MCAT exam day guide
MCAT test day lasts about seven and a half hours, starting at 8 a.m. for most dates. At check-in you show an accepted ID, have your palms scanned and your photo taken. You get two 10-minute breaks and one 30-minute break, and you work on a noteboard booklet, not paper.
Sources: AAMC pages on MCAT test day, mock exam day guidance and the 2027 schedule, checked October 11, 2026.
Checking in
Arrive early. You sign in with the test administrator.
Unexpired, government-issued, with photo and signature, in English, such as a driver's license or passport. School, employee, digital and temporary IDs are not accepted.
The test center scans your palms and takes a test-day photo.
Your belongings go in a locker. Phones and study materials are off-limits for the whole day.
During the exam
- Breaks: two optional 10-minute breaks and a 30-minute mid-exam break. Food and drink only during breaks.
- Noteboard: the center gives you a noteboard booklet and fine-point marker for notes and calculations.
- Rules: you agree to the AAMC’s examinee agreement and test-day rules. Breaking them can end your exam or void your score.
Common questions
How can I practice the day?
The AAMC’s practice exams and sample test reproduce the real exam’s look, timing and breaks. Taking one under exam-day conditions is the best rehearsal.
When will I get my score?
Scores come out about a month later. See 2027 score release dates.