What’s the Best Executive Assessment Exam Score?

If you’ve been looking into Executive MBA programs, you have probably come across the Executive Assessment test, EA.

At first, it can seem like just another admissions requirement, but the truth is the EA is very different from the GMAT or GRE. It was designed for professionals who already have demanding jobs and busy schedules, not for students with endless study hours.

That’s why so many applicants pause and ask the same thing: what is a good Executive Assessment score? Do you need to shoot for the highest number possible, or is there a more realistic way to approach it? To answer that, you need to understand not just the score but also the executive assessment scoring system.

Let’s walk through it together in plain terms. By the end, you’ll know how the exam works, what your score means and how to target the right number for your dream program.

1. Introduction to the Executive Assessment

Think of the Executive Assessment exam as a readiness test. GMAC, the same organisation behind the GMAT, built it with experienced professionals in mind. Business schools wanted a tool that could measure whether someone with years of work experience could handle graduate-level coursework without forcing them into months of prep.

Here’s what makes the EA different:

• It’s short. Just 90 minutes in total.
• It’s flexible. You can take it online or at a test centre.
• It’s practical. It evaluates reasoning, problem-solving, and communication.
• It’s fair. The test adapts to your performance without overwhelming you.

Therefore, before you think of it as just another obstacle, see it for what it really is. It’s proof to schools that you’re ready to jump back into the classroom.

2. Executive Assessment Test Structure

Now, let’s break down the executive assessment format. The test has three sections, each equally important:

1. Integrated Reasoning (IR): 12 questions in 30 minutes. You’ll be asked to analyse data from charts, graphs and text. This mirrors the real-life decisions you make in business.
2. Verbal Reasoning (VR):14 questions in 30 minutes. Here, you’ll face reading comprehension and critical reasoning questions. In simple terms, this section checks if you can think clearly and argue logically.
3. Quantitative Reasoning (QR):14 questions in 30 minutes. The math is not extreme, but it does test algebra, arithmetic, and problem-solving. Don’t worry if you haven’t touched math in years. With practice, it’s manageable.

This is the executive assessment test structure in a nutshell. Each section is scored separately from 0 to 20 and together they form your overall EA score, which sits somewhere on the executive assessment score range of 100 to 200.

One thing you need to know: the EA is adaptive at the module level. This means you first get a set of medium-level questions. Depending on how you do, the next set gets easier or harder. For IR it’s two groups of six questions, for VR and QR it’s two groups of seven.

That’s why practising with an executive assessment test sample or full-length practice exam is so useful. It helps you get a feel for how the difficulty shifts as you move along.

3. How the Executive Assessment is Scored

Here’s where most people get curious.

The Executive Assessment scoring system may look simple, but it hides a lot under the surface.

Each of the three executive assessment sections (IR, VR, QR) is scored from 0 to 20. These three numbers are then scaled to produce your overall EA score, which ranges from 100 to 200.

But here’s something you must pay attention to: your score is not just about how many questions you get right. It’s about the difficulty level of the questions you faced. If you move up to tougher questions and miss a few, you may still end up with a higher score than someone who only tackled medium ones.

This means the executive assessment scoring rewards accuracy and also bravery. The algorithm recognises that missing a hard question doesn’t weigh the same as missing an easy one.

The takeaway?

When you’re preparing, don’t just aim for perfection. Aim for strength across all sections so you’re ready when the test “adapts up.”

4. Executive Assessment Percentiles and Score Interpretation

Numbers can feel abstract, so let’s bring them to life with ea score percentiles. Your raw EA score is useful, but schools often like to see where you stand compared to other test takers.

Here’s a simplified executive assessment score chart:

EA Score	Percentile Estimate
140	25th percentile
145	40th percentile
150	50th percentile (average)
155	75th percentile
160	90th percentile
165+	Top 5%

It, therefore, goes without saying that if you’re sitting at 150, you’re right at the average executive assessment score. If you’re in the 155–160 bracket, you’re in a strong competitive position. Above 160 and you’re truly in the top tier.

EA and GMAT Comparison

Naturally, people want to know how the EA stacks up against the GMAT. There isn’t a perfect one-to-one, but EA to GMAT conversion tables give a rough sense:

How Does EA Score Compare to GMAT?

EA Score	Approximate GMAT Equivalent
140	~580
150	~620
155	~660
160	~700
165	~730

This executive assessment to GMAT comparison shows that while the scoring scales differ, schools can interpret them in context. Remember, the GMAT highest score possible is 800, while the EA caps at 200.

Therefore, when you see GMAT vs EA scores lined up, don’t panic if your EA looks “lower.” Admissions officers know the two tests serve different purposes.

5. What is a Good Executive Assessment Score?

Here’s the real question: what is a good Executive Assessment score?

The short answer: a good EA score is the one that gets you into your target school. Simple as that.

For most EMBA programs, 150 is enough to demonstrate readiness. For more competitive programs, a target EA score for MBA admissions might be 155 or higher. If you want to stand out at elite schools, aim for 160+.

But here’s the truth.

Unlike the GMAT, the EA is not designed to separate the best of the best in a competitive way. It’s designed to show you can succeed in the program. So, if you’re sitting with a strong career, leadership background and a solid application, even a score in the 150–155 range could still work.

6. Target EA Scores for Top EMBA Programs

Now, let’s get practical. What are schools really looking for?

• Wharton EMBA: Admitted candidates often fall in the 155 range.
• Chicago Booth EMBA: 155–160 is common.
• Yale SOM EMBA: 150–155 seems to be enough.
• Duke Fuqua Global EMBA: 150+ will usually keep you competitive.

For top programs, think of target EA scores for MBA admissions in the 155–160 range. For mid-tier programs, closer to 150 is fine. The key is balance. A great score paired with a weak application won’t win, but a strong application supported by a solid EA score usually will.

7. Score Validity and Result Management

So, you’ve taken the test. What next?

The good news is that your EA scores are valid for five years. This gives you the flexibility to plan applications over multiple cycles.

You can send scores directly to schools, whether you test online or in person. There’s no hidden delay; your results are delivered quickly, making it easy to keep your admissions timeline on track.

8. Retesting Policies and Scheduling Availability

Not impressed by your first score? You’re not alone. Retesting is allowed, but there are limits.

This is a lot less than the GMAT but remember the philosophy here. The EA isn’t designed for multiple retries. It’s designed to give schools a snapshot of your readiness.

As for availability, the EA is offered both online and in test centers. Online testing is great if you want flexibility, while a center might be better if you need fewer distractions.

9. Strategies to Improve Your EA Score

If you’re aiming higher, here’s how you can prepare. These EA exam preparation tips have helped many busy professionals like you:

1. Learn the EA test format MBA programs care about. Use executive assessment study guide resources to know what’s tested.
2. Practise with EA sample questions. They’ll help you understand how problems are framed.
3. Prioritise Integrated Reasoning. A strong start here influences your Verbal and Quantitative sections.
4. Brush up on math basics. Algebra, percentages, and ratios often show up.
5. Sharpen your critical reasoning. Reading business cases and articles helps.
6. Take practice tests. These simulate real pressure.
7. Get professional support. The best executive assessment prep course will save you time by showing you exactly where to focus.

If you want structured support, AnalystPrep offers a complete EA prep course with video lessons, and practice questions. It’s designed to fit around a busy schedule, which is exactly what EA candidates need.

10. Conclusion

• You can retake the EA after just 24 hours.
• You can sit for the test twice per year.
• Lifetime attempts are capped at four.

What is a good EA score in the end?

It’s the one that proves to the school you can succeed, while still letting your career achievements shine. For most people, 150 is solid. For competitive programs, 155–160 puts you in a safe zone. Above 160 is outstanding, but not necessary unless you’re aiming for the very top.

Don’t forget, schools admit people, not numbers. Your score backs up your readiness, but your leadership story and professional impact carry the most weight.

So instead of obsessing over squeezing every last point out of the executive assessment score range, focus on a score that matches your goals. Prepare well, trust your experience, and let your application tell the rest of your story.

And if you want to make preparation less stressful, try AnalystPrep’s EA prep resources. They’re built for professionals like you who want to study smart and hit their target EA scores for MBA success without burning out.