive table reflecting their cost differences and payment options.
MCAT Fee | PCAT Fee | |
|---|---|---|
Payment Modes | Only accepts credit or debit cards (American Express, VISA, MasterCard) | Only accepts any valid credit card drawn from any U.S banks. |
Cost | USD 310 | USD 210 |
Test Recognition: MCAT vs. PCAT
The MCAT and PCAT are standardized examinations used by medical and pharmacy schools to assess the skills and knowledge of their applicants.
The PCAT is recognized by pharmacy schools in the United States and some schools in Canada, including the University of British Columbia and the University of Toronto.
The MCAT is trusted by medical schools to ensure that their applicants qualify to take up a higher medical course or program and if they can be successful with a medical career.
Below are some universities in the USA that require the PCAT:Below are some universities in Canada that require the PCAT:
Below are some medical schools in Australia that require the MCAT:
Below are some medical schools in Canada that require the MCAT:
Below are some medical schools in the USA that require the MCAT:
Which is Easier, the MCAT or the PCAT?
The MCAT is a highly regarded difficult admission exam compared to PCAT.
The exam duration is longer than the other admission exams, like the PCAT, which only takes around 3 to 4 hours maximum.
In terms of test contents, the MCAT test questions are very specific about the various fundamentals of science and need extensive critical thinking skills.
In comparison, the PCAT assesses basic scientific knowledge, including math skills, verbal skills, reading comprehension, and writing skills.
All of these test questions are not as complicated and complex as the MCAT, thus, the PCAT is much easier than the MCAT.
Should You Take the MCAT or the PCAT?
The MCAT is made especially for those who want to continue a medical career and enroll in med school. It is an admission exam highly preferred by these institutions to evaluate the abilities and content knowledge needed in this field of expertise.
As for the PCAT, it is used by pharmacy schools as part of their admission process. It also assesses the basic knowledge of its test-takers and skills if they meet the criteria to get into the institution.
If you plan to get into med school, the recommended exam for you is MCAT, and for those who want to pursue being a pharmacist, then the PCAT is the exam you should take.
Note that these two exams are different in terms of their purpose and intentions, so switching them is not recommended.
Summary Table of Differences: MCAT vs. PCAT
Below is the table of differences between the MCAT and PCAT.
MCAT | PCAT | |
|---|---|---|
Test Sections | - Biological and Biochemical Foundations - Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems - Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior - Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills | - Verbal Ability - Biology - Chemistry - Reading Comprehension - Quantitative Ability - Writing Section (Unscored) |
Test Duration | 7 hours and 33 minutes, including break times. | 3 hours and 40 minutes (15 minutes break) |
Number of Test Questions | 230 Test Questions | 192 Test Questions |
Type of Test Questions | Multiple-choice Type | Multiple-choice Type Essay/Writing Question |
Scoring System | Score Range Per Test Section: 118 to 132 | Overall Score Range: 200 to 600 |
Test Frequency | 35 testing dates from January to September. | Several times annually (January, July, and September) |
Exam Cost | USD 325 | USD 210 |
Mode of Payment | Only accepts credit or debit cards (American Express, VISA, MasterCard) | Only accepts any valid credit card drawn from any U.S banks. |
Test Delivery Mode | Computer-Based Test | Computer-Based Test |
Additional FAQs – MCAT vs. PCAT
Is the PCAT harder than the MCAT?
The MCAT is also known to have advanced and complex test questions compared to the PCAT.
The latter is also much easier and contains short reading passages, and test questions are easier than the MCAT.
Do Pharmacists Take the MCAT?
The PCAT is the admission exam intended for those who want to continue studying pharmacy, while the MCAT is an admission test for medical school.
Is the PCAT all Multiple Choice?
There is a written test section where you must write an essay based on the problem or issue.
Most of the topics for this test section revolve around health, science, social, cultural, and political issues. You are given 30 minutes to write your thoughts or solution about the topic presented.
How Long Should I Study for the PCAT?
Even if the test is not considered challenging as the MCAT, you still need to put effort into reviewing and preparing yourself for it.
Make a study plan, know the PCAT exam structure and expose yourself to different types of questions.
Do you Need the MCAT for Pharmacy?
That is why you do not need to take the MCAT for pharmacy since the PCAT is the most suitable examination for this field.
The MCAT is appropriate for those who want to pursue any medical profession besides pharmacy.
To help you achieve your goal MCAT score, we take turns hosting these 
