General PA-CAT Questions

1. When should I take the PA-CAT Exam?

PA programs have two types of admissions processes: rolling admissions and fixed admissions.

• Rolling Admissions: If you are applying to programs with rolling admissions, we recommend taking the PA-CAT as early in the application cycle as possible. Early testing can maximize your chances of acceptance by ensuring your scores are available when programs begin reviewing applications.
• Fixed Admissions: For programs with fixed deadlines, check the specific application deadlines and plan your exam accordingly. Ensure that your scores will be available in time to meet these deadlines.

Score Processing Timeline:

• Processing Date: Scores are processed on the 20th of each month.
• Availability Date: Your scores will be available in your Candidate Score Portal by the 1st of the following month.
  Example: If you take the exam between January 21st and February 20th, your score will be available by March 1st.

Important Tips:

• Verify Deadlines: Always confirm the application deadlines of the PA programs you are applying to.
• Allow Sufficient Time: Plan your exam date to ensure your official scores are received by the programs before their deadlines.
• Retake Consideration: If you anticipate needing to retake the exam, factor in the score processing timeline to avoid delays in your application process.
   

2. Where can I take the PA-CAT Exam?

Pearson VUE became the exclusive provider for administering the PA-CAT on November 4th, 2024. Since then, all exams are conducted through Pearson VUE Test Centers or Pearson’s online, secure proctoring service.
 

3. What is the cost of the PA-CAT Exam?

The cost of the PA-CAT exam is $257. This fee includes both the exam fee and the test center or remote proctoring service. Whether you choose to take the exam at a Pearson VUE Test Center or via Pearson’s online, secure proctoring service, the total cost remains $257.
We also offer a Fee Assistance Program to provide financial assistance to qualified applicants who wish to register for the PA-CAT. Learn more here.
 

4. How do I apply for Special Accommodations?

Please see the detailed special accommodations procedures here.
 

5. How often can I take the PA-CAT Exam?

You may take the PA-CAT exam every six weeks, with a maximum of three attempts within a 12-month period.
Important: Candidates who do not adhere to this policy will have all their scores invalidated and will be prohibited from retaking the PA-CAT exam in the future.
 

6. How long after purchasing my PA-CAT exam eligibility can I take my exam?

Your PA-CAT eligibility is valid for 3 years from the date of purchase.
 

7. What is the difference between the Exam Master/PA-CAT eligibility ID and the Pearson VUE eligibility ID?

• Pearson VUE Eligibility ID:
  • Purpose: Serves as your candidate account ID with Pearson VUE.
  • Usage: Required to create and manage your Pearson VUE account.
  • Permanence: Remains the same regardless of how many times you take the PA-CAT exam.
     
• Exam Master/PA-CAT Eligibility ID:
  • Purpose: Represents your eligibility to take the PA-CAT exam.
  • Usage: Needed to schedule and register for each exam attempt.
  • Permanence: Changes with each exam purchase. A new eligibility ID is issued every time you purchase the exam.

Example Scenario: If you decide to retake the PA-CAT exam, you will use your existing Pearson VUE Eligibility ID to log into your Pearson VUE account. However, you will receive a new Exam Master/PA-CAT Eligibility ID for each new exam purchase, which you will use to schedule your subsequent exam attempts.

8. Can I get a refund if I choose not to take the PA-CAT?

If you purchased the PA-CAT but choose not to take it, you may be eligible for a refund. To review our refund policy, please click here. 

PA-CAT Scores

1. How is the PA-CAT exam scored?

The PA-CAT exam utilizes a scaled scoring system to ensure fairness and consistency across different exam versions. Here’s a breakdown of how the scoring works:

• Scaled Scores:
  • Definition: Scaled scores are derived through statistical analysis and modeling, allowing for accurate comparison of results across various exam editions.
  • Purpose: This method accounts for variations in question difficulty, ensuring that scores reflect a candidate’s true performance rather than the specific questions they encountered.
• Score Range:
  • Minimum Score: 200
  • Maximum Score: 800
  • Comparison: The scoring range is similar to that of the PANCE (Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam), providing a familiar framework for candidates.
• Score Validity:
  • Duration: PA-CAT scores are valid for two years from the date of the exam.
  • Implication: Candidates have a two-year window to apply their scores toward PA program admissions.
• Benefits of Scaled Scoring:
  • Consistency: Ensures that all candidates are evaluated on a level playing field, regardless of when they take the exam.
  • Accuracy: Provides a more precise measurement of a candidate’s knowledge and skills compared to raw scores, which simply tally correct answers without adjusting for question difficulty.

Example Scenario: If two candidates take different versions of the PA-CAT exam, the scaled scoring system ensures that a candidate who performs well on a more challenging version receives a score that accurately reflects their proficiency, comparable to a candidate who took an easier version. To read more about the scoring process, click here.
 

2. How do I select the schools to receive my PA-CAT scores?

To select the schools, you want to receive your PA-CAT scores, follow these steps:

• Log In to Your PA-CAT Portal:
  • Visit pa-cat.com and log into your account using your credentials.
• Navigate to Score Reporting:
  • Once logged in, go to the Programs section to select your schools.
  • Choose the PA programs you wish to send your scores to from the list of available institutions.
  • You can select multiple schools to receive your PA-CAT scores. There is no fee associated with sharing your scores.
• Important Information:
  • Score History: Any schools you select will receive your PA-CAT score along with your complete PA-CAT score history for the past two years.
  • Deadlines: Be mindful of application deadlines for each PA program to ensure your scores are received on time.
  • Verification: After submitting, you can verify that your scores have been sent by checking the Score Reporting section in your PA-CAT portal.
     

