The Graduate Management Admission Test, or GMAT, is a standardized test that is used to assess the aptitude of prospective MBA students for admission into graduate business programs worldwide. Traditionally, the GMAT has been administered in-person at designated test centers, but in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the test is now also available in an online format known as the GMAT Online Exam.
The GMAT Online Exam is a proctored, at-home version of the GMAT that can be taken on a computer from anywhere with a stable internet connection. The online exam is identical in format to the in-person GMAT, consisting of four sections: Analytical Writing Assessment, Integrated Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Verbal Reasoning.
The exam is administered through the same testing platform used for the in-person GMAT, and test-takers must follow the same rules and procedures as they would in a test center. This includes using a web camera to monitor their testing environment, presenting a valid government-issued ID, and adhering to strict timing and break policies.
One important difference between the GMAT Online Exam and the in-person GMAT is that the online exam does not include the option to cancel scores after the test has been taken. This means that test-takers must decide whether or not to report their scores to schools before they begin the exam.
Another difference is that the online exam does not allow the use of scratch paper, as test-takers must instead use an online whiteboard tool provided by the testing platform. This can take some getting used to, but most test-takers report that it does not significantly impact their performance on the exam.
Despite these differences, the GMAT Online Exam is widely considered to be a reliable and accurate measure of a test-taker’s business school readiness, and it is accepted by virtually all business schools that accept the in-person GMAT.
In summary, the GMAT Online Exam is a proctored, at-home version of the GMAT that can be taken on a computer from anywhere with a stable internet connection. It is identical in format to the in-person GMAT and is accepted by virtually all business schools that accept the in-person GMAT. While there are some differences in rules and procedures compared to the in-person test, the online exam is widely considered to be a reliable and accurate measure of a test-taker’s business school readiness.
Here’s a table summarizing some of the key differences between the GMAT Online Exam and the in-person GMAT administered at test centers:
| Aspect | GMAT Online Exam | In-Person GMAT |
| Test Format | Computer-Adaptive Test | Computer-Adaptive Test |
| Test Sections | Analytical Writing Assessment, Integrated Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning | Analytical Writing Assessment, Integrated Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning |
| Testing Location | At home with stable internet connection | Designated test centers |
| Test Environment | At home, must have a quiet and well-lit room with a plain wall behind the test-taker | At a designated test center |
| Rules and Procedures | Must adhere to strict rules for test-taking, including being monitored by a proctor via webcam | Must adhere to strict rules for test-taking, including presenting a valid ID and following break policies |
| Cancellation Policy | Scores cannot be cancelled after the test | Scores can be cancelled within 72 hours of taking the test |
| Scratch Paper | Not allowed, but an online whiteboard tool is provided | Physical scratch paper is provided |
| Cost | $250 | $275 |
Note : that these are not the only differences between the two formats, but they are some of the most notable ones.
