GMAT Testing Rules

Rules for Taking the GMAT

GMAT test takers must agree to the GMAT Examination Testing Rules & Agreement during the check in process prior to starting the GMAT. Although the GMAT Examination Testing Rules & Agreement may vary slightly from country to country in order to comply with local laws in which the GMAT is being taken, the general test taker rules for the GMAT are outlined