This post has been updated in 2024 for the new GMAT.
There are many reasons to take the GMAT online, whether it’s because you don’t live close to a test center or you prefer taking the exam at home. So if you’re considering taking the remote GMAT, here’s what you need to know!
Check out this interview to hear about a student’s experience taking the new GMAT online.
Table of Contents
Should I take the GMAT Online or in-person?
The format of the GMAT online vs. GMAT in-person is the same, so your primary considerations are likely the cost (the online test and related fees are higher than in-person) and your unique circumstances. If you feel you’ll be more comfortable taking the exam from home, you should consider it! More detailed information about the at-home test can be found on the official GMAT online page.
Here are the pros and cons of either:
| GMAT Online | Same (both online and in-person) | In-person GMAT | |
|---|---|---|---|
| GMAT cost | $300 USD (Check costs with this tool.) | Depends on your country, but $275 USD for many places. | |
| GMAT cancelation fees | $120 refund (more than 60 days from test date), $90 refund (15-60 days out), or $60 refund (1-14 days out). | $110 refund (more than 60 days from test date), $80 refund (15-60 days out), or $55 refund (1-14 days out). | |
| GMAT rescheduling fees | $60 (more than 60 days out from the test date), $120 (15-60 days out), $180 (1-14 days out) | $55 (more than 60 days out from the test date), $110 (15-60 days out), $165 (1-14 days out) | |
| Appointment availability | 24/7 | 7 days a week, but hours are reliant on the specific test center | |
| Format | Exact same sections, timing, and question adaptive algorithm | ||
| GMAT retakes | Both exam types count towards your eight lifetime attempt limit. Five GMAT attempts allowed in 12 months, must wait 16 days between retakes. | ||
| Score validity | Scores are valid for 5 years | ||
| Scratch paper | BYOW (bring your own whiteboard), with online whiteboard provided | Five sheets of laminated paper and two dry erase markers are provided |
How does the GMAT online work?
Where can I take the at-home GMAT?
GMAC has released the online GMAT to any students who prefer this at-home option, with some regional exceptions. The exceptions are Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Sudan, and mainland China due to IP and/or regulatory restrictions. It’s also important to note that the GMAT online exam is only available in English with English-speaking proctors for the time being.
Online Registration
The online GMAT exam has been available for registration since April 14, 2020, with test slots open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. To register for the GMAT Online exam, visit the GMAT registration page.
GMAT Online Pricing, Rescheduling, and Cancellation Fees
The online GMAT test costs $300 USD*.
If you’re not able to make your original test date, you can either change your GMAT test date or cancel. However, appointment rescheduling and exam cancellation fees apply:
- Appointment rescheduling fee 60+ days in advance: $60
- Appointment rescheduling fee 15-60 days in advance: $120
- Appointment rescheduling fee 14 or fewer days in advance: $180
- Appointment cancellation 60+ days in advance: $120 refund
- Appointment cancellation 15-60 days in advance: $90 refund
- Appointment cancellation 14 or fewer days in advance: $60 refund
*Includes GST for test-takers in India.
Exam Structure
The GMAT online has the same sections, amount of questions, and time available as the in-person exam. That is, there will still be:
- 45 minutes for 21 Math (Quant) questions
- 45 minutes for 23 Verbal questions
- 45 minutes for 20 Data Insights questions
The online test is expected to take approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes of online test-taking time. Test-takers will have 15 minutes to check into the online Pearson VUE proctored system and one optional 10-minute break. Just like the in-person exam, interacting with the test proctor via Live Chat will not pause the clock ticking down.
Regarding check-in protocols, the GMAC has said, “The check-in and security protocols will be modified to accommodate online delivery and remote proctors will be used to manage test integrity.”
GMAT test-takers will have to pass a room scan in order to continue to the exam. You’ll have to take photos and videos of your desk area for a proctor’s review, ensuring that there are no pens, papers, or books in reach.
Scoring
After you’ve completed your online GMAT exam, you’ll get your unofficial GMAT score report immediately, then receive your official score report within 7 days. Once you receive your official score report, you have 48 hours to send it to 5 schools of your choice for free. Additional score reports will cost $35 USD each.
GMAT Online FAQs
What are the GMAT Online whiteboard options?
GMAC now allows test-takers to use either a physical whiteboard or online whiteboard for their GMAT online test.
Physical Whiteboard
You won’t be able to use just any whiteboard for the online GMAT exam; anything that connects to the internet, like touchscreen tablets or additional laptops, are definitely prohibited. Here are the physical whiteboard requirements:
| Allowed | Not Allowed* |
|---|---|
| 1 dry erase whiteboard, maximum size 12 in x 20 in (30 cm x 50 cm) | Paper and pencil |
| 1 dry erase marker | Permanent, non-erasable marker |
| 1 dry marker eraser | Tissues, paper towels, or napkins for erasing |
| Whiteboard spray | |
| Paper in a sheet protector (clear slide) | |
| Writing tablets | |
| Chalkboards | |
| Boogie boards |
*These are some of their examples of prohibited items, not a comprehensive list.
If you’re planning to order your whiteboard online, make sure you schedule your GMAT online test to allow adequate time for shipping.
Online Whiteboard
As for the online whiteboard option, MBA.com has released a version of the digital whiteboard for you to practice with. The whiteboard includes the following tools: a pen, eraser, shapes like rectangles, circles, free-form polygons, panning, color selection/eyedropper, undo/redo, zoom in and out. GMAC has clarified that the whiteboard can only be used with a mouse, no fingers, styluses, or writing pads will work.
- Want to get our GMAT expert’s tips on how to use the GMAT online whiteboard? Then check out our free GMAT online whiteboard! Our engineering team has worked hard to replicate the digital whiteboard released by MBA.com, so you can easily use it with your Magoosh practice tests and GMAT prep.
Can you take the GMAT Online more than once?
If your GMAT online exam didn’t go as well as you hoped it would, or you just want to retake it for a higher score, then you are in luck! The same rules apply to both online and in-person GMAT retakes. Students are allowed to take the GMAT no more than 5 times in a 12-month period (with a gap of at least 16 days between test attempts), with a lifetime availability of 8 total GMAT exams.
Will accommodations be available for the online GMAT exam?
For students requesting accommodations, GMAC does offer accommodations for the online GMAT exam. Students may receive 50% to 100% more test-taking time depending on their accommodation.
What equipment do I need to take the exam at home?
Unlike the GRE’s approach to at-home testing, GMAT test-takers will be allowed to use either a Windows PC or a Mac. If you decide that you’ll take the home-based GMAT, make sure to check the system requirements and run the On VUE system test.
Will you be taking the GMAT exam online? Prepping online with Magoosh GMAT is a great way to simulate the test conditions. Plus, you can study on both desktop and mobile using our Apple/Android apps. Get a free 1-week trial to access our expert-created lessons, practice questions with video explanations, and full-length practice tests!
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