The 2017 – 2018 PCAT test dates have been announced. If you’re planning on taking the PCAT this year, you’ll want to make note of these testing windows and important dates. Registration opens today for several of these windows, and the deadlines can come up faster than you think. If you’re unsure how to register for the PCAT, you can check out one of our previous posts on the subject here.

You will need to pay attention to the “Register and Schedule By” dates of the testing windows. PCAT registration is a two-part process. What this means is you’ll need to have registered for the exam and scheduled your test date by the deadline.

July PCAT Dates

While this is technically the third testing window of 2017 (with the normal January date and the extra February date), it is the first in the 2017-2018 cycle. This testing window is short, only spanning two days from July 18th to 19th.

Registration for the July dates opens today, March 1st! You will need to register and schedule your PCAT by May 19th if you want to avoid late fees. The late registration and schedule by deadline is July 5th; you will not be able to register for this window after July 5th. If you need to cancel this date, you will need to do so by July 7th to receive a partial refund.

Dates: July 18th, 19th

Registration opens: March 1st

Register and Schedule By: May 19th

Late Register and Schedule By (non-refundable late fees): July 5th

Cancel By (for partial refund): July 7th

September PCAT Dates

Like the July window, this month’s testing window is only two days long: September 7th to 8th. Registration for the September dates also opens today, March 1st and has a soft close date on July 10th. If you want to avoid late fees, you’ll want to schedule by that date. The late registration and schedule by deadline is August 23rd and, if you want to cancel, you’ll need to do so by August 25th.

Dates: September 7th, 8th

Registration opens: March 1st

Register and Schedule By: July 10th

Late Register and Schedule By (non-refundable late fees): August 23rd

Cancel By (for partial refund): August 25th

October/November PCAT Dates

This testing window is the longest of the cycle, going from October 23rd to November 3rd. It is also the only testing window that doesn’t open for registration March 1st. If you want to register for this testing window, you will need to wait until September 5th. There is a soft close date of October 6th for registration and a hard close of October 11th. To avoid the non-refundable late fees, you will need to register and schedule by October 6th. If you need to cancel, you will need to do so by October 13th.

Dates: October 23rd, 24th, 25th, 26th, 27th, 28th, 29th, 30th, 31st & November 1st, 2nd, 3rd

Registration opens: September 5th

Register and Schedule By: October 6th

Late Register and Schedule By (non-refundable late fees): October 11th

Cancel By (for partial refund): October 13th

January 2018 PCAT Dates

Despite being the latest testing window in this cycle, registration for these dates opens today, March 1st. This testing window is only two days: January 3rd to 4th. You will need to register and schedule your PCAT by November 3rd to sit for one of these dates without paying late fees. If you want to take the test during this window, you will need to register and schedule by December 13th at the latest. Cancellations must be completed by December 15th to receive a partial refund.

Dates: January 3rd, 4th

Registration opens: March 1st

Register and Schedule By: November 3rd

Late Register and Schedule By (non-refundable late fees): December 13th

Cancel By (for partial refund): December 15th

Things to Consider When Choosing A Test Date

Preparation

When choosing your PCAT date, you’ll want to give yourself plenty of time to prepare for the exam. The length of your study schedule will depend on how much progress you need to make. Starting your prep with a practice exam will give you a good idea of how far you need to go to reach the score you need. We offer a free practice PCAT exam here.

If you’re unsure about where you stand or you’re struggling with your prep, consider getting outside help. You can set up a free consultation with one of our Academic Managers to go over whether our one-on-one PCAT tutoring is right for you; just call 888-530-6398. For more information on our tutoring packages and pricing, click here.

Score Release Dates

Making sure that your scores will be in on time is equally important. It would be smart to schedule a date that leaves you enough time to retake the exam should you need to. Scores are released within 5 weeks of the testing window closing. Note that it doesn’t say within 5 weeks of your test date. If your test date is in the October/November window, you could be waiting a little longer than most.

Good luck on your PCAT!