The MCAT exam has been part of the medical school admission process for over 90 years. Most medical schools in the United States, and many in Canada, require applicants to submit recent MCAT scores. Additionally, many other health professions and graduate programs accept MCAT scores as evidence of academic knowledge and skill relevant to their field of study.

In conjunction with its member medical schools, the AAMC develops and administers the MCAT exam multiple times each year. The exam is administered at hundreds of Pearson VUE testing sites in the United States, Canada, and select locations throughout the world.

The MCAT exam tests concepts that medical school faculty, residents, and students rate as important to entering students’ success in the medical school curriculum. It is a standardized, computer-based exam with content divided into four multiple-choice sections.

Exam Overview
 

Section	Number of Questions	Content	Time Allotted
Test-day certification			4 minutes
Tutorial (optional)			10 minutes
Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems	59	10 passage-based sets of questions (4-6 questions per set) & 15 independent questions	95 minutes
Break (optional)			10 minutes
Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills	53	9 passage-based sets of questions (5-7 questions per set)	90 minutes
Mid-exam break (optional)			30 minutes
Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems	59	10 passage-based sets of questions (4-6 questions per set) & 15 independent questions	95 minutes
Break (optional)			10 minutes
Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior	59	10 passage-based sets of questions (4-6 questions per set) & 15 independent questions	95 minutes
Void Question			3 minutes
End-of-day survey (optional)			5 minutes
Total content time			6 hours and 15 minutes
Total "seated" time*			About 7 hours and 30 minutes

*Total seated time does not include check-in time upon arrival at the test center.

The natural and social sciences sections are organized around 10 foundational concepts, or “big ideas,” in the sciences. The test content draws from disciplines in year-long courses in general chemistry, organic chemistry, introductory physics, and introductory biology and from introductory courses in biochemistry, psychology, and sociology. Multiple-choice questions in these sections will ask you to combine your scientific knowledge from multiple disciplines with your scientific inquiry and reasoning skills.  

The Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills section includes questions that test your ability to comprehend and analyze information you read in passages taken from a wide range of disciplines in the social sciences and humanities. This section requires no specific content knowledge.  

To learn more about what's on the MCAT exam, visit the What's on the MCAT Exam? Content Outline. This resource contains a complete description of the competencies you are responsible for knowing on the MCAT^® exam. It also lists and discusses the exam’s conceptual framework, organized around foundational concepts, content categories, and scientific inquiry and reasoning skills. 

The AAMC has free and low-cost resources and practice products to help you prepare for the exam. Learn more. 

Access the PDF to download the print-friendly version of the content of these webpages.

Next: Eligible Health Professions Programs and Requesting Special Permission

Eligible Health Professions Programs

You may sit for the MCAT exam if you are preparing to apply to and attend a health professions program that accepts MCAT scores for admission and you are not currently or were not previously enrolled in a health professions program.

These programs include: 

• MD programs. 
• DO programs. 
• Podiatric medicine programs. 
• Veterinary medicine programs. 
• Any other health-related programs that accept MCAT scores to satisfy a test score admission requirement. 

At the time of registration, you will be required to agree to a statement verifying that you are taking the exam solely for the purpose of applying to and attending a health professions program.

Individuals who do not meet the eligibility requirement above must apply for special permission to take the MCAT exam. You must apply for special permission if any of the following statements are true:

• You wish to take the exam for any reason other than applying to and attending an eligible health professions program.

• You are currently or previously enrolled in an eligible health professions program and want to change schools. If you are currently accepted into a health professions program but have not yet enrolled in classes, you are not required to obtain special permission.

• You are unable to comply with all AAMC testing procedures for reasons other than a medical condition or disability. To request adjustments to the standard testing conditions due to medical conditions or disabilities, please refer to the Testing With Accommodations section.

Requesting Special Permission

Special permission to take the MCAT exam must be requested through the “Submit another service request” option in the MCAT Registration System. Provide as much relevant detail in your request as possible and complete the “Personal Information” tab of your MCAT registration to prevent processing delays. The typical time frame for AAMC review is five business days.

Failure to obtain special permission may result in, among other consequences, an investigation by the AAMC, appointment cancellation, cancellation of scores, and/or a ban from taking the MCAT exam for a designated time period or permanently. Refer to the Registration and Scheduling Violations section to learn more about the AAMC’s investigation process.

