About the GMAT

The Graduate Management Admission Test® (GMAT®) is a standardized exam administered by the Graduate Management Admission Council® (GMAC®) and is commonly used by top business schools and other graduate programs around the world as an important factor in the admissions application process.

Computer Adaptive Test

The GMAT is a computer adaptive test (CAT), meaning that questions are selected by the testing computer based on how the GMAT test taker is performing on the exam. As such, each GMAT test taker is presented with a unique set of questions which adjust throughout the test based on the ability level of the test taker.

What is a Computer Adaptive Test?

The GMAT is a computer adaptive test (CAT), meaning that questions are selected by the testing computer based on how the GMAT test taker is performing on the exam. As such, each GMAT test taker is presented with a unique set of questions which adjust throughout the test based on the ability level of the test taker.

Initial Question in Quantitative and Verbal Sections

At the start of each of the Quantitative and Verbal sections of the GMAT, the testing computer selects a question deemed to be of average difficulty. Based on the GMAT test taker's answer to this first question, the testing computer selects the next question to present. If the GMAT test taker answers the first question correctly, the next question selected will be of higher difficulty than the first question; if the GMAT test taker answers the first question incorrectly, the next question selected will be of lower difficulty than the first question.

Subsequent Questions

The testing computer continues to adapt the questions it selects and presents based on how the GMAT test taker is doing during the exam. That is, based on the GMAT test taker's answer to each question, as well as responses to prior questions in that section of the GMAT, the testing computer selects the next question to present. As the GMAT test taker continuously responds correctly to questions, the testing computer generally will select and present questions of increasing difficulty. In cases when the GMAT test taker responds incorrectly to a given question, the testing computer generally will select and present a question of lesser difficulty than the preceding question which the GMAT test taker answered incorrectly.

Each question must be answered as it appears

Unlike some other standardized exams, because the computer adaptive nature of the GMAT assesses the test taker's performance on prior questions in order to select and present subsequent questions, each question must be answered at the time which it is presented in order for the GMAT test taker to move to the next question. As such, the GMAT test taker may not go back to review or change the answer to previous questions, as such answers have already been considered in the determination of ensuing questions.

How Computer Adaptive Test Scoring Works

Every possible question that could be presented on the GMAT possesses standardized statistical characteristics, including level of difficulty, designated by the makers of the GMAT. By increasing the level of difficulty as questions are answered correctly and decreasing the level of difficulty as questions are answered incorrectly, the computer adaptive test assesses the skill level of the test taker for each individual section in relation to other test takers and assigns a GMAT score accordingly.

GMAT Scoring

The GMAT contains three sections, the Analytical Writing Assessment section, the Quantitative section and the Verbal section, each of which is graded separately. GMAT test takers also receive a Total Score, assessing combined performance on both the Quantitative and Verbal sections of the GMAT. The Analytical Writing Assessment section is graded on a scale from 0.0 to 6.0 in half point increments, with a 6.0 being the highest possible score. The Quantitative and Verbal sections are graded on a scale from 0 to 60, and the Total Score is based on a scale ranging from 200 to 800.

How the GMAT is Scored

The GMAT contains three sections, the Analytical Writing Assessment section, the Quantitative section and the Verbal section, each of which is graded separately. GMAT test takers also receive a Total Score, assessing combined performance on both the Quantitative and Verbal sections of the GMAT. The Analytical Writing Assessment section is graded on a scale from 0.0 to 6.0 in half point increments, with a 6.0 being the highest possible score. The Quantitative and Verbal sections are graded on a scale from 0 to 60, and the Total Score is based on a scale ranging from 200 to 800.

Total, Verbal & Quantitative GMAT Scores

The Total GMAT score ranges from 200 to 800, with 800 being a perfect score on the GMAT. The Quantitative and Verbal scores each range from 0 to 60, although scores above 44 and below 9 are relatively rare. The Quantitative and Verbal scores are based on a fixed scale, enabling valid comparison of scores across GMAT test administrations. Notwithstanding, unique measures and variables are used in the determination of Quantitative and Verbal scores; as such, valid comparisons cannot be made between the Quantitative and Verbal scores.

Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) GMAT Score

The Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) section of the GMAT consists of two essay topics, Analysis of an Argument and Analysis of an Issue, each of which are reviewed and rated individually. The AWA score is an average of the score ratings assessed to the submitted Analysis of an Argument and Analysis of an Issue response essays. The AWA score ranges from 0 to 6 in half point increments. The AWA score is computed completely separately from the Quantitative and Verbal sections and has no effect on the Quantitative, Verbal or Total scores. 

