What is the GMAT?
The GMAT, also known as the Graduate Management Admission Test, is a common entrance exam test for students looking to attend a business graduate school. The test is standardized and available to interested students willing to prepare and sit through the three-hour long exam.
The GMAT is one factor that helps colleges and universities evaluate and compare student applications. You can expect to be tested in these four categories:
- Analytical Writing Assessment (“AWA”)
- Integrated Reasoning
- Quantitative (“Quant”)
- Verbal
Can I Take the GMAT At Home?
Though it is still recommended to take the GMAT in-person, thanks to COVID, you now have the ability to take it at home. Here are your two options on how to take the test:
- Go to a Pearson VUE Testing Center to take the GMAT in-person, with appointments open almost every day of the year
- Take the GRE at home with a remote proctor
Regardless of where you take it, accommodations can be made for students with disabilities.
Taking the Online GMAT
The Online GMAT is currently available in most countries except these five:
- Mainland China
- Cuba
- Iran
- North Korea
- Sudan
Test takers can take the online test at home or at a test center. Although, in-person testing is still recommended. In fact, GMAC notes that “if test centers in candidates’ location are open and they feel safe accessing a test center facility, candidates are encouraged to do so.”
GMAT At Home Testing Requirements
Taking the GMAT at home may seem like a walk in the park, but there’s more to it than sipping your coffee and taking the test on your couch.
In order to qualify to take the GMAT at home, you do have to meet certain requirements. So make sure you’re up for the challenge of the following list before paying your dues and signing up to take the online GMAT.
GMAT At Home Equipment Requirements
There are many system requirements for those who opt to take the Online GMAT at home. These include, but are not limited to:
- Downloading a zip file with a secure browser file (note, the browser requirement will change for exam dates on or after March 1, 2022)
- Using a desktop or laptop with a dual core processor or higher (no tablets or mobile devices)
- Computers must also have a suitable operating system, i.e., Windows 8, 8.1, and 10 Editions; or Mac OS 10.14 – 11.0 (excluding beta versions). Linux/Unit or Windows 7 (or below) are not compatible
- Webcam
- Microphone and speakers
- Minimum RAM + Disk space
- Minimum monitor display resolution of 1280 X 1024
- Disabling any corporate firewall software while using the secure browser
- Ensuring antivirus software will not run a scan on the day of the test
- Running a system check to test webcam and microphone functionality
- A reliable Internet connection (mobile hotspot tethering is not permitted)
- A stable power source (so your battery doesn’t die while testing)
How Many Times Can You Take The GMAT At Home?
Sometimes students want to take the GMAT more than once. You could think it’s possible to get a higher score, or you just want to know if you can do better. Either way, it’s common to take the GMAT more than once. GMAT test takers are eligible to take the GMAT once every 16 days, with a maximum of five exams in a rolling year.
How Much Does It Cost To Take The GMAT At Home?
The fee to register for the Online GMAT is actually a little bit cheaper than taking the exam at a testing center. The GMAT at home registration fee is $250 compared to $275 in-person. This fee includes the sending of your scores to the business school programs of your choice.
GMAC recently removed the five school limit, which is good for anyone eyeing more than five schools. You also don’t have to know which schools to choose on the day of your test. You can have the scores sent later.
Lastly, that required equipment list is a long one! Make sure you calculate the cost for any additional equipment or software you need to purchase before calculating the total cost of the Online GMAT.
Is The GMAT At Home Test The Right Choice For Me?
If you’re one of the following people, the Online GMAT might be the right choice for you:
- Have a full-time career or family that takes up most of your life and you need more flexible test taking parameters
- Aren’t comfortable visiting a testing center due to COVID
- Just want the comfort and convenience of taking the GMAT in a familiar environment
Just be sure you meet all the requirements (which is a long list!) before paying your registration fee and signing up. Weigh the pros and cons listed in this GMAT guide to see which GMAT testing option is the right choice for you!
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