Access the PDF to download the print-friendly version of the content of these webpages.

Next: AAMC ID and the MCAT Registration System

AAMC ID

You will need an AAMC ID and an associated username and password to register for the MCAT exam. If you do not have an AAMC ID, the system will direct you to create an account and establish a username and password before logging in to the MCAT Registration System. If you have already created an AAMC ID at any time or for any reason, you must use the same username and password when registering for your MCAT exam. If you cannot remember your username or password, YOU MAY NOT create a new AAMC ID. Doing so may create delays in the registration process for you. For help recovering your account information, please contact the AAMC Account Help Team or reset your password.

The MCAT Registration System

To begin the registration and scheduling process, log in to the MCAT Registration System with the username and password associated with your AAMC ID. Before selecting a test date and location, you must complete important registration questions that ask for your contact, background, and education information and agree to the MCAT Examinee Agreement and other consents and policies.

Access the PDF to download the print-friendly version of the content of these webpages.

Next: Registration Name and ID Exceptions

Registration Name

Enter the spelling of your first and last names in the MCAT Registration System exactly the way they appear on the MCAT-accepted ID you will use on test day. Do not register using a nickname, partial names, or initials, and be sure to double-check for misspellings. If your MCAT-accepted ID doesn’t exactly match the first and last names on your exam registration, you will not be allowed to test; you will be considered a no show, you will not receive a refund, and the appointment will count toward your testing limits. To ensure your ID meets MCAT requirements, please see the MCAT-accepted ID guidelines below.

What should you do if …
 

Question	Resolution
The first and/or last name(s) on your MCAT registration do not exactly match the qualifying ID you will use on test day.	You MUST change your name in the MCAT Registration System to match your MCAT-accepted ID.
Two last names appear on your ID.	Both names MUST be entered into the MCAT Registration System in the Last Name/Surname field.
You prefer a “nickname” or initials, but your MCAT-accepted ID has your full legal name.	Your full legal name must be entered into the MCAT Registration System. You may not be admitted under a nickname. Example: Your name is Matthew, but you go by Matt. You MUST register using Matthew.
Mononymous name.	If you have only a single name (e.g., Madonna), please enter “LNU” in the Last Name/Surname field in the MCAT Registration System.
No legal first name (FNU).	Please enter “FNU” in the First Name field in the MCAT Registration System.
No legal last name (LNU).	Please enter “LNU” in the Last Name/Surname field in the MCAT Registration System.

All name changes must be complete 10 days before the exam date.

ID Exceptions

If you miss the deadline for changing your name in the MCAT Registration System, if you are unable to provide the required identification, or if you have concerns that your identification may not be acceptable, you may submit an ID Exception Request in the MCAT Registration System under Service Requests between three and 10 days before your exam date. No ID exceptions will be accepted within three days of your exam date. ID exceptions are approved at the sole discretion of the AAMC.

Access the PDF to download the print-friendly version of the content of these webpages.

Next: Testing Attempt Limits

Examinees who opt to test more than once must adhere to the following restrictions:

• You may hold only one MCAT exam appointment at a time. 
• You may attempt the exam no more than three times in a testing year.
• You may attempt the exam no more than four times over two consecutive testing years. 
• You may attempt the exam no more than seven times in your lifetime (beginning with the April 2015 test dates).

Access the PDF to download the print-friendly version of the content of these webpages.

Next: Testing with Accommodations

The AAMC is committed to providing appropriate accommodations to individuals with disabilities as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you believe you have a disability or medical condition that requires an adjustment to standard testing conditions, you are encouraged to apply for testing accommodations. Please keep in mind that if you are testing with accommodations, aspects of your exam administration may vary from what is outlined in this guide in order to deliver specific and individualized accommodations.

The accommodations pages of the MCAT website are required reading for all examinees seeking testing accommodations.

All applications for accommodations must be submitted electronically via the online accommodations application system on the AAMC website. Requests for accommodations must be supported by appropriate documentation. Visit our website for more information on application types and recommended submission time frames. You will be notified via email when a determination has been made.

You should submit your complete application far enough in advance that there is time to review your request and confirm any approved accommodations before your test day.