Each AWA response essay is independently reviewed and assessed a rating twice, once typically by a human grader and once typically by an automated computer essay scoring program. AWA essay responses are reviewed with regard to numerous factors, including the overall quality of ideas, ability to organize, develop and express such ideas, relevant substantiating reasons and examples provided to support such ideas, and ability to effectively control elements of standard written English. In cases where the two ratings differ by more than one point, the given essay is independently evaluated by another expert grader to resolve the differences in the scores and assess a final score. The AWA score calculated by averaging the score ratings assessed to both essays.

When to take the GMAT

When determining an appropriate date to take the GMAT, it is important to research the admissions application deadlines for each of the schools to which you plan to apply, as deadline dates for MBA and other graduate schools vary widely. GMAT test takers are encouraged to register for a GMAT appointment well in advance to ensure they may take the GMAT at the closest test center location and allow a wider selection of test days and times.

When should I take the GMAT?

When determining an appropriate date to take the GMAT, it is important to research the admissions application deadlines for each of the schools to which you plan to apply, as deadline dates for MBA and other graduate schools vary widely.

Register Ahead of Time to Get the Closest GMAT Test Center

Although GMAT test takers may register for an appointment on a "last minute" basis up to a few days prior to taking the exam, each test center has a limited amount of scheduled GMAT appointments, and during some periods of the year in certain locations, all allotted GMAT appointments fill up far in advance. Therefore, test takers are encouraged to register for a GMAT appointment well in advance to ensure they may take the GMAT at the closest test center location and allow a wider selection of test days and times. GMAT test takers may register for an appointment to take the GMAT a maximum of six months in advance.

Schedule Your GMAT Appointment to Meet Application Requirements

GMAT Test takers receive an Unofficial Score Report at the test center immediately upon completing the GMAT; however, it can take up to 20 days for the test taker and any schools designated by the test taker to receive the Official Score Report. Many schools require simply that the GMAT be taken prior to the application deadline, in which case applicants self-report the GMAT score based on the Unofficial Score Report which is then confirmed upon arrival of the Official Score Report; however, some schools require the receipt of the Official Score Report prior to the application deadline. Therefore, it is important to understand the policy of each school to which you plan to apply to make absolutely sure that you fulfill all application requirements prior to the application deadline.

GMAT Contents

What the GMAT tests

The GMAT has three sections: the Analytical Writing Assessment section, the Quantitative section and the Verbal section, listed in order of appearance on the exam. The AWA section of the GMAT consists of two essay topics, Analysis of an Argument and Analysis of an Issue, to be written in 30 minutes each. The Quantitative section of the GMAT consists of 37 intermingled Data Sufficiency and Problem Solving questions to be answered in 75 minutes. The Verbal section of the GMAT consists of 41 intermingled Critical Reasoning, Reading Comprehension and Sentence Correction questions to be answered in 75 minutes.

Analytical Writing Assessment section of the GMAT

In the Analytical Writing Assessment section of the GMAT, the GMAT test taker is presented with two essay topics, one of which requires an Analysis of an Argument and the other of which requires an Analysis of an Issue. The GMAT test taker is given 30 minutes for each essay to read and understand the essay topic and related questions, brainstorm a response and finally type and submit an essay into the testing computer.

The GMAT test taker has the option to take a timed break after completing the Analytical Writing Assessment section of the GMAT and prior to beginning the Quantitative section of the GMAT. It is important to note that the GMAT test taker may not access during any break notes or study materials which may be stored in a designated secured locker at the test center.

Quantitative section of the GMAT

In the Quantitative section of the GMAT, the GMAT test taker is presented with intermingled Data Sufficiency and Problem Solving questions. The Quantitative Section of the GMAT has 37 total questions to be answered in a maximum of 75 minutes. All questions in the Quantitative section of the GMAT are multiple choice questions and are selected individually throughout the section using the Computer Adaptive Test methodology.

The GMAT test taker has the option to take a second timed break after completing the Quantitative section of the GMAT and prior to beginning the Verbal section of the GMAT.

