The Coronavirus COVID-19 has caused unprecedented changes in the world around us, the GMAT exam is no exception. The Online GMAT exam is an online and remote proctored solution developed to support candidates and schools as the pandemic has forced the closure of GMAT test centers worldwide.
While open to all test-takers, the GMAT Online exam format is intended to support candidates working to meet upcoming b-school application deadlines. In this article, we have tried to summarize all the information available on GMAT Online right now. Last updated: 8th June 2020
GMAT Online Exam Structure
The GMAT Online exam includes the Quantitative, Verbal, and Integrated Reasoning sections (omitting the Analytical Writing Assessment Section). Each section will contain the same number of questions and time per section as the current in-person GMAT exam. The sections are as follows:
Quant: 31 questions, Time: 62 minutes
Verbal: 36 questions, Time: 65 minutes
IR: 12 questions, Time: 30 minutes
Section Order for the GMAT Online exam is fixed at this time as Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, Integrated Reasoning.
Fees, Timing & Whiteboard option
The GMAT Online Exam costs $200 and the registration fees include unlimited score sending. Also, at this time, all appointment reschedule and cancel fees are being waived.
The total exam time is approximately 3 hours – 2 hours 45 minutes for the exam and an additional 15 minutes to check into the online proctored system. You will be allowed one, optional 5-minute break before you begin the Integrated Reasoning section.
Test takers have the option and flexibility to use a physical whiteboard or an online whiteboard for their scratch work and to take notes during the exam.
Scoring
To enable comparability, the At-Home GMAT exam will have the same type and number of items and section times as the exam administered in test centers. It will also use the same scoring algorithm and score scale for the Section Scores and Total Score as the test center-based version.
When candidates receive their official score report, they will see individual section scores as well as the total score on their exam. Candidates will also be able to view the percentiles of their score in their score report. GMAT Online Exam scores are valid for 5 years and will not count towards candidates' 12-month and lifetime GMAT limits.
Sending Scores
Candidates have been given new flexibility with the GMAT Online exam that gives them control to decide when they are ready to send their score to programs. Included with the GMAT Online exam fee, candidates will have the opportunity to first view their official score and then choose to send their score to selected programs. In addition, all score sending is complimentary, and there is no cost to the candidate to send their GMAT Online exam score to any program.
Official scores will be sent to candidates via email (to the email on their registration record) within 7 business days of completing their exam.
Official scores will be made available to schools within 24 hours of the candidate’s request.
Availability of the At-Home GMAT Exam
Appointment times are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Candidates can schedule an exam appointment up to 24 hours before an available testing window.
Appointment dates are available beginning April 20, 2020, through August 14, 2020. GMAC will continue to monitor conditions and look to add future appointment dates as needed.
The GMAT Online exam is available in most locations, with the exception of Mainland China, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, and Sudan due to regulatory and local data privacy rules. Currently proctoring support for the GMAT Online exam is only offered in English.
If test centers in candidates' locations are open and they feel safe accessing a test center facility, candidates are encouraged to do so.
Testing Center Update for United Arab Emirates
Testing resumed:
Abu Dhabi – New Horizons CLC - Abu Dhabi – reduced capacity
Abu Dhabi – The UAE Academy
Dubai – New Horizons CLC - Dubai
Dubai – The Exam Preparation & Testing House FZCO – Testing suspended through July 1
Sharjah – Testing suspended through September 1
To find out about the GMAT Test Centers in the UAE & Qatar, visit this link for complete details: List of all the GMAT Test Centers in the UAE & Qatar
Managing the GMAT Online exam
Rescheduling or Cancelling the Exam: Candidates can reschedule or cancel their exam appointment at any time before their scheduled appointment by logging into their mba.com account.
Retesting: At this time the GMAT Online exam can only be taken once. Currently, score cancellations and retakes will not be available, with the exception of verified technical issues.
The GMAT Online exam will not count toward candidates' yearly nor lifetime exam attempt limits.
What you need to do before taking the Test
You can take the GMAT Online Exam on both Mac and PC. Your computer must match GMAC’s system requirements.
While you take the test from your home computer, you will be monitored by a human proctor through a live video feed to ensure you don’t cheat. You will need to have a camera on your computer and a strong internet connection.
Security is a major concern for the Online GMAT, which chronicles extensive rules for candidates in preparing their environment and workspace for testing. The Online exam also deploys remote proctors, and an AI-driven monitoring system to preserve the test’s integrity and validity, including elements like facial recognition technology.
The test will be hosted on mba.com, where you also register for the test.
Here is a table below summarizing everything about the At-Home GMAT exam:
| GMAT At-Home | Summary |
|---|---|
| First test date | Apr-20 |
| Cost | $200 |
| Time of test | 2 hours, 37 minutes |
| Differences From Test Center | No AWA |
| Downtime | Optional 5-minute break before final section |
| Notetaking | Began allowing physical whiteboard on June 11 |
| Test Structure: Quant Reasoning | 31 questions over 62 minutes |
| Test Structure: Verbal Reasoning | 36 questions over 65 minutes |
| Test Structure: Integrated Reasoning | 12 questions over 30 minutes |
| Test Structure: Analytical Writing | None |
| Score Preview After Test | No |
| Cancel Score After Test | No |
| Official Scores | Sent by email within 7 days |
| Score reports | Five as part of test fee |
| Retake policy | None. Can only be taken once |
| Test availability | Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Sudan, Slovenia & mainland China excluded |
| Computer systems | Windows 10 or 8.1, Mac OS 10.13 and above |
| Browsers | Microsoft Edge, Safari, Chrome, Firefox, Internet Explorer 11 |
| Human proctor | Yes |
| Refreshments | Water in clear glass |
| Accommodations for disabilities | Yes |
Follow our blog for reading real-time updates on the GMAT Exam: Covid-19 Impact on GMAT & EA
Tips for students planning to take the GMAT Online Exam
Before the Exam
Practice – get familiar with the online whiteboard tool or
Review – Policies and procedures and ID requirements
Test – Do a system test before registering to ensure your computer is ready for test day
During the Exam
Login at least 15 minutes before your exam time for check-in.
Remove mobile phones, headphones, watches, notes, scratch paper, and any other devices
Touchscreens, graphics tablets and use of a stylus is not permitted
Appointments beginning June 11, 2020, will include the option to use a Physical Whiteboard during the exam. If you plan on testing with a physical whiteboard and you need to acquire one, please schedule your exam appointment to allow for additional shipping time.
Whiteboard Requirements:
1 erasable whiteboard no larger than 12 inches x 20 inches (30 centimeters x 43 centimeters)
1 dry erase marker
1 dry marker eraser
The following items are NOT allowed:
Paper
Pen / Pencil
Permanent Marker
Tissues, Paper Towels, Napkins
Whiteboard Spray
Paper in a clear slide
Boogie Boards
Chalkboards
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