What positions/situations are you exempt from the PST for? Have heard different answers with regards to position/nature of referral/etc. Can anyone give a conclusive answer?
Back to overview
6
McKinsey PST Exemption
3
3.2k
Be the first to answer!
Nobody has responded to this question yet.
Top answer
Sidi
on May 23, 2019
Coach
McKinsey Senior EM & BCG Consultant | Interviewer at McK & BCG for 7 years | Coached 500+ candidates secure MBB offers
Hi! Usually you are exempt if you apply with several years of work experience. When McKinsey interviewed me for a potential switch from BCG, I didn't have to do the PST.
Cheers, Sidi
0 comments
Vlad
on May 24, 2019
Coach
McKinsey / Accenture Alum / Got all BIG3 offers / Harvard Business School
Hi,
It depends on the office and a particular role, so I'm afraid there is no conclusive answer. If you have 5+ years of relevant experience, most probably you'll not have to write PST.
Best!
Serhat
on May 31, 2019
Coach
BCG | Kellogg MBA |82% Success rate| 450+ case interview| 5+ year consulting | 30+ projects in ~10 countries
Hi there,
In my experience, entry-level candidates always take PST, experienced consultant candidates may be exempt from it.
Cheers
Serhat
Sign up for free to read all answers.
Sign up for free to read all answers.
Similar Questions
Most Popular Posts
Are consulting exit opportunities driven more by firm prestige or industry expertise?
8
on Feb 12, 2026
Global
8
100+
Top answer by
Alessandro
Coach
McKinsey Senior Engagement Manager | Interviewer Lead | 1,000+ real MBB interviews | 2026 Solve, PEI, AI-case specialist
8 Answers
100+ Views
E
+5
Non-traditional candidate re-applying to the GCC
10
on Feb 13, 2026
Middle East
6
100+
Top answer by
Kevin
Coach
Ex-Bain (London) | Private Equity & M&A | 12+ Yrs Experience | The Reflex Method | Free Intro Call
6 Answers
100+ Views
+3
MCK R1
8
on Feb 13, 2026
USA
9
100+
Top answer by
Alessandro
Coach
McKinsey Senior Engagement Manager | Interviewer Lead | 1,000+ real MBB interviews | 2026 Solve, PEI, AI-case specialist
9 Answers
100+ Views
+6
Should I cancel BCG interview R1?
9
on Feb 15, 2026
Europe
8
100+
Top answer by
Soheil
Coach
INSEAD | Strategy Consultant | EM | 5★ Case Interviewer | 50+ Live Case Interviews | 350+ Cases Solved
8 Answers
100+ Views
+5
Mckinsey Interviews
11
on Feb 18, 2026
Middle East
8
100+
Top answer by
Alessandro
Coach
McKinsey Senior Engagement Manager | Interviewer Lead | 1,000+ real MBB interviews | 2026 Solve, PEI, AI-case specialist
8 Answers
100+ Views
E
+5