• If your accommodations are approved, be sure to follow the instructions provided with your approval letter to avoid delays in scheduling your exam with accommodations.
• You must be approved for accommodations and have a scheduling request submitted to Pearson VUE no later than 15 days before your test date so there is time to prepare and implement any approved accommodations.
• You have the option to schedule a standard exam online in the MCAT Registration System before you receive a determination on your accommodations request, or you may wait to schedule your exam after you have been approved for accommodations.
• If you scheduled a standard appointment online, it is not guaranteed that the selected appointment will be able to support delivery of your approved accommodations.
• Some changes to your appointment may be necessary to provide all of your approved accommodations.
• If you have not received a decision by 15 days before your test date or if your accommodations are not approved, you may test under standard conditions or reschedule to a later test date. Applicable rescheduling fees apply (refer to Scheduling Deadlines and Fee Structure). 

For detailed information about the accommodations application and registration processes, visit the MCAT Exam With Accommodations page of the MCAT website or email us at accommodations@aamc.org.

Access the PDF to download the print-friendly version of the content of these webpages.

Next: The AAMC Fee Assistance Program

The AAMC Fee Assistance Program assists those who would not be able to take the MCAT exam or apply to medical schools that use the AMCAS® application without financial assistance. Approved recipients receive discounted MCAT exam registration fees, all online AAMC MCAT Official Prep products, and complimentary access to the Medical School Admission Requirements™ database, and eligibility to apply for the accommodations financial benefit.

The AAMC and the Association of Faculties of Medicine of Canada (AFMC) have a fee assistance program for Canadian examinees who register for the MCAT exam. For more information about the application, evaluation, or qualification processes, visit AFMC.  

To contact the Fee Assistance Program, email feeassistance@aamc.org or call 202-828-0600.

Access the PDF to download the print-friendly version of the content of these webpages.

Next: Registration and Scheduling Violations

Certain violations of the MCAT registration rules may result in cancellation of a testing appointment, cancellation of scores, a ban from taking the MCAT exam for a designated period of time or permanently, or other consequences. Such violations include:

• Creating more than one AAMC ID.
• Registering for or taking the MCAT exam under another individual’s AAMC ID.
• Allowing someone else to register or test under your AAMC ID.
• Holding multiple appointments at the same time.
• Improperly exceeding the testing limits for the exam.
• Providing false or inaccurate information when creating an AAMC ID or registering to take the MCAT exam.
• Selling or giving away your AAMC ID or appointment to someone.
• Purchasing an AAMC ID or appointment from someone.
• Switching registrations with another examinee.

Failure to follow MCAT registration rules may create identity validation and verification issues, the potential for mistakes in the assignment of score results, and other disruptions related to the application process. If the AAMC suspects that you may have committed a registration or scheduling violation before your scheduled exam date that, if true, would threaten the validity, integrity, and/or security of the MCAT exam, the AAMC may, at its sole discretion, cancel or reschedule your exam to conduct an investigation.

Access the PDF to download the print-friendly version of the content of these webpages.

Next: The Examinee Agreement

You will be presented with the MCAT Examinee Agreement when you register for your MCAT exam. To complete your registration and sit for the MCAT exam, you must accept all terms of the Examinee Agreement and of The MCAT® Essentials for Testing Year 2025.

The full text of what you will see at registration is found below.

Introduction

The Examinee Agreement is a legally binding contract between you and the AAMC that sets forth the terms and conditions under which the AAMC will permit you to register for and take the MCAT exam. In addition to the prohibitions and terms explained below, all of the policies and procedures contained in the current version of The MCAT® Essentials are expressly incorporated herein as additional terms of the Examinee Agreement, as well as the AAMC Website Terms and Conditions, the AAMC Privacy Statement, and any policy statements made on the MCAT website. Adherence to the Examinee Agreement is necessary to enable the AAMC to maintain a fair and secure testing process for all examinees.

Because the Examinee Agreement is a legally binding contract, you should read it carefully. If you do not indicate that you understand and agree to abide by the terms of the Examinee Agreement, you will not be able to register for or take the MCAT exam. By selecting “I Agree” at the end of the Examinee Agreement, you acknowledge that you have read and understand these rules. On test day, you will be presented with a Certification Statement that reminds you of your obligations under the Examinee Agreement. By accepting the Certification Statement on test day and taking the MCAT exam, you will be certifying that you understand and agree to comply with these obligations.
 

