Ever since the onset of Covid-19, the GMAC has made several changes to the GMAT test-taking. It started with the introduction of the Online home-testing on April 20, 2020. This delivery channel gave test-takers a choice to take the GMAT exam either at the test center or from the comfort of their home – even both if they decide to take the test more than once.
Initially, this GMAT interim Online exam was allowed only once and was not part of the lifetime limit of 8 exams. However, this was changed eventually and the online test became part of the lifetime limit with the option of one retake.
Slowly and steadily, GMAC has brought thoughtful changes in the GMAT Online exam in order to make it at par with the test center based GMAT exam.
The table below will make it easier for you to understand the commonalities and differences in the two test-taking formats:
| Features | Test Centre | Online |
|---|---|---|
| Registration Fees | US$275 (inclusive of GST) | |
| Duration | 3 hours 7 minutes, plus 2 optional 8-minute breaks and time for check-in | |
| Structure | 4 sections: Quant, Verbal, IR, AWA | |
| Select Section Order Option | Available in both | |
| Unofficial scores | Total scores, Quant scores, Verbal scores, IR scores, and Percentile Rank on screen upon completion of the exam | |
| Official scores | Total Score, all Section Scores, and Percentile Rank available on MBA.com account within 7 days and up to 20 days | |
| Maximum attempts | Up to 5 times in a rolling 12-month period, and up to 8 times in a lifetime including both test centre and online exam | |
| Score Validity | 5 years | |
| Retesting | Once every 16 days | |
| Reschedule Test Date Fees | $50 to $150 (depending on the number of days left from the scheduled test date) | |
| Test Cancellation Fees | $50 to $100 refund (depending on the number of days left from the scheduled test date) | |
| Scratch work | A 5-page laminated booklet is provided with 2 dry erase markers | Allowed – Both online whiteboard and physical whiteboard |
| Sending score reports to B-schools | Free up to five programs before the test. Additional score report fee – $35 each | Free up to 5 (to be sent within 48 hours). Additional score report fee – $35 each |
| Appointment Availability | Available 7 days a week during testing center operating hours | Available around the clock |
| Test Registration Requirement | Valid Passport | Valid Passport OR Aadhaar card for residents of India |
| Accommodations | Additional testing time, breaks, and access to other resources like the human reader, scribe, and assistive technology | Additional testing time (50% and 100% extended time) and an extended break of 16 minutes |
| Score cancellations and Reinstatements | Allowed – Cancellation fees as per the number of days left from the test appointment. Reinstate Fees – $50 | Not permitted at this time |
| ESR Report Facility | Available to those who have taken the exam after October 1, 2013, for five years after your exam date | Not available currently |
Source: mba.com
As is evident from the table above, the enhancements have been made in order to make the test scores more comparable and reliable for the schools, and provide similar testing experience to the students (select section order and a number of breaks). This alignment in the two delivery modes – Online and Test center exam – will help the test-takers to give their best shot irrespective of the delivery mode.
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