GMAT Computer Based Test - FAQ

The Graduate Management Admission Test® (GMAT®) is a standardized test that helps B Schools evaluate calibre of candidates who apply for higher studies in business and management. Business schools employ the GMAT test as one of the parameters for judging future academic performances of applicants in an MBA or in other graduate management programs.

The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) comprises four sections. Each of the four sections is individually timed. The first two sections comprise a written analysis task. The next two sections (Quantitative and Verbal) consist of multiple-choice questions delivered in a computer-adaptive format. The GMAT measures basic verbal, mathematical, and analytical writing skills that you have developed in the course of your education and work.

The mechanics behind GMAT - CAT

The multiple-choice questions of the GMAT test is drawn from a large pool ranging from a low to moderate to high level of difficulty. Each section of the test starts with a question of moderate difficulty. If you answer that question correctly, the computer will throw a harder question next. If you answer the first question incorrectly, the second one will be easier. This process will continue until you complete the section. At the end of the section, the GMAT-CAT software will have an accurate assessment of your ability in that subject area.

In a computer-adaptive test, only one question is presented at a time. As the GMAT test adapts to your performance in the previous question(s), it does not allow you to skip, return to, or change your responses to previous questions. It is therefore, extremely important to double check before confirming your choice for any question.

How to register for the GMAT Test?

Online registration to take the GMAT Test in the US, Canada, Puerto Rico and other major international test locations is possible. You can register online by visiting the official GMAT site.

Computer based GMAT test can be taken in the following test centers in the US, Canada and Peurto Rico. Please take care to note the type of test center at the location that you have chosen. The type of test center will determine what kind of GMAT test you will take and how you register for the GMAT test. Some of these test centers are permanent test centers, some are mobile and some others are supplementary test centers and are denoted by a P, M or S next to the test location.

Permanent and mobile test locations offer Computer Based Tests, while supplementary test centers offer paper based tests. In most places, you will be able to schedule an appointment for taking the GMAT test using one of the four options - by online, by phone, by mail, or by fax.

Register Early

Depending upon the time of the year and the location of your choice, availability of seats in the test location of your choice will vary widely. It is in your interest to schedule an appointment at the earliest. You will have to call up your Regional Registration Center (RRC) to schedule an appointment. After ETS or the respective RRC receives your registration and processes it, it will send an authorization voucher to you confirming your appointment to take the GMAT.

How to cancel or reschedule a GMAT appointment?

If you had been able to schedule your GMAT appointment online, then you will be able to reschedule or cancel the GMAT appointment online. Otherwise, you will have to reschedule or cancel your appointment by phone, by mail or by fax. The details are given at the official GMAT website.

You must reschedule your test appointment on or before seven calendar days before your scheduled appointment. ETS / RRC charges a rescheduling fee of U.S. $50 for each appointment you reschedule. Also note that appointments cannot be rescheduled for a date that is more than one year after the original appointment date.

If you cancel your test on or before seven days from the scheduled date of appointment, you will get a partial refund. At present, the refund is US $ 80. However, if you do not cancel on or before seven calendar days, the entire fees will be forfeited.