Check-In Rules and Procedures
Check-In Rules and ProceduresReport 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.
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Storage of Personal Belongings
Storage of Personal BelongingsUnless authorized by the AAMC prior to your test date, all personal items must be stowed in the provided secure storage as directed by the test administrator. You will be required to store cell phones and small electronic devices in sealed bags given to you at the test center. The bag must remain sealed until a test administrator opens it at the conclusion of your exam. Neither the AAMC nor Pearson VUE will be responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged items.
You may bring only the following personal items into the testing room:
- Eyeglasses, subject to visual and physical inspection by test administrators.
- MCAT-accepted ID.
- Items provided by the test center:
- Earplugs (personal earplugs are not allowed).
- Storage key.
- Noteboard booklet.
- Fine-point marker.
No other items are permitted unless previously approved by the AAMC.
If you require an additional item or a medical device on test day for a medical condition or disability, you must obtain prior approval from the AAMC through the accommodations request process (refer to Testing With Accommodations). If you have additional questions, email us at accommodations@aamc.org. You are encouraged to contact us as early as possible in advance of your test date to ensure we have enough time to review your request.
Personal items that appear suspicious may be photographed or confiscated.
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Next: Noteboard Booklets
Noteboard Booklets
Noteboard BookletsYou will be provided with a noteboard booklet for note taking during the exam. It contains nine 14-by-8.5-inch wet-erase pages.
- The noteboard booklet must remain on your desk and in one piece. You may use the noteboard when the test administrator starts your exam.
- You may not:
- Rip, tear, or separate the noteboard booklet.
- Conceal or remove the booklet, in whole or in part, from the exam room, including during any breaks or at the end of the exam.
- Wipe or erase any of your notes from the booklet.
- Use your noteboard booklet upon returning from a break prior to beginning the next section.
- If you require an additional noteboard booklet during the exam, please raise your hand to alert the test administrator, who will exchange your original booklet for a new one.
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Next: In the Testing Room