Verbal section of the GMAT

In the Verbal section of the GMAT, the GMAT test taker is presented with intermingled Critical Reasoning, Reading Comprehension and Sentence Correction questions. The Quantitative Section of the GMAT has 41 total questions to be answered in a maximum of 75 minutes. All questions in the Verbal section of the GMAT are multiple choice questions and are selected individually throughout the section using the Computer Adaptive Test methodology.

Structure of the GMAT

I: GMAT Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) Section 2 essays, 60 minutes
Analysis of an Issue (1 essay, 30 minutes)
Analysis of an Argument (1 essay, 30 minutes)

Optional Break

II: GMAT Quantitative Section 37 questions, 75 minutes
Problem Solving questions
Data Sufficiency questions

Optional Break

III: GMAT Verbal Section41 questions, 75 minutes
Critical Reasoning questions
Reading Comprehension questions
Sentence Correction questions

GMAT Registration

How to register for the GMAT

Most test takers register to take the GMAT online at mba.com. Registration may also be made via phone, fax or post mail.

What it costs to register for the GMAT

The cost of taking the GMAT exam is US$250. This registration fee is the same for all test takers worldwide. Taxes, where applicable in some countries, are charged on the GMAT exam registration fee.

How to reschedule a GMAT appointment

Test takers may reschedule the location, day or time of their scheduled GMAT exam. Test takers will incur a US$50 fee if rescheduling arrangements are made at least seven full calendar days prior to the day and time of the currently scheduled exam.

What the rules are for retaking the GMAT

A test taker may take the GMAT only once within any 31 consecutive calendar day period. Further, a test taker may take the GMAT a maximum of five times within any 12 consecutive calendar month period.

Test Center Selection

Registering for the GMAT requires the test taker to select a test center location. The test take can choose a convenient location from a list available online of test centers around the world. Upon choosing a test center, the test taker can review days and times of currently available GMAT appointments.

Register for the GMAT as early as possible

Note that individual test centers manage their own test schedules and appointment availability. Test centers vary in size and most also administer GMAT in addition to many other types of computerized exams; as such, GMAT appointment availability can vary widely from test center to test center. Test takers must register for a GMAT appointment at an alternative location to that which may be most convenient in cases where no appointments are available during the period in which the GMAT must be taken.

GMAT Registration Cost

The cost of taking the GMAT exam is US$250. This registration fee is the same for all test takers worldwide. Taxes, where applicable in some countries, are charged on the GMAT exam registration fee. Test takers may pay for GMAT registration online via credit card or debit card or through mailed forms via cashier's check, money order or personal check.

Rescheduling a GMAT Appointment

Test takers may reschedule the location, day or time of their scheduled GMAT exam. Test takers will incur a US$50 fee if rescheduling arrangements are made at least seven full calendar days prior to the day and time of the currently scheduled exam. Rescheduling within seven calendar days of the currently scheduled exam will result in a loss of the entire original registration fee and a charge of the full US$250 registration amount for the rescheduled GMAT exam. Taxes, where applicable, are charged on any rescheduling fees incurred. Note that the rescheduled GMAT appointment cannot be longer than six months from the date in which the appointment is rescheduled.

Cancelling a GMAT Appointment

Test takers which cancel their scheduled GMAT exam at least seven full calendar days prior to the day and time of their test appointment will receive a US$80 refund. Cancellation of a scheduled GMAT exam within seven calendar days of the test appoint will result in the loss of the entire original registration fee.

Retaking the GMAT

A test taker may take the GMAT only once within any 31 consecutive calendar day period. Further, a test taker may take the GMAT a maximum of five times within any 12 consecutive calendar month period.

A GMAT test taker that is considering retaking the GMAT should note that all GMAT scores for tests taken within the past five years are reported to graduate schools the test taker designates to receive GMAT scores. In the event the GMAT test taker retakes the exam and wishes for graduate schools to receive reports including scores from the most recently taken GMAT, the GMAT test taker must reselect score recipients prior to or after retaking the GMAT.

Accommodation Registration for GMAT Test Takers with Disabilities

GMAT test takers with disabilities who meet specified criteria may submit a written request for appropriate accommodations. Requests for accommodations should be made as early as possible, as consideration of accommodation requests may take up to four weeks and an accommodation approval must be made prior to registering for a GMAT appointment. Test takers with disabilities that are considering submitting a request for accommodations are encouraged to review the Supplement for Test Takers with Disabilities published by the GMAC and available at mba.com.