Prohibited Items and Behaviors

The following items and behaviors are strictly prohibited during the MCAT exam and during any scheduled or unscheduled break: 

• Possessing, accessing, or using electronic devices, including cellular phones, at any time after check-in and prior to completing the exam.
• Possessing, accessing, or using cameras or recording equipment of any kind.
• Giving or receiving aid on the MCAT exam.
• Possessing, accessing, or using books, notes, or any other written materials (other than noteboards or test center rules provided for your use and review by test center staff).
• Looking at the content of another examinee’s monitor or noteboard.
• Possessing weapons, including but not limited to, firearms, knives, or any object that could be used as a weapon, in the test center, including the testing room and waiting areas.
• Leaving the test center floor or building at any point after check-in and prior to completing the exam.
• Exhibiting disruptive or abusive behavior, talking in the testing room with anyone other than a test administrator, or talking about or discussing the exam during any scheduled or unscheduled break.

Possessing, accessing, using, or attempting to possess, access, or use any prohibited item or engaging or attempting to engage in any prohibited behavior will be considered an intentional and willful breach of the Examinee Agreement. The AAMC will launch an investigation and may subject you to one or more of the consequences provided herein for violations of the Examinee Agreement.

Terms Governing Access to the MCAT Exam

When you accept the following agreement, you are attesting to the following:

The MCAT exam is a confidential exam, and its contents will be disclosed to me on my scheduled test day in a limited context to permit me to test and for no other purpose. I understand that the AAMC is the exclusive owner of all rights in the MCAT exam, for which it holds a series of registered copyrights and trade secrets under U.S. and international laws. Disclosure, reconstruction, capture, and/or dissemination of the confidential contents of the MCAT exam would destroy the value and defeat the purpose of the MCAT exam and irreparably harm the AAMC.

I understand that I have no license or permission to copy, adapt, or use any part of the MCAT exam.

I understand that I am bound to keep the MCAT exam content confidential indefinitely, including but not limited to exam questions, passages, graphics, incorrect responses, correct answers, and topic lists, frequency and order of exam topics, when described in more specific detail than as described in the AAMC’s guidance “What's on the MCAT Exam.”

I understand that I may comment on my general exam experience; however, I understand that discussing or disclosing MCAT content in greater or more specific detail than in the What’s on the MCAT Exam? content outline, by any means, is a violation of this Examinee Agreement.

Just as I am not permitted to share information about exam content with anyone, I understand that I also am not permitted to possess, solicit, read, study from, or otherwise use confidential information about the MCAT exam during my own exam preparation. I also agree not to ask any other individual to disclose exam content to me or to seek out actual live, confidential exam content from any other source.

I certify that I have not engaged in such conduct prior to taking the exam, and that I will not engage in such conduct during or after the exam.

I agree that if I receive or have access to information or material in any form and from any source, including but not limited to email, instant messages, text messages, website content, social media posts, electronic bulletin boards, internet-based groups, shared or collaborative digital files, electronic files, and/or paper documents that I reasonably believe contains confidential MCAT exam content, or has been represented to contain confidential MCAT exam content, I will immediately report its existence to the AAMC by sending an email to mcatsecurity@aamc.org.

I agree that I will fully cooperate with any investigation initiated by the AAMC related to my receipt or access to information believed or represented to contain confidential MCAT exam content.

I certify that all information that I have provided to the AAMC is complete and accurate at the time of registration for the MCAT exam, and if that information has changed, I submitted complete and accurate updated information. I understand that providing false, misleading, or incomplete information to the AAMC shall be considered an intentional and willful breach of the Examinee Agreement and may subject me to one or more of the consequences provided herein for violations of the Examinee Agreement.

I understand that presenting or attempting to present an MCAT score as my own that is falsified or otherwise not supported by the actual score in AAMC’s records (as reflected in the AAMC’s official Score Reporting Service) undermines the integrity and validity of the MCAT exam and is prohibited.

If I violate the terms of this Examinee Agreement, including the additional terms or conditions stated in The MCAT Essentials or any test center rules and regulations, or if I engage in any activity that may compromise the validity, integrity, or security of the MCAT exam, or fail to fully cooperate in any investigation of a violation of the Examinee Agreement, I may face the following consequences:

• The AAMC may issue a report of the factual findings of the investigation to legitimately interested parties.
• I may be subject to a civil lawsuit and/or criminal charges.
• My MCAT exam may be terminated, and I will not be eligible for a refund or any other compensation.
• My scores may be canceled, before or after the scores are reported, without a refund.
• I may be banned from taking the MCAT exam for a limited time or permanently.

