GMAT Test Centers: Locations, Facilities, and What You Should Know

GMAT Test Centers

GMAC conducts the GMAT test through Pearson VUE centers. Presently, GMAT is administered through 573 centers in 100+ countries.

How to book a GMAT test center

Once you have collated all necessary data regarding the application timelines of your desired B-schools, you need start scheduling your GMAT preparation. However, it is recommended that you book your GMAT appointment in advance so as to ensure that you get your desired GMAT dates.

Illustrated below are 4 simple steps to book your GMAT test location

Step 1: Create an account on mba.com

Visit the GMAC official website, mba.com, and go to the Sign Up tab on the upper right-hand corner of the website. Duly fill in your details to create your account.

Once you have created your account, you will be directed to create your GMAT profile. Follow the steps and fill in all requisite information to complete the step. The third tab will prompt you to verify your profile to complete the process of creating your GMAT account.

Step 2: Schedule Your Exam

The tab Schedule Your Exam will ask you to select your test location at first. Enter your preferred location in the search bar that is provided. You can use criterion such as pin code, city, etc to find your desired GMAT test location. Basis the location entered, you will be provided with a list of available Pearson VUE locations, along with details including address, contact details, and provision of special service such as wheelchair will be displayed. You can select up to 3 test locations from the list displayed.

Step 3: Select Appointment Preference

You will be provided with two options to select your appointment preference:

• You can enter your preferred date and you will be provided with available appointments around the stated time.
• You can select from the available appointments.

You will be next prompted to select your preferred GMAT appointment from the list of available GMAT dates.

Step 4: Confirm Exam Details

Once you select your GMAT appointment, you will be asked to finally confirm your details and make the payment. In this tab, you can either make the payment (the payment portal remains live for only 15 minutes), or opt to pay later. Read through the GMAT test taking policies and note the details of GMAT exam cancelling and rescheduling process. Make the payment (if you have not made the payment already) to complete the process of GMAT registration.

What factors to take into account while booking a GMAT test location?

You must consider the following factors while booking your GMAT test center:

• Proximity – It is extremely important that you determine the proximity of your location to that of the GMAT test center. The closer the center you will be able to obtain the appointment for, the lesser time you will have to invest in commuting to your GMAT test center.
• Transport – It is always advisable to reach your GMAT test location at least 30 minutes advance so that you have enough time to complete the entry formalities before the exam starts. Hence, make a note of the transportation facilities available from your location to that of the GMAT test location.
• Time of your Appointment – Traffic congestions and transport availability do not remain the same throughout the day. Hence, while booking your GMAT appointment, take into account the traffic conditions and make plans in accordance to commute to your test taking location.
• Reviews – Follow the GMAT test center reviews posted on gmatclub. This will help you acquaint yourself with the administration and services offered at the GMAT test location. Thus, you can take an informed decision.
• Availability – While booking your GMAT test appointment, you will be prompted on the test location availability on selected dates. Although your desired GMAT test location may follow the public holiday calendar, always confirm the availability while selecting your GMAT appointment.

Entering the GMAT test location

On the day of your GMAT exam, you must reach the test center early to complete the initial formalities. A typical process for entering the GMAT test location will include the following:

• You will have to present your identity proof – If you are taking your GMAT outside your country, you must present your passport. Besides, the details on your ID must match the details you had entered while creating for GMAT.
• You will have to provide your palm vein scan
• You will have to provide your digital signature stating that you have read, understood, and accepted the Test Taker Rules and Agreement
• You will have to sit for a photograph

Once the verification process has been duly completed, you can begin your GMAT exam.

What facilities should I look for while booking a GMAT test location?

Pearson VUE follows clear guidelines in providing the candidates with basic facilities at a GMAT test location:

• Calm and quiet environment
• Parking area or easy access to public transport
• A distinct check-in and waiting room
• Lockers for candidates to store their
• Clearly divided workstations to ensure minimal distraction to candidates
• Markers and notepads that are erasable. You may also request for additional notepads. You will be provided with up to 5 erasable notepads.

Check the detailed guidelines on GMAT test taking rules and policy violation before taking your GMAT.