GMAT Test Day Procedures

Upon arrival to the test center on your test day, you will need to check in. Make sure to arrive at least 30 minutes ahead of your scheduled GMAT appointment to allow adequate time to comfortably check in and acquaint yourself with the test center environment.

GMAT Identification Requirements

Test taker identification is verified as part of the check in procedure at the test center, at which time the test taker is required to present valid photo identification. Identification requirements are rigorously enforced; no test taker is permitted to enter the testing room without satisfactory valid identification.

At least one form of government issued identification must be presented at the test center. Acceptable forms of identification include: (i) passport; (ii) government issued driver's license; (iii) government issued national, state or province identity card (including European Identification card); (iv) military identification card; (v) laminated government issued learner's permit (in the United States only); and (vi) permanent resident card or green card (in the United States only).

Presented identification must (i) be of current validity and not expired; (ii) be fully legible; (iii) bear the name of the test taker in the Roman alphabet in the exact form as is provided when the test taker registered for the test appointment; (iv) be an originally issued identification and not a photocopy of such.

Further, presented identification must include (i) a recent, recognizable photograph; (ii) the signature of the test taker; and (iii) the date of birth of the test taker matching that which was provided when the test taker registered for the test appointment.

Depending upon the location of the test center, the only acceptable form of identification may be a passport. For example, test centers in Bangladesh, China (including Hong Kong), India, Japan, Pakistan, Singapore, and South Korea require the presentation of a passport to fulfill identification requirements. Citizens of a European Union or Schengen Zone country testing in another country within the European Union or Schengen Zone, as applicable, may present a passport or national identification card to fulfill identification requirements. With few exceptions, if the test taker is taking the GMAT in a test center outside of one's country of citizenship, the test taker generally must present a passport to fulfill identification requirements.

Admission to the test center and being permitted to take the GMAT does not imply that the identification provided by the test taker is valid. In cases where identification is later determined to be fraudulent or invalid in any manner, GMAT scores are cancelled, test fees are forfeited and notification of such cancellation, and in some cases the reasons for such cancellation, is sent to all schools which initially received scores.

A digital photograph, signature, fingerprint and/or palm vein pattern may be obtained by the test center. Such information may be used for comparison with other test takers for the purposes of fraud detection.

Personal Belongings

Lockers are provided to test takers by the test center in order to store all personal items during the exam. No food, drinks, mobile phones, watches, bags, purses and other personal belongings are permitted inside of the testing room. Storage lockers generally are small in size and hold only limited personal belongings; as such, test takers are encouraged not to bring much into the testing center.

Test Center Temperature & Conditions

Room temperature can vary widely from test center to test center. Accordingly, test takers are encouraged to dress in layers to provide flexibility to comfortably adapt to any reasonable temperature which the test taker may experience while sitting for the GMAT.

Test Center Waiting Area

Note that test centers generally do not have waiting areas that hold more than a few individuals at a time. Accordingly, most test centers will not permit for anyone accompanying a test taker to wait in the center during the test. As such, anyone who may accompany you to the test center should make arrangements to wait elsewhere during the exam.

Test Takers Rules & Agreement and Non-Disclosure Agreement

Prior to beginning the GMAT, the test taker is required to sign a Test Takers Rules & Agreement and Non-Disclosure Agreement.

Individual Workstations

Test centers generally have individual workstations, separated by small temporary walls or barriers, where GMAT test takers sit to take the GMAT.

Rules for Taking the GMAT

GMAT test takers must agree to the GMAT Examination Testing Rules & Agreement during the check in process prior to starting the GMAT. Although the GMAT Examination Testing Rules & Agreement may vary slightly from country to country in order to comply with local laws in which the GMAT is being taken, the general test taker rules for the GMAT are outlined below.

Access to cell phone or other communication devices during the GMAT

Access to any time of phone, computer, music player and any other communication or electronic device is not permitted at any time during which the GMAT test taker is in the test center, including during the test session and during breaks.

Access to study materials during the GMAT

Access to books, notes and study guides is not permitted at any time during which the GMAT test taker is in the test center, including during the test session and during breaks.

Access to personal items during the GMAT

Bags, purses, wallets, watches, hats and other personal items are not permitted inside the testing room and must be stored in a designated secure area in the test center. Test centers typically provide small storage lockers for the safekeeping of such personal belongings.

Eating or drinking during the GMAT

Eating, drinking, chewing gum, smoking and making any noise that disturbs other test takers in the testing room are not permitted.