I understand and agree that any alleged violation of this Examinee Agreement or any alleged activity that may compromise the validity, integrity, or security of the MCAT exam may be investigated.

I agree to all terms set forth by AAMC subject to this Examinee Agreement.

Access the PDF to download the print-friendly version of the content of these webpages.

Next: AAMC Policies Regarding MCAT Examinee Data

The AAMC recognizes our responsibility to treat with care the information we collect about you and to respect your privacy relative to sensitive data. The AAMC Privacy Statement explains what kinds of information we collect and how we use this information.

The MCAT program collects personal information to administer the MCAT exam, help prevent fraud, and protect the integrity of the exam and the medical school admission and matriculation processes. The personal data collected may include demographic, contact, and education information; health or other sensitive information related to an application for an accommodated exam; and a digital (biometric) palm vein scan, a test-day photo, test-day audio or video recordings, a digitized ID document, and your signature(s).

In brief, the AAMC may share your personal information, including your MCAT scores:

• With peer not-for-profit organizations, certifying boards, licensing bodies, and other organizations involved in medical education for research, eligibility determination, verification, and credentialing purposes.
• With third parties for scholarship opportunities as directed by you during registration or use of another AAMC service or program.
• With service providers who assist the AAMC with technology, test administration, or communications management activities.
• As needed to (1) respond to information requests by law enforcement or other governmental authorities; (2) comply with any law, regulation, subpoena or other legal process, or court order; (3) investigate and help prevent security threats, fraud, malicious activity, or inappropriate, unauthorized, or illegal activity involving the AAMC’s services or networks; or (4) enforce or protect the AAMC’s rights and property. In such circumstances, personal information may be disclosed without notice to the individual.

Any information published by the AAMC related to MCAT testing is done with aggregate data. Individual test scores are not published or released to third parties unless permitted by the AAMC Privacy Statement or otherwise authorized by you. Unless otherwise noted, once your personal information is transferred to third parties, it will be treated in accordance with the third party’s privacy policies. Your personal information will be transferred to, processed, and stored in the United States and, if you test outside the United States, any country necessary to administer the MCAT exam to you from your selected location.

Access the PDF to download the print-friendly version of the content of these webpages.

Next: Release of Personal Information

Once you have answered the necessary registration questions, you will be able to schedule an MCAT test date and location. Test centers have limited capacity, and seats are reserved on a first-come, first-served basis. 

Once your exam is scheduled, you will receive an email confirming your appointment - including the name you used to register. Be sure to compare this name to the name on the MCAT-accepted ID you will use on test day. If you do not receive an email confirmation within 24 hours of scheduling your appointment, that means it was not successfully scheduled. You will need to schedule the appointment again. The AAMC does not extend deadlines for any reason. 

You may make changes to your appointment online up until 10 days before your appointment. There are three deadlines for making changes to your appointment: 60 days from exam date, 30 days from exam date, and 10 days from exam date. All deadlines take effect at 11:59 p.m. local test center time. For example, if your MCAT exam is scheduled for April 30, 2025, in Los Angeles, your 10-day deadline is 11:59 p.m. PT on April 20, 2025. Refer to Calendars, Scheduling Deadlines, and Score Release Dates for details about specific deadline dates. It is your responsibility to understand and meet the scheduling deadlines. If you need assistance, please note our available call center hours.

Available Appointment Notification or “Notify Me” 

If your MCAT exam appointment search indicates “None Available” for your preferred date and test center location, you can ask to be notified by email from Pearson VUE if an appointment becomes available at that test center location on that MCAT test date by clicking “Notify me.” Learn more about this functionality here. 

“To Be Determined” Test Centers 

You may see “To Be Determined” test center sites (TBD sites) listed with generalized locations in metropolitan areas as decided by Pearson VUE. These sites do not have determined addresses at the time of scheduling. TBD sites exist for the sole purpose of offering as many seats as possible on each test date. TBD sites should be chosen only if you have the flexibility to travel up to a 40-mile radius within a metropolitan area from the central location. Examinees who register for a TBD site will not be eligible for a free reschedule to another site when they find out the actual location of the TBD site. 

You will be sent via email the TBD site address no fewer than 30 days before your exam date. The address information will also appear in the MCAT Registration System at that time.  