The GMAT Erasable Notepad and Marker

The notepads and markers provided at the GMAT test location are different from the notepads and markers normally used because these are erasable. The notepads consist of up to 6 legal-sized papers that are larger than the papers that are usually used. Further, these papers are laminated and the markers consist of a wet erase tip. Thus, the notepads can be reused. However, once you have filled up your notepad, you are not supposed to erase it yourself. Instead, ask for a fresh notepad. Remember to return the notepad and the marker to the invigilator before you leave the test room.

GMAT test location facilities for specially-abled

GMAC allows accommodations to help specially-abled test-takers take the GMAT test. To request GMAC for special accommodations, you need to fill in the Accommodations Request Form and indicate your disability as belonging to the following groups:

• Attention Deficit/Hyperactive Disorder
• Learning and Cognitive Disabilities
• Physical and Systemic Disabilities
• Psychological Disabilities
• Sensory Disabilities (Vision and Hearing Impairment)

You will have to wait to hear back on your accommodations request before you can go ahead and book your GMAT appointment; GMAC may take up to a month to process your accommodation request. Some of the common GMAT test location accommodation requests received by GMAC are as follows:

• Extra time – If it is proven by submission of proper evidence that the test-taker cannot complete the test in 3 hours 7 minutes, GMAC may grant 50% to 100% time extension to student. If 100% extension in time is granted to the student, the test may stretch to the next day, with the test-taker answering 2 sections on each day.
• Extra or extended breaks– The test-taker may request for an extra break, apart from the 2 breaks, or an extension of the 2 breaks that are provided during the GMAT test. However, the need for an extra break must be justified by submission of proper evidence.
• Sign-language interpreter – GMAC may allow the test-taker a sign language interpreter if the test-taker suffers from hearing and speech impairment.
• Visual aids – The test-taker may request GMAC for an enlarged screen, a reader to read out the items, and a recorder to record your answers for you.
• Other requests may include trackball mouse and allowance of medical equipment in the test-taking room.

You will not need to fill in an accommodations request if you need the following:

• Hearing aids and lenses to improve vision
• Pillow and neck collars to support any injured limb or affected body part
• Any medical equipment that is attached to your body, for instance, an insulin pump

GMAC will only consider your accommodations request if you satisfy certain criteria, as indicated in the Handbook, and are able to properly document all requirements.

What can I carry to my GMAT test location?

 

• A valid photo ID proof
• A list of the 5 B-schools that you want the scores to be forwarded to
• A printout of the GMAT appointment confirmation to avoid any untoward incident
• Dry snacks such as chocolates and cookies that you can munch on during the two short 8-minutes break
• Water

Remember you cannot carry the snacks or water to the test taking room. Leave such belongings in the locker that will be assigned to you.

What can I not bring to my GMAT test center?

• Electronics – Leave all your electronics, including mobile phones, outside the GMAT test location
• Study Materials – No form of books or papers that consist of mathematical formulas, sentence correction rules etc. are allowed inside the GMAT test taking center
• Such items as pocket knives are considered weapons and should be avoided bringing in to the GMAT test taking center.

Does the GMAT test center affect the difficulty level of the exam?

No, a GMAT test-taking center cannot influence the difficulty level of the exam. GMAT is a standardized test and all centers administering the test must follow the Pearson VUE guidelines. Thus, GMAC ensures that the GMAT is conducted in a strictly controlled and fair environment. Read the GMAC’s report on reliable and fair policies followed for conducting the GMAT exam.

Rules to be followed at the GMAT test center

To summarize, the following rules must be followed at a GMAT test taking center:

• You cannot leave the test-taking building during the period of your exam.
• You may leave the test-taking room only during the 2 allotted breaks to visit the washroom or partake of any refreshment that you have carried along with you to the test taking center.
• For any assistance that you may need during the duration of the exam, please raise your hand and you will be attended to by the staff present on the ground.
• Ensure that you strictly keep to the GMAT test taking rules or the report of misconduct may lead to cancellation of your exam.
• Do not attempt to copy the GMAT questions or share the same over any media. Doing so will be regarded as a serious breach of conduct.

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GMAT Test Centers – according to GMAC administrative areas

The following tables list the GMAT Test Centers available worldwide. The GMAT Test Centers have been sorted according to GMAC administrative area and geography:

GMAT Test Centers – United States Region

GMAT Test Centers – U. S. Military Region

GMAT Test Centers – U. S. Territories

GMAT Test Centers – Americas Region

GMAT Test Centers – APAC Region

GMAT Test Centers – Europe, Middle East, and Africa Region