How to Register for the GMAT Exam: A Clear and Confident Guide

Registering for the GMAT exam is crucial for anyone wanting to pursue a graduate degree in business. The GMAT is a standardized test that measures a student’s analytical, quantitative, verbal, and writing skills.

Business schools often require it as part of the application process. This article will discuss registering for the GMAT exam and tips for successful registration.

The first step to registering for the GMAT exam is to create an account on the official GMAT website. Once you have created an account, you can browse the available test dates and locations and select the best option.

It is essential to schedule your test early enough to ensure your scores are available by your application deadlines. You can also request accommodations if you have a disability or medical condition that requires special testing arrangements.

Follow the process outlined on the GMAC website to get approval before registering.

When registering for the GMAT exam, you must pay a fee. The current fee is $250. You can pay by credit or debit card. It is important to note that there are additional fees for rescheduling or canceling your exam, so be sure to choose your test date carefully.

In addition, you can take the exam at a test center or online in the comfort of your location. The online exam is available until January 31, 2024, when it will be replaced with the GMAT Focus Edition.

Understanding the GMAT Exam

The GMAT is a computer-based test assessing skills for graduate management or business degrees. Administered by the GMAC, it offers both online (GMAT Online) and in-person (GMAT Focus Edition) formats.

The exam, which Comprises Analytical Writing, Integrated Reasoning, Quantitative, and Verbal sections, gauges analytical, writing, quantitative, verbal, and reading abilities.

The AWA involves analyzing an argument and writing an essay, while the IR assesses data synthesis skills. The Quantitative and Verbal sections test problem-solving and comprehension. As a standardized, adaptive test, question difficulty adjusts based on performance.

Many top business schools worldwide use the GMAT in their application process. To prepare effectively, understand the exam’s structure and content.

Creating an Account

To register for the GMAT exam, create an account on mba.com. This account is your hub for managing appointments, accessing prep resources, signing up for events, and exploring recommended programs.

To create your account, provide your first and last name, email, and password. Make sure your email is accurate for meaningful communication.

After creating your account, visit your mba.com My Account page. You can easily view and manage exam appointments, scores, and profile details here. Keeping your profile updated ensures accurate information.

The account setup is quick, taking just a few minutes. Once done, you’re ready to kick off the GMAT registration process and schedule your exam.

GMAT Registration

Registering for the GMAT exam is straightforward and can be done online or by phone. To start registration, individuals must create an account on the official GMAT website, mba.com. Once the account is created, they can register by selecting their preferred exam date and location.

During registration, individuals will be asked to provide personal information, such as their name, address, and contact details. They will also be required to pay a registration fee, which can be done online using a credit card or other payment methods.

It is important to note that the registration fee for the GMAT exam is non-refundable. Therefore, individuals should choose their exam date and location to avoid unnecessary fees.

After registration, individuals will receive a confirmation email with their exam details, including the date, time, and location. They can also log in to their account on mba.com to view and manage their exam appointment.

Individuals should contact Customer Care to update their profile if personal information changes, such as name, date of birth, or citizenship. However, they can update certain profile sections, such as contact details, before their exam appointment.

Choosing a Test Center or Online Exam

When registering for the GMAT exam, test-takers can choose between taking the exam at a physical test center or taking it online from their home. Both options have advantages and disadvantages, and it’s essential to consider which best fits each individual’s needs.

Test Centers

GMAT test centers are located worldwide, and test-takers can choose the most convenient location. When selecting a test center, it’s essential to consider factors such as location, transportation, and parking availability.

Test-takers should also arrive at the test center well before their scheduled exam time to allow for any unexpected delays.

Online GMAT Exam

The GMAT online exam allows test-takers to take it from the comfort of their own homes. This option provides more flexibility and convenience, as test-takers can choose their testing environment and avoid the need for transportation to a physical test center.

However, it’s important to note that the online exam has specific technical requirements that must be met, such as a stable internet connection and a quiet testing environment.

Test-takers should consider their needs and preferences when deciding between a physical test center and an online exam. Those who prefer a traditional testing environment may prefer a physical test center, while those who value convenience and flexibility may prefer the online exam.

Ultimately, the choice between a test center and an online exam is a personal one that depends on each individual’s circumstances.

Scheduling Your GMAT

Once you have created an account on the GMAC website, you can schedule your GMAT appointment. The process is straightforward, and you have several options to choose from.

First, log in to your GMAC account and select the “Register for the GMAT” tab. You will be prompted to select the date and time of your appointment and your preferred test center. You can search for test centers by country, state/province, and city.

It is important to note that the availability of test dates and time slots may vary depending on the location and time of year. You should schedule your appointment well to ensure you can take the test on your preferred date and time.