Test Center Current Address 

The current address of your test center is available in the MCAT Registration System. On rare occasions, a test center ​​address or location may change. If such an address change occurs, the AAMC or Pearson VUE will make every effort to notify you via email before your test date. Plan ahead by locating the test center before test day. You ​will not ​be allowed to enter the testing center, but you will learn how to get there and how long it will take. 

Time Zones  

Know what time zone your test center adheres to, especially if you are crossing a state or county line. It may be different from what you expect. For example, daylight saving time is not adhered to by all U.S. states or local regions within a state.  

Access the PDF to download the print-friendly version of the content of these webpages.

Next: Registration Fees, Cancellations, and Refunds

Report to the test center at least 30 minutes before your exam start time to ensure you have enough time to check in, store your personal belongings, and prepare to test. If you arrive ​more​ than 30 minutes before your start time, the test center may not yet be open. 

If you arrive after your exam start time, you might not be allowed to test. There are no refunds granted for late arrivals or missed exams (no-shows). A no-show counts as one of your attempts, regardless of the reason. If you are late or don’t show up, you will be considered a no-show. No shows will count toward the maximum number of testing attempts.

Your scheduling fee will not be refunded if you are a no-show. This policy also applies to examinees who are not admitted as a result of improper identification or other policy violations.

Examinees will be checked in and seated in the testing room one at a time by the test administrator. Depending on the volume of examinees at your test center and the check-in procedures, actual start times will vary by individual. This will not affect your total testing time.

Once you check-in for the exam, you are considered to have used one of your testing attempts even if you void your exam or do not complete the test. 

The check-in process consists of the following steps, although the order of the steps may vary slightly.

Check-in Step	Check-in Step Description
Review of Test Center Regulations	You will be presented with the AAMC Candidate Rules Agreement, which outlines the standard test center rules and regulations. Failing to comply with the AAMC Candidate Rules Agreement or test center regulations may result in the termination of your exam.
Verification of MCAT-Accepted ID	The test administrator may scan your ID, in whole or in part, and information stored digitally on the ID may be collected.
Digital Signature	Your signature indicates your agreement to adhere to the AAMC Candidate Rules and is verification of your identity; it may also be used as part of the AAMC’s investigation procedures.
Palm Vein Scan	Palm vein biometric recognition examines the unique patterns in the veins of your palms using a safe, near-infrared light source like that in a TV remote control. Palm vein recognition allows Pearson VUE to detect people attempting to test under assumed identities. By preventing proxy testers, this technology helps Pearson VUE maintain the integrity of examinations, which upholds the validity of your MCAT scores.
Photo Capture	A digital passport-style photo of you will be captured during the check-in process. The test-day photo may also be used as part of the AAMC’s investigation procedures.

Entering and Exiting the Testing Room

Every time you enter or exit the testing room, you will be asked to provide your ID and place your palms on the scanning device. You will also be required to pat yourself down to show the administrator you do not have any prohibited items in your clothing and to turn your pockets inside out to show they are empty.

You may be asked to remove sweaters or sweatshirts for inspection. Coats and jackets of any kind are not permitted in the testing room.

You will be required to begin your exam immediately upon sitting at your workstation. Any time you wish to leave the testing room, you must raise your hand to alert the test administrator and remain seated at your workstation until the test administrator escorts you out of the testing room.

Access the PDF to download the print-friendly version of the content of these webpages.

Next: Storage of Personal Belongings

You must adhere to the following procedures while in the testing room: 

• Your MCAT-accepted ID must be visible on your desk at all times.
• You must follow all directions and verbal instructions provided by the testing staff.
• If you require assistance or encounter a problem while taking the exam, raise your hand immediately. The test administrator will come to you and, if needed, may escort you out of the testing room.

Test-Day Certification Statement

You will be presented with an on-screen Certification Statement at the start of your exam. The Certification Statement reminds you of the obligations under the Examinee Agreement and The MCAT® Essentials to which you agreed when you registered for the exam. By clicking the circle indicating that you agree with the Certification Statement, you will be certifying that you have read and agree to abide by all rules and policies set forth in the Examinee Agreement and The MCAT® Essentials. If you refuse to agree to the test-day Certification Statement, you will not be able to continue with the exam. The full text of the Certification Statement that you will see on test day is as follows:

Test-Day Certification

By proceeding with today’s MCAT® exam, you certify that you have not and will not engage in any conduct that compromises the integrity, validity, or security of the MCAT exam. You certify that:

• Prior to the exam, you did not give or receive information about the questions that might appear on your MCAT exam. During the exam, you will not give or receive information about the content of the exam.
• You will keep the MCAT exam content confidential indefinitely, including, but not limited to: exam questions, passages, graphics, incorrect responses, correct answers, and topic lists, frequency and order of exam topics, when described in more specific detail than the What’s on the MCAT exam.
• You are taking the MCAT exam for the sole purpose of applying to and attending a health-professions school and program that accepts MCAT exam results to satisfy a test-score admissions requirement, unless otherwise approved by the AAMC.
• You will not access any written materials, electronic devices, cell phones, or other unauthorized items at any point during today’s MCAT administration which includes any scheduled or unscheduled breaks.
• You will abide by all MCAT policies and procedures found in The MCAT Essentials, including the Examinee Agreement to which you agreed when you registered for the MCAT exam.
• You understand that a violation of any MCAT rule may result in an investigation which could lead to a report of factual findings sent to legitimately interested parties, score cancellation, a partial or permanent ban from taking the MCAT in the future, or civil or criminal penalties.

I have read, and agree to comply with, the terms of this Test-Day Certification, including all additional terms and policies set forth in The MCAT Essentials, and I understand the consequences for failing to comply. 

Access the PDF to download the print-friendly version of the content of these webpages.

Next: Breaks, Food, and Drink

After you complete your exam and return to your locker to collect your belongings, you must hand the test administrator your sealed digital device bag(s) to be opened and present your ID again to the test administrator. A test administrator will then provide you with a completion confirmation letter. This letter is for your records and is proof that you sat for and completed the exam. Your score or void decision will be included in the confirmation letter you receive from the test administrator.

Scheduling Another Exam

There is a 24-hour waiting period once you complete your MCAT exam before you are permitted to register for another exam through the MCAT Registration System.

Access the PDF to download the print-friendly version of the content of these webpages.

Next: Reporting a Test Center Concern

​You will receive a separate score for each of the four sections of the MCAT exam, as well as a total score.  

• Your raw score on each of the four multiple-choice sections is based on the numbers of questions you answer correctly in each section. ​There is no penalty for guessing.​  
• The raw score for each section is then converted to a scaled score ranging from 118 (lowest) to 132 (highest). 
• Your total scaled score is the sum of the four individual section scores and will range from 472 to 528. 
• Every test form of the MCAT exam measures the same basic concepts and skills. However, each form is different in the specific questions it uses. ​While care is taken to make sure that the forms are equivalent in difficulty, one form may be slightly more or less difficult than another. The conversion of raw scores to scaled scores, through a process called equating, compensates for small variations in difficulty between sets of questions​ and ensures that sco​​r​​es have the same meaning, no matter when you test or who tests at the same time you did​. 
• A percentile rank is reported along with each section and total score. The percentile ranks of scores are the percentages of test-takers who received the same score as or lower scores than you did. Updates to the percentile ranks will be made on May 1 each year. The percentile ranks will be updated with all examinees’ scores from the most recent three years.  

For additional information on exam scoring, please visit our MCAT scores webpage. 

Access the PDF to download the print-friendly version of the content of these webpages.

Next: Receiving and Sending Scores

We welcome all feedback about your experiences when registering and sitting for the MCAT exam, including ways we can better serve you.

We do not tolerate abusive, threatening, aggressive, or dehumanizing treatment of any kind toward the people with whom you might interact virtually or in person at the AAMC, Pearson VUE, or in the testing center or exam room. The AAMC and Pearson VUE reserve the right to refuse service to any individual who presents a threat or serious disruption to AAMC staff, Pearson VUE staff, or other examinees. Such behavior will be investigated in accordance with the investigation procedures outlined in this document and may be referred to law enforcement.

AAMC customer service specialists are available to assist you with the registration process, test-day procedures, and score reporting. To help ensure resolution of your question or concern before your test date, contact us no later than the 10-day deadline associated with your test date. Please allow up to two business days for a reply to your email.

Contact MCAT (Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–7 p.m. ET, closed Wednesdays 3–5 p.m. ET) for assistance with registering or preparing for the exam. Telephone: 202-828-0600

On MCAT test days, staff are available at a minimum from 7:30 a.m. to noon ET.

Access the PDF to download the print-friendly version of the content of these webpages.