The PREview exam—officially known as the AAMC PREview® Professional Readiness Exam—typically takes approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes (105 minutes) to complete. This standardized exam is designed to assess core professional competencies such as service orientation, cultural competence, teamwork, ethical responsibility, and resilience—qualities essential for success in medical school and the healthcare field.
The exam consists of eight scenarios, each followed by 8–10 questions, totaling 64 questions. These are not multiple-choice in the traditional sense; instead, you’ll rate the effectiveness of various behavioral responses on a 4-point scale (e.g., “Very Ineffective” to “Very Effective”). There are no breaks during the exam, and the timer runs continuously once you begin.
While the actual testing time is 105 minutes, you should plan for up to 2 hours total when scheduling your session. This includes time for:
- Identity verification,
- System setup and instructions,
- The optional tutorial (which you can skip),
- And post-exam feedback or survey (if offered).
If you’re taking the PREview exam remotely via online proctoring (the most common format), ensure your testing environment meets AAMC requirements. They include a quiet room, working webcam, microphone, and stable internet. The proctor will verify your space before the timer starts, but this check-in time is not counted toward your 105-minute.
It’s important to note that the PREview exam is not timed per section—you manage your own pace . However, because the questions require thoughtful judgment, time management is key. Practicing with the official AAMC sample materials can help you get comfortable with the format and pacing.
In summary, the PREview exam lasts 105 minutes of active testing time, with total session time of about 2 hours. Knowing how long the PREview exam is helps you prepare mentally and logistically. This will ensure you’re focused, calm, and ready to demonstrate your professional readiness from start to finish.