When scheduling your appointment, you must also select your time zone. This is important because the test is administered at different times in different time zones. It is essential to double-check the time and date of your appointment to ensure that you arrive at the test center at the correct time.

If you need to reschedule your appointment, you can log in to your GMAC account and select the “Reschedule” option. You may be required to pay a fee to reschedule.

Payment and Fees

Candidates must pay a fee to register for the GMAT exam. The cost varies depending on the location and delivery channel (online or test center). The most up-to-date fee information can be found on the Exam Payment page on the mba.com website.

GMAT exam fees are payable by credit card or debit card. The Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) accepts Visa, MasterCard, American Express, or JCB. Candidates can also pay by money order, but this option is only available for test-takers in the United States.

Cancelation fees may apply if a candidate needs to cancel or reschedule their exam. Cancellation fees vary depending on the timing of the cancellation and the test center’s location. Candidates should refer to the Exam Policies page on the mba.com website for more information.

Rescheduling or Cancelling Your GMAT

You can reschedule or cancel your GMAT exam appointment up to 24 hours before it starts. To do so, log in to your mba.com account and select the GMAT exam you wish to change.

Then, choose the new appointment date and review the new appointment details before confirming your personal information and agreeing to GMAC’s policies. Finally, pay the GMAT reschedule fee if applicable.

Cancel fees and reschedule fees will vary based on when you request the change and as applicable by local law. For the most up-to-date fee information, please refer to the Exam Payment page on mba.com.

If you cancel your GMAT exam appointment, you may be eligible for a refund, depending on when you cancel and as applicable by local law. Refund policies vary by region and are subject to change, so checking the Exam Payment page on mba.com for the most up-to-date refund information is essential.

Test Day Policies and Procedures

Test-takers are expected to adhere to policies and procedures on the day of the GMAT Exam to ensure a smooth and secure testing experience. The following policies and procedures apply to in-person and online exam versions.

Identification Requirements

Test-takers must present a valid, government-issued photo ID that matches the name used during registration. Acceptable forms of ID include a passport, driver’s license, or national ID card. The ID must be current and not expired.

Security Measures

Test-takers must follow strict security measures to maintain the exam’s integrity. These include submitting a photo of themselves and their ID before the exam, answering security questions, and being monitored via webcam during the exam. Any attempts to cheat or violate the exam’s policies and procedures will result in immediate disqualification.

GMAT Online Policies and Procedures

For those taking the GMAT online, additional policies and procedures apply. Test-takers must ensure they have a reliable internet connection and meet the technical requirements for the exam. They must also complete a system check before the exam to ensure their computer and testing environment meet the necessary standards.

Timing and Breaks

The GMAT Exam is timed and consists of several sections. Test-takers must adhere to the allotted time for each section and cannot go back to previous sections once they have moved on. Breaks are allowed during the exam but are timed and cannot exceed the allotted time.

Accommodations

For test-takers who require accommodations due to a disability or other special needs, the GMAT offers accommodations such as additional time or a separate testing room. These accommodations must be requested and approved in advance of the exam.

Technical Requirements for Online GMAT

To take the GMAT exam online, ensuring your computer meets all the technical requirements is essential. MBA.com provides a system check tool that allows test-takers to assess their system’s compatibility with the GMAT exam. Here are some of the technical requirements for the online GMAT exam:

• Operating System: The online GMAT exam can be taken on Windows or Mac computers. The supported operating systems are Windows 10, Windows 8.1, Windows 7, Mac OS X 10.13 High Sierra, Mac OS X 10.14 Mojave, and Mac OS X 10.15 Catalina.
• Internet Connection: A stable internet connection is necessary to take the online GMAT exam. The minimum required download speed is 1 Mbps, while the minimum upload speed is 0.5 Mbps.
• RAM: The computer must have a minimum of 4 GB of RAM. However, it is recommended to have at least 8 GB of RAM to ensure a smooth test-taking experience.
• Browser: The online GMAT exam requires the use of a secure browser. Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Microsoft Edge are supported browsers.
• System Check: Before taking the online GMAT exam, you must run the system check tool provided by MBA.com. The tool verifies that the computer meets all the technical requirements for the exam.

GMAT Score Reports

After taking the GMAT exam, candidates will receive an official score report. This report includes the total score, section scores, percentile rankings, and personal information such as name, date of birth, and photograph.

The official score report is the only one accepted by business schools and should be sent directly to the schools to which the candidate is applying.

To access the official score report, candidates can use the Score Reporting Portal provided by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC). The portal allows candidates to view and download their official score report and send it to the schools of their choice.

It is important to note that the official score report is only available for five years from the test taker’s exam date.

In addition to the official score report, candidates can access score reports sent to their chosen schools. This can be useful for tracking which schools have received the report and when.

The GMAT exam electronic score-reporting system is free, secure, and user-friendly, allowing candidates to access available GMAT scores conveniently.