Updated: Feb 7
At first, GMAC created the online at-home version of the GMAT exam as a temporary solution to accommodate for closed test centers due to COVID-19. However, now the online at-home option will be a permanent option.
When the online at-home version went live a few months ago, GMAC eliminated the AWA section and abbreviated the exam in order to act swiftly to the new reality of online testing. However, now GMAC is adapting the online exam to make it more synonymous to the in-person exam. There will be many changes to the at-home online version of the exam starting April 8th, 2021. All of the changes are listed below.
How will the online at-home exam change on April 8, 2021?
1. Essay Section: Currently the online version includes the Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Integrated Reasoning sections of the exam. However, starting April 8, 2021 the Analytical Writing Assessment will be added to the online exam.
2. Exam Ordering: Currently, there is a fix order of the exam: Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, Integrated Reasoning. However, starting April 8, 2021, test takers will have the flexibility to choose from three options that are listed below.
1. Analytical Writing Assessment, Integrated Reasoning, Quantitative, Verbal
2. Verbal, Quantitative, Integrated Reasoning, Analytical Writing Assessment
3. Quantitative, Verbal, Integrated Reasoning, Analytical Writing Assessment
3. Total Exam Time: Currently the exam is approximately 2 hours and 25 minutes. However, starting April 8, 2021 the exam will be 3 hours and 7 minutes. Additionally, there will be two optional 8 minute breaks.
4. Score Report: Currently you will not receive your score until 7 days after you take the online exam. However, after April 8, 2021, you will receive an unofficial score report directly after you take the exam and then the official score report will be sent via email 7 business days later.
HELPFUL HINT: If you are trying to avoid taking the AWA section of the exam, I suggest you sign up for a testing time slot prior to April 8, 2021.
How will the online exam be scored?
The online version of the exam will have the same amount of questions and sections as the in-person exam. Additionally, the exam will be scored using the same algorithm.
How can I send my exam score? And how much will it cost?
It’s free! Thats right, free. Score sending is complimentary and included in the fee of the GMAT exam. Meaning, there is no additional cost to send your score to any program. You can first view your score and then choose which programs you wish to send it to. Official scores will be made available to schools within 24 hours of the test takers’s request.
How to sign up for the online at-home exam?
You can sign up via the GMAC website up to 24 hours before an available testing slot. GMAC notes that the GMAT Online exam is available in most locations, with the exception of Mainland China, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, and Sudan; Additionally, the exam will only be offered in English.
If you are in search for any guidance in reference to the GMAT exam, don’t hesitate to reach out to Prep For Success. Our team is happy to help guide you through the new exam format!
You can reach out at PrepForSuccessTutors@gmail.com or (732) 485.1539 or (201) 566.5943.
