FAQ’s – PCAT 2014–15 Blueprint Changes
1. Are there any modifications that I need to know about for 2014–15?
The Verbal Ability subtest will be reduced in length and there will be no experimental
Writing subtest. These reductions will allow additional time for the Biology, Chemistry, and
Quantitative Ability subtests.
2. Will the time allowed for the PCAT be lengthened?
No. The overall testing time will actually be reduced from 240 minutes to 220 minutes.
3. Will this affect my score?
No. This will not affect the calculation of your score.
4. Why is there additional time allowed for the Biology and Chemistry subtests?
The additional time for the Biology and Chemistry subtests will accommodate the addition of
a few items associated with short passages.
5. Why is there additional time allowed for the Quantitative Ability subtest?
The time added to the Quantitative Ability subtest will allow for the addition of more items
involving word-problem or problem-solving scenarios.
6. How will I prepare for the PCAT?
Your preparation for the PCAT will not change. The Pearson online practice tests available
on the PCAT website will reflect these revisions when updated this spring and will continue
to mirror the actual PCAT in length and in the proportion of items addressing each content
objective and each item format. For a more detailed test blueprint and for sample items,
please visit PCATweb.info, “PCAT Test Blueprint and Sample Items.”
7. Can I review the content and time allowed for each of the six subtests that
appear on the PCAT?
Yes. The PCAT Test Blueprint can be found on PCATweb.info, "Test Development and
Structure" and lists the percentages of item content areas included in each multiple-choice
subtest. These are approximate and may vary slightly from test form to test form.
8. Why do you periodically update the PCAT test blueprint?
Pearson works closely with the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP) to
evaluate feedback gathered from pharmacy educators to ensure the continuing relevance
and usefulness of the PCAT in light of the changing needs of pharmacy education.