Your Comprehensive FAQ on the Executive Assessment for EMBA Candidates

The Executive Assessment (EA) is a computer-administered, standardized test introduced in 2016 by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC). It is primarily used for admissions to Executive MBA (EMBA) programs, offering a unique evaluation tool for seasoned business professionals. If you’re an experienced professional looking to advance your career with an EMBA, this guide will provide you with all the essential details about the EA.

What is the Executive Assessment?

The Executive Assessment is designed to evaluate the real-world skills and knowledge that business professionals use regularly. Unlike other exams, such as the GMAT, which assess a broader range of skills and knowledge levels, the EA focuses on the competencies that experienced professionals are likely to have developed through their careers. These include:

• Data Analysis
• Critical Thinking
• Logical Reasoning
• English Grammar and Reading Skills
• Basic Math Skills (arithmetic and algebra)

The EA does this through three main sections: Integrated Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Quantitative Reasoning. Each section comprises multiple formats and covers a broad range of topics, providing a comprehensive snapshot of an applicant’s abilities.

Who Should Take the Executive Assessment?

The EA is tailored for experienced business professionals applying to EMBA programs. Unlike full-time MBA applicants who may have limited work experience, EMBA candidates are generally expected to have several years of professional experience, often at a management level. The typical candidate profile includes:

• 5 to 10 years of full-time work experience
• Current full-time employment
• Significant managerial or leadership roles

While the EA is primarily for EMBA programs, some part-time and specialized MBA programs, such as those in Finance, Accounting, or Data Analytics, may also accept EA scores. It’s crucial to research the specific requirements of each program you’re interested in to determine if the EA is accepted.

Schools Accepting the Executive Assessment

An increasing number of prestigious business schools accept the EA for their EMBA programs. These include:

• Wharton
• Kellogg
• Chicago Booth
• Yale
• Duke Fuqua
• Berkeley Haas
• Columbia Business School
• INSEAD
• HEC Paris

It’s important to note that each school has its own admission requirements, and not all EMBA programs mandate the EA. Always check the individual program websites for the most current information.

How to Register for the Executive Assessment

The EA is available year-round at over 600 test centers worldwide, with the option for online administration. Here’s a step-by-step guide to registering for the EA:

1. Create an Executive Assessment Account: Go to the GMAC website and create an account using your email address.
2. Fill Out Your Profile: Provide some basic personal information.
3. Select Programs: Choose the programs to send your EA scores to (you can do this after the exam if you prefer).
4. Choose Your Exam Format: Decide whether to take the exam at a test center or online.
5. Schedule Your Test: Select your test date and time. You can schedule your exam as soon as 24 hours after registration.
6. Confirm and Pay: Complete your registration by paying the exam fee.

If you’ve previously created an mba.com account, you can use the same account for the EA. This unified account system allows you to manage all GMAC-related services seamlessly.

Structure of the Executive Assessment

The EA is structured differently from the GMAT in several key ways:

• Duration: The EA is a 90-minute exam, significantly shorter than the GMAT.
• Sections: The EA consists of three sections—Integrated Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Quantitative Reasoning. Each section is divided into two modules, making a total of six modules.
• Question Types: While the types of questions are similar to those on the GMAT, the EA does not include an Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA).
• Adaptive Nature: The EA is adaptive at the section level, meaning your performance in one module influences the difficulty of questions in the next module within the same section.

Here’s a closer look at each section:

Integrated Reasoning (IR)

• Duration: 30 minutes
• Modules: 2
• Question Types: Graphics interpretation, two-part analysis, table analysis, multi-source reasoning.

Verbal Reasoning

• Duration: 30 minutes
• Modules: 2
• Question Types: Reading comprehension, critical reasoning, sentence correction.

Quantitative Reasoning

• Duration: 30 minutes
• Modules: 2
• Question Types: Problem-solving, data sufficiency.

Each section’s performance influences the next, creating a progressively challenging test tailored to your abilities.

Scoring the Executive Assessment

The EA provides four scores: one for each section (Integrated Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning) and a total score. Here’s the scoring breakdown:

• Integrated Reasoning: 0-20
• Quantitative Reasoning: 0-20
• Verbal Reasoning: 0-20
• Total Score: 100-200

The total score is derived from the three-section scores, but it is scaled to fit the 100-200 range. The difficulty level of the questions you answer correctly or incorrectly also affects your score.

How Many Times Can I Take the Executive Assessment?

You can take the Executive Assessment at a test center up to 2 times. So, if you don’t hit your score goal on your first attempt, you have the opportunity for a retake. You don’t have to wait long: you can register for your second attempt as soon as 24 hours after you complete your first attempt. Thus, since the earliest you can sit for the exam is 24 hours after you register, you could sit for your retake 48 hours after your first attempt if you wanted to. However, depending on why you didn’t hit your goal score on your first try, you may want to take a little more time to study for your retake.

Furthermore, while the Executive Assessment Online is available, you have the option of taking that a total of 2 times as well. In that case, you can schedule your second attempt either before or after you complete your first attempt, although the 2 test appointments must be at least 16 days apart.

The really interesting thing, however, is that online attempts are considered entirely separate from any attempts completed at a test center. So, if for example, you take the EA at a test center and retake it online, you’ll still have 2 exam attempts left. In other words, conceivably, you could take the Executive Assessment a total of 4 times.

Now, at 350 bucks a pop, would you really want to take the EA exam 4 times? Doing so would mean spending a total of $1,400 on exam fees. That’s quite a hefty price tag and more exam attempts than pretty much any test-taker should need in order to earn an acceptable score on the EA — provided that person has taken some time to prepare for the exam. Let’s talk about that next.

How Can I Prepare for the Executive Assessment?

Many test-takers attempt to prepare for the Executive Assessment using GMAT materials, but this approach isn’t always ideal. While the Executive Assessment features some content similar to the GMAT, the EA focuses on a narrower range of topics in the Quantitative section, and it’s tailored for seasoned professionals. Therefore, dedicated EA prep materials can provide a more targeted study experience, ensuring that you spend your time effectively.

To start your preparation, consider using resources that are specifically designed for the Executive Assessment. For instance, AnalystPrep offers a range of study materials tailored to the unique aspects of the EA. Our practice questions, video lessons, and study notes can provide a focused preparation experience, helping you navigate the specific types of questions and content that appear on the EA. Such targeted resources can save you time and ensure that your study sessions are as effective as possible.

Before diving into prep materials, it’s a good idea to establish a baseline EA score. GMAC offers official practice EA tests that can help you gauge your current standing and identify areas that need improvement. While GMAC’s practice tests are a good start, you might also find AnalystPrep’s comprehensive practice tests and study guides useful. These resources not only simulate the test experience but also offer detailed explanations and strategies to improve your performance.

As you prepare, simulate actual test conditions as closely as possible. Take practice tests in a quiet, distraction-free environment, using only the allowed materials and adhering to the time limits. This approach helps in building test-taking endurance and familiarizes you with the exam’s format. AnalystPrep’s practice exams are designed to mirror the actual test conditions, providing a realistic experience and helping you manage time effectively during the real exam.

How Long Should I Study for the Executive Assessment?

The amount of time needed for effective preparation varies based on your starting point and score goals. However, most candidates find that a focused study period of several weeks to a few months works well. During this time, you should review core concepts, practice with real EA questions, and work on your test-taking strategies.

Regular practice and review are key to improvement. Use a structured study plan that includes timed practice sessions, review of incorrect answers, and targeted practice on weaker areas. AnalystPrep’s study guides and practice questions can assist in creating a study plan tailored to your needs, ensuring that you cover all necessary topics and build confidence before the exam.

What Are the Benefits of the Executive Assessment?

The Executive Assessment is designed to fit the schedules and needs of busy professionals. Its shorter duration compared to other exams, like the GMAT, reflects the real-world experience and practical skills of EMBA candidates. Additionally, the EA’s focus on integrated reasoning, verbal reasoning, and quantitative reasoning aligns well with the skills used in executive roles.

Moreover, because the EA is adaptive, it provides a more personalized assessment experience. Your performance influences the difficulty of subsequent questions, allowing for a more tailored evaluation of your abilities. This adaptive nature helps in accurately reflecting your strengths and areas for improvement.

Tips for Test Day

On the day of the test, ensure you arrive early and are well-prepared. Bring necessary identification and be familiar with the test center’s policies. If you’re taking the test online, prepare your testing environment in advance. Ensure your computer and internet connection are stable and that your testing space is quiet and free from interruptions.

Follow the same procedures you practiced during your prep. This consistency helps in reducing test-day anxiety and improves your performance. AnalystPrep’s online resources also offer tips and strategies for managing test day effectively, which can be valuable in ensuring a smooth experience.

Conclusion

The Executive Assessment is a distinctive and valuable tool for evaluating experienced professionals seeking to advance their careers with an EMBA. Its design, focusing on practical skills and real-world knowledge, sets it apart from other standardized tests. For effective preparation, it’s essential to use targeted study materials that align with the EA’s specific content and format.

AnalystPrep provides comprehensive resources that can support your preparation journey, offering practice questions, detailed explanations, and study guides tailored to the EA. By leveraging these resources, you can enhance your study efforts and approach the exam with confidence. Remember, a well-planned study strategy, combined with the right preparation materials, can make a significant difference in achieving your desired score.

Whether you are aiming for a top score or simply want to ensure you’re well-prepared, understanding the EA’s structure, registration process, and preparation strategies will help you navigate the exam successfully and achieve your career goals.

For more details, you can check the GMAC articles on Executive Assessment Online Policies and Procedures and Executive Assessment Test Center Policies and Procedures.