Steps to Schedule Your PA-CAT Exam

Create a Pearson VUE Account:

• First-Time Test Takers: Click on the Create Account button located in the upper right corner of the Pearson VUE website.
• Registration: Use your Pearson VUE Eligibility Number to register. This number serves as your candidate account ID and remains the same even if you take the exam multiple times.

Understand Eligibility Numbers:

• Pearson VUE Eligibility Number: Your permanent candidate account ID.
• Exam Master/PA-CAT Eligibility Number: Represents your exam eligibility and changes with each exam purchase. A new eligibility number is issued for each additional exam you purchase.

Schedule Your Appointment:

• Immediate Scheduling: You can schedule your exam appointment immediately after creating your Pearson VUE account.
• Advance Booking: Appointments can be made up to one business day in advance of your desired test date.

Receive Confirmation:

• Confirmation Email: Within 24 hours of scheduling, Pearson VUE will send a confirmation email that includes:
  • Test date and time
  • Address and phone number of the test center
  • Directions to the test center

Important Considerations:

Review Policies:

• Testing Policy: Carefully read Pearson VUE’s testing policies.
• Cancellation and Rescheduling: Understand the procedures and deadlines for canceling or rescheduling your exam to avoid any issues.

Special Accommodations:

• Pending Review: If your account is awaiting Special Accommodations review, do not schedule your exam date and time until your accommodation request is officially approved.
• Scheduling Restrictions: Special accommodations cannot be added to an already scheduled exam. Ensure all accommodation requests are finalized before booking your appointment.
  
   

Can I Reschedule My Exam Appointment? 

Yes, you can reschedule your PA-CAT exam appointment. However, the policies vary depending on whether you are taking the exam at a Test Center or via Pearson VUE’s OnVUE online proctoring system.

Test Center Policy:

Cancellation Requirements:

• Minimum Notice: You must cancel your exam at least 48 hours before your scheduled appointment.
• How to Cancel: Contact Pearson VUE directly or access your online Pearson VUE account to cancel your exam.

Cancellation Fees:

• More Than 48 Hours but Less Than 30 Days: A $25 cancellation fee applies.
• 30 Days or More Before Appointment: No cancellation fee is incurred.

Forfeiture:

• Less Than 48 Hours: Exams canceled less than 48 hours before the appointment will not receive a refund.
• No-Show: Failure to cancel in time or not appearing for the appointment will result in the forfeiture of your exam fee.
   

Online Policy (OnVUE Exam Administration):

Cancellation and Rescheduling:

• Flexibility: You can cancel or reschedule your exam at any time up to the appointment.
• No Fees: There are no fees for canceling or rescheduling through the OnVUE system.

Forfeiture:

• After Appointment Start Time: Failure to cancel before the appointment start time or not appearing will result in the forfeiture of your exam fee.
   

How often can I take the PA-CAT? 

Candidates are allowed to take the PA-CAT once every 6 weeks, with a maximum of 3 attempts permitted over the course of 12 months. This policy is designed to ensure that candidates have adequate time to prepare for the exam while also maintaining the integrity and security of the test.

Candidates who do not adhere to this policy will face consequences. Specifically, any candidate who attempts to take the PA-CAT more frequently than every 6 weeks or exceeds the 3-attempt limit within a 12-month period will have all their scores invalidated. Additionally, such candidates may be barred from taking the PA-CAT in the future because this policy violation undermines the fairness and reliability of the examination process.

It is essential for all candidates to carefully adhere to the PA-CAT schedule and attempt limits to avoid these severe consequences. Adherence to this policy ensures a fair and equitable testing environment for all candidates and maintains the integrity and validity of the PA-CAT as a critical component of the Physician Assistant admissions process.
 

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. 

For any additional questions or concerns, please reach out to our customer support team at [email protected].

Test Day: Testing with Pearson VUE

What are the ID Requirements?

You must bring one primary ID to the test center:

The ID must have your first and last name; a recent, recognizable photo; and your signature. The first and last name on the ID must match the first and last name you used to register for the exam.

• The ID must be original (not a photocopy or digital ID), valid (unexpired), and government issued.
  Note: Expired IDs are acceptable if accompanied by renewal paperwork.

The ID must be issued from the country in which you are testing (except for EU cards, which are acceptable in any country within the EU Zone).

Note: If you do not have a primary ID from the country in which you are testing, you must bring an international travel passport. The passport must be issued from your country of citizenship, and the information on the passport must be in Roman characters.
 

• International travel passport 
• Driver's license
• Military ID (includes spouse and dependents)
• Identification card (national/state/province ID card)
• Alien registration card (green card/permanent resident/visa)
• Government-issued local language ID (i.e., not in Roman characters)
  Note: Government-issued local language IDs are not acceptable outside the country from which the ID was issued.
  
  If you have any questions about ID requirements, please contact Pearson VUE Customer Service at www.pearsOnVUE.com/contact. Any exceptions to the ID policy must be pre-approved by PA-CAT at least five business days before the scheduled exam appointment.|
   

What can I expect for my Test Center exam?

View Pearson Vue's video “What to expect when testing with Pearson Vue” here. 

What are the technical requirements for testing remotely with OnVue?

Please visit Pearson Vue's website for more information on taking your exam remotely. 
 

What can I expect for my online exam?

View Pearson Vue's video “What to expect for your online exam” here. 
 

Additional Resources for Test Takers