Use of erasable notebook for note taking during the GMAT

Every GMAT test taker is provided by the testing administration an erasable noteboard booklet and marker upon which the GMAT test taker may take notes during the taking of the GMAT. The GMAT test taker is not permitted to use the booklet until after the GMAT has started and is not permitted to take the booklet outside of the testing room at any time during the GMAT. The GMAT test taker may receive a new clean booklet at any time during the GMAT by raising one's hand. All booklets must b e returned to the test administration upon completion of the GMAT and may not be taken outside of the test center.

Starting the GMAT

Every GMAT test taker will be logged into the assigned workstation and computer by the test center administration. The test center administration will verify that the computer is programmed for the GMAT to be administered to the test taker and will start the exam.

Agreement to GMAT Non-Disclosure Agreement and General Terms of Use

Prior to starting the first section of the GMAT, every GMAT test taker will be presented with the GMAT Non-Disclosure Agreement and General Terms of Use. The GMAT test taker must agree to the terms and conditions presented therein in order to begin the GMAT.

Monitoring during the GMAT

The test center administration may walk around the testing room or otherwise continuously monitor the GMAT test taker while one is taking the GMAT in order to maintain a high level of security. The test center may record the testing room with audio and/or video to further maintain appropriate security.

Questions related to GMAT content during the GMAT

The test center administrator is unable to answer any questions related to the content of the GMAT.

Workstation problems during the GMAT

Should the GMAT test taker experience any problems with the workstation or computer at which they are assigned at any time during the taking of the GMAT which affect the ability to take the exam, the GMAT test taker should notify the test center administrator immediately by raising one's hand.

Workstation keyboards & use of standard American English during the GMAT

Some keyboards on computers in GMAT test centers may not have an American English layout; however, all computers in GMAT test centers will support American English characters. Only use of standard American English characters are permitted when entering responses or completing essays when taking the GMAT.

Taking breaks during the GMAT

GMAT test takers are permitted two optional scheduled and timed breaks during the GMAT. Scheduled breaks are able to be taken after completing the Analytical Writing Assessment and Quantitative sections of the GMAT. If a GMAT test taker does not return to their computer within the time allotted for a scheduled break, such excess time is deducted from the time permitted to complete the next timed portion of the GMAT. Choosing not to take a scheduled break does not provide in any way the test taker with any additional time to work on other sections of the GMAT. If necessary, GMAT test takers may take unscheduled breaks of any duration during the timed sections of the exam; however, the GMAT exam timer does not stop during such unscheduled breaks. To take any scheduled or unscheduled break, the test taker must notify the administrator by raising one's hand. The administrator will set the workstation computer to break mode. The administrator may also sign the GMAT test taker out of the test room upon taking a break and sign the GMAT test taker back into the test room upon returning from the break. When taking a break, if necessary, the GMAT test taker may access medication or other personal items stored in the designated secure area; however, access of cell phones and any other communication or electronic devices, study notes and guides and other such personal materials are prohibited.

Completion of the GMAT

Upon completing the GMAT, the GMAT test taker should raise one's hand, at which time the test center administrator will check the workstation computer to make sure that the GMAT exam has properly ended.

Test score upon completing the GMAT

The test score received by the GMAT test taker is displayed on the workstation computer screen upon completion of the GMAT. Test centers generally provide a printed GMAT score report after the test taker has returned the noteboard booklet.

Disclosure of GMAT exam questions or answers

GMAT test takers are prohibited from recording, copying or disclosing any GMAT exam question or answer.

Understanding GMAT score reports

The GMAT test taker is able to view an Unofficial Score Report which shows the Quantitative, Verbal and Total scores from the exam immediately after completing the GMAT. The Unofficial Score Report does not contain a score for the Analytical Writing Assessment, the only section of the GMAT which is not immediately scored upon completion of the exam. The Official Score Report, which shows the Quantitative, Verbal and Total scores in addition to scores for the Analytical Writing Assessment, is made available to the GMAT test taker online and sent to graduate programs designated by the GMAT test taker to receive the report within 20 days after the GMAT test appointment.

Requesting disability accommodations when taking the GMAT

GMAT test takers with disabilities who meet specified criteria may submit a written request for appropriate accommodations. Requests for accommodations should be made as early as possible, as consideration of accommodation requests may take up to four weeks and an accommodation approval must be made prior to registering for a GMAT appointment.

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