AAMC PREview Exam
Why Take the PREview Exam?
PREview, which stands for Professional Readiness Exam, is a situational judgement test designed to assess key non-academic competencies essential for success in medical school and as a future physician. The exam evaluates how examinees approach professional and interpersonal challenges commonly encountered in healthcare and medical training. Competencies evaluated include:
- Service orientation
- Cultural competence
- Teamwork
- Resilience and adaptability
- Reliability and dependability
- Ethical responsibility to self and others
- Empathy and integrity
- Capacity for improvement
Though not required by all medical schools, many U.S. MD programs are increasingly incorporating PREview into their admissions process as an additional measure of applicants’ readiness for medical education and the profession. Check the Medical School Admission Requirements (MSAR) or individual school websites to confirm whether PREview is required or recommended.
Exam Format
- Scenarios: 30 short, hypothetical situations based on various real-world environments, such as healthcare, educational, or volunteer settings.
- Questions (186 total) : For each scenario, you will rate the effectiveness of different responses using a 4-point scale: Very Ineffective, Ineffective, Effective, Very Effective
- Length: Approximately 75 minutes of testing time (plus time for check-in and proctoring).
- Computerized: Yes
Test Dates: Offered monthly between March and September, but seats can fill quickly.
Students are encouraged to register early. Some schools won’t mark your application
as “complete” until PREview scores have been received, which may take up to 3+ weeks
after your test date.
➡️ View current test dates and registration details on the AAMC PREview website.
Cost: $100 flat fee regardless of the number of schools to which scores are sent.
Scoring: Scores range from 1 to 9, with higher scores indicating stronger demonstration of professional competencies. Examinees receive both their score and percentile rank, with a 7 or higher being considered generally strong performance. Schools will receive your score automatically through the AMCAS system.
Retakes: Scores are valid for one application cycle only. You may take the PREview exam up to two times per cycle, and up to four times total in your lifetime. The most recent valid score will be used for evaluation.
Preparation
The PREview exam is not a test you can really “study” for. However, you can prepare effectively by reviewing the AAMC PREview Practice Exam and Sample Questions, familiarizing yourself with the AAMC Core Competencies for Entering Medical Students, and practicing rating responses consistently based on professionalism, ethics, and teamwork.
On test day, make sure to have:
- A government-issued photo ID
- A quiet, private environment with stable internet
- A computer with webcam and microphone for online proctoring
Important Notes
- Requirements for the PREview exam vary by school and may change each year, so always verify through MSAR or individual school websites.
- Taking the exam early in the application cycle is recommended to ensure your scores are available when your AMCAS application is reviewed.
- Fee Assistance Program (FAP) recipients can take the exam with the fee waived