3. When and how will I receive my PA-CAT scores?

Your PA-CAT scores are processed and made available through the following schedule:

• Score Processing Date:
  Scores are processed on the 20th of each month.
   
• Score Availability Date:
  Processed scores are posted to your Candidate Score Portal by the 1st of the following month.
  
  Example:
  If you take the exam between January 21st and February 20th, your score will be available in your Candidate Score Portal by March 1st.
   
• Important Considerations:
  • Program-Specific Deadlines:
    • Check Deadlines: Verify the application deadlines of the PA programs you are applying to.
    • Allow Sufficient Time: Ensure that your scores are received by programs before their specific deadlines by scheduling your exam accordingly.
  • Official Score Transmission:
    • Score Reporting: Official scores are sent directly to the PA programs you select. Make sure to select your desired programs in your Candidate Score Portal as soon as possible to facilitate timely score delivery.
       
• Additional Tips:
  • Plan Ahead:
    • Schedule your exam early to ensure that your scores are processed and available in time for application deadlines.
       

4. What is the passing score?

The PA-CAT does not have a fixed passing score. Instead, candidate performance is evaluated relative to other exam takers. Here's how the scoring system works:

Scoring Methodology

• No Fixed Pass/Fail Threshold: Instead of a set passing score, candidates are ranked based on their performance compared to all other test-takers.
• Deciles: Scores are grouped into deciles, dividing candidates into ten equal scoring ranges. This means each decile represents 10% of the test-taker population.

Example:

1st Decile: Top 10% of scorers

10th Decile: Bottom 10% of scorers
 

Types of Scores Reported

• Composite Score:
  • Definition: Reflects the overall performance across the entire PA-CAT exam.
  • Range: 200 to 800 (similar to the PANCE)
• Sub-Scores:
  • Components: The exam is divided into three main sections, each with its own sub-score:
    • Anatomy and Physiology
    • Biology
    • Chemistry
  • Purpose: These sub-scores provide insight into your strengths and areas for improvement within each subject area.
• Understanding Your Scores
  • Composite Score:
    • Usage: Used by PA programs to assess your overall readiness and compare your performance against other candidates.
  • Sub-Scores:
    • Usage: Help you identify specific subject areas where you excel or may need additional study.

Important Considerations

• Score Validity: PA-CAT scores are valid for two years from the date of the exam.
• Program Requirements: While the PA-CAT does not have a passing score, individual PA programs may have their own score requirements or preferences. It's essential to check with each program to understand how they interpret PA-CAT scores.

Example Scenario

• If two candidates take the PA-CAT exam:
  • Candidate A: Scores in the 1st decile (top 10%)
  • Candidate B: Scores in the 5th decile (middle 50%)
• Both candidates receive composite and sub-scores, but their overall ranking reflects their performance relative to all other test-takers. There isn't a fixed score that determines passing; instead, your ranking among peers is what matters.
   

PA-CAT Content & Preparation

1. What is covered on the PA-CAT exam?

PA-CAT Exam is a 240-item assessment covering the following 9 science subject areas:

• Anatomy
• Physiology
• General Biology
• Biochemistry
• General and Organic
• Chemistry
• Microbiology
• Behavioral Sciences
• Genetics
• Statistics

2. What resources are available to prepare for the PA-CAT Exam, and how do I access them?

We provide a suite of free PA-CAT study resources designed to help you review important concepts covered on the exam. 
Not Comprehensive: While our study resources cover a wide range of subjects, they are not exhaustive. We highly recommend supplementing your preparation with additional materials to ensure thorough coverage of all exam topics.

Available Study Resources:

• Subject-Specific Practice Exams:
  • Number of Exams: 9
  • Coverage: Each exam focuses on one of the nine subjects included in the PA-CAT, allowing for targeted practice and mastery of individual topics.
• Comprehensive PA-CAT Practice Exams:
  • Number of Exams: 2
  • Questions per Exam: 120
  • Purpose: Simulate the actual exam environment to help you build endurance and familiarize yourself with the exam format.
• Video Subject Learning Modules:
  • Total Hours: 30+ Hours
  • Content: In-depth video lectures covering essential concepts and topics within most subject areas, facilitating visual and auditory learning.
• Subject-Specific Question Bank:
  • Number of Questions: 3,200+
  • Features:
    • Custom Quizzes: Create personalized self-assessment quizzes tailored to your study needs.
    • Variety of Questions: A diverse range of questions to test your knowledge and application skills across all subjects.

How to Access the Study Resources:

• Register for the PA-CAT Exam:
  • Ensure you have completed your registration for the PA-CAT exam through pa-cat.com.
• Log In to Your Candidate Portal:
  • Visit pa-cat.com and log into your account using your credentials.
• Navigate to the Study Resources Section:
  • Once logged in, navigate to the Study Resources via the link on your dashboard.
• Utilize the Available Materials:
  • Access and engage with the practice exams, video modules, and question banks to enhance your preparation.