Updated: December 5, 2022
Health and Safety
The AAMC monitors guidance about COVID-19 from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the World Health Organization, and state and local health authorities.
Protocols in Test Centers
Pearson VUE monitors the COVID 19 pandemic and adjusts test center operations as needed. A full explanation of the COVID-19 precautionary measures is posted on their website.
Pearson VUE complies with and enforces safety procedures per local government requirements and CDC guidance.
- To view the local protocols in place in your test center, including vaccination and COVID-19 testing requirements, click on the drop down menu of the country where you are testing on Pearson VUE’s website.*
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Mask requirements align with CDC and state and local guidance where masks are not required indoors (March 4, 2022). Enter the address of your test center into the search tool on the Pearson VUE website to review your center’s mask requirements.
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You may wear a mask while testing if you choose at all Pearson VUE centers.
- Ventilated masks and face shields are not permitted. Examinees should practice wearing their mask and make sure it is comfortable before test day. For those who wear glasses, consider ways to wear a face mask that doesn’t fog the lenses.
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You are permitted to wear disposable gloves if you choose.
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You may bring your own clear bottle of hand sanitizer (no more than 4oz)
*Examinees testing in Puerto Rico and Canada may be utilizing sites that are not owned by Pearson VUE but are approved to deliver the MCAT exam. These sites may have additional COVID restrictions or requirements for test day that are not included on Pearson VUE's webpage. Please review your confirmation email and contact your site directly with any questions if you are testing in a site that is not owned by Pearson VUE.
What to Expect on Test Day
If you test positive for Covid-19 or are experiencing a medical emergency and unexpectedly cannot attend your exam, please review the Emergency Refund Request policy in the MCAT Essentials. Please file an Emergency Refund Request in the MCAT Registration System with required documentation.
You may not go to the test center after you submit an Emergency Refund Request. Emergency Refund Requests may not be reviewed until after your exam date. Approved refund amounts will follow the 30-day cancellation policy.
If you are immunocompromised or have a disability or medical condition that you believe requires an adjustment to the standard testing conditions, we encourage you to apply for accommodations.
Ways to Report Concerns
The AAMC and Pearson VUE encourage and support examinees advocating for their own health and safety while in the test center.
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If you do not feel comfortable reporting during testing, you may notify the AAMC of any behavior or health and safety concerns.
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Report concerns on the survey presented at the end of your exam. These responses go directly to the AAMC.
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Email concerns to mcatsafety@aamc.org.
All reports will be treated in a confidential manner. There are no repercussions for reporting this critical information to the AAMC.