Most PA schools require an entrance exam as part of their admission requirements. The standard entrance exam for PA school is the GRE, but many schools are switching to the PA-CAT and CASPer exams. Below, we outline the differences, along with everything else you need to know about these entrance exams!
GRE
What is the GRE?
The GRE is a multiple-choice, computer-based, standardized exam
What is on the GRE?
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Analytical Writing (1 essay)
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Verbal Reasoning (2 sections)
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Quantitative Reasoning (2 sections)
How is it scored?
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The Quantitative Reasoning and Verbal Reasoning sections are each scored on a scale of 130 to 170.
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The Analytical Writing Assessment is scored from 0 to 6 in half-point increments.
Breakdown of Analytical Writing
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1 essay; 30 minutes
Breakdown of Verbal Reasoning
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Section 1: 12 questions (18 minutes)
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Section 2: 15 questions (23 minutes)
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Topics: reading comprehension, text completion, sentence equivalence
Breakdown of Quantitative Reasoning
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Section 1: 12 questions (21 minutes)
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Section 2: 15 questions (26 minutes)
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Topics: algebra, arithmetic, geometry, data analysis
Total Test Time:
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About 1 hour and 58 minutes
How often can you take the GRE?
You can take the computer-delivered GRE once every 21 days, up to five times within any continuous rolling 12-month period (365 days).
How much does it cost?
The cost to take the GRE is about $220
Website for more information: Kaplan GRE
PA-CAT
What is the PA-CAT?
The Physician Assistant College Admission Test (PA-CAT) is a specialized test that is designed to measure applicant knowledge and application in key prerequisite science subjects typically required for PA school.
How is it scored?
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Scaled Score: 200-800
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Includes:
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Composite Score
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Subscores (Anatomy & Physiology, Biology, Chemistry)
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Scores are compared to other applicants using percentile rankings.
What is on the PA-CAT?
240-item assessment covering 9 science subject areas:
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Anatomy - 16%
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approx 39 questions
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Physiology - 16%
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approx 39 questions
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General Biology - 11%
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approx 26 questions
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Biochemistry - 5%
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approx 12 questions
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General and Organic Chemistry - 16%
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approx 38 questions
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Microbiology - 11%
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approx 26 questions
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Behavioral Sciences - 9%
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approx 22 questions
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Genetics - 11%
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approx 26 questions
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Statistics - 5%
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approx 12 questions
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Total Test Time:
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About 4.5 hours total
How often can you take it?
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Every 6 weeks
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Up to 3 times per year
How much does it cost?
The cost to take the PA-CAT is about $257
Website for more information:
CASPER
What is the CASPer exam?
CASPer is an online situational judgment test that evaluates personal and professional characteristics such as ethics, communication, and decision-making.
What is on the GRE?
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14 scenarios total
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Mix of:
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Video responses
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Typed responses
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Focuses on real-world situations and ethical decision-making
How is it scored?
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Quartile ranking (1st-4th quartile)
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No numeric score
Breakdown of Test:
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Section 1: Video responses (2 scenarios)
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Section 2: Type responses (12 scenarios, 3 questions each)
Total Test Time:
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About 60-90 minutes
How often can you take the GRE?
Once per application cycle.
How much does it cost?
The cost to take the CASPer is about $85
Website for more information: