The GMAT® Test Day – What to Expect

A high score in your GMAT® exam positively impacts your business school application and shows you have what it takes to succeed in the MBA program. The first step is preparing for your exam using a customized study plan. Additionally, you should choose the best study materials and know what to expect on the GMAT® test day and after the exam.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, some test centers have closed. However, you can find more information on test center availability, procedures, and health and safety guidelines on the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) official website.

Let us look at what you can expect at your GMAT® test day at the test center.

What to expect on the GMAT® test day at the test center

The GMAC administers the exam in designated Pearson VUE testing centers found globally. You can identify a test center close to you on their official website mba.com. Alternatively, if test centers in your area are closed due to COVID-19, you can take the GMAT online exam. All the candidates experience the same testing conditions no matter where they are.

You should read the GMAT exam testing rules to know the policies which will help you avoid violations that can result in score cancellation.

When checking into the exam center, you should take the following steps;

1. Present your identification
2. Provide your palm vein for scanning where the law allows
3. Give your digital signature to show that you have read, understand, and agree to the test taker’s rules and agreement
4. Take a digital photograph
5. Start your GMAT exam

What is palm vein identification?

One of the exam centers’ checking-in procedures on the GMAT® test day includes providing your palm for scanning. The palm vein pattern identification uses biometric technology to prove identity. The GMAC uses palm vein identification to promote test integrity by ensuring that each candidate has a single GMAT score record. In addition, it prevents people from taking the exam on behalf of others, which ensures that the exam remains fair.

Identification requirements for the GMAT exam

If you are taking the exam at a test center and fail to produce the appropriate ID, you forfeit the exam and must pay the full fee to reschedule.

Similarly, suppose you are taking the exam online. In that case, you must have uploaded an appropriate ID when registering and provided the same ID on exam day for verification by the online proctor. You should upload your ID at least 48 hours before your scheduled exam. If you fail to produce your ID for the proctor to verify, you forfeit your exam fee and must pay the full fee to reschedule. The GMAC does not make any exceptions.

The acceptable forms of identification include;

• A valid international travel passport. If you are outside your country of citizenship, you must produce a passport.
• Additional forms of ID are acceptable, depending on your location.

For your ID to be acceptable, it should meet the following criteria;

1. It should be current and legible
2. It should show your name using the Roman alphabet in the same order and placement you provided during registration.
3. The date of birth on the ID should match the one you provided during registration
4. It should include a recent and recognizable photograph
5. It should have your signature

Forms of identification that are not acceptable include expired passports, student and staff IDs, credit cards, and photocopies of any form of ID.

GMAT test center rules and exam policy

You should read and understand the GMAT handbook that outlines the GMAC policies, procedures, and rules for your exam. According to the handbook, test administration starts when you walk into the test center (check-in) and ends at checkout after the test, including the scheduled breaks.

Some of the rules include;

• You should present an acceptable and valid ID.
• You cannot bring personal items to the testing room.
• If you fail or refuse to participate in any part of the check-in process, you will not be able to take the exam, and you will forfeit your exam fee.
• You should agree and comply with the GMAT non-disclosure agreement and general terms of use statement.
• You should not carry any weapons, firearms, or communication devices into the test room.
• You will have the equivalent of five erasable note boards to use. You cannot remove the note boards from the room, and you should return them to the administrator after completing the test.
• Testing begins as soon as you are seated at the computer. You are allowed two optional scheduled breaks during the test.
• You should not behave in a disruptive way.

Policy violations may result in canceled scores, banning from taking the test for up to three years, and sending notifications to business schools.

How is the GMAT exam delivered?

After the check-in procedures, you will start your exam. The testing room is quiet and without distractions, allowing candidates to perform well. You will take the exam from a computer that uses an algorithm to ensure consistency and fairness for all candidates.

You can take the GMAT exam in the designated Pearson VUE test centers on almost any day of the year. Additionally, the computer-based exam allows you to track your time, and questions left to answer and generates unofficial scores immediately after you finish the test.

Adequate preparation is essential to ensure that you are relaxed on the test day and perform well. Get the best study prep materials from Analystprep.com and attain a high GMAT score to start your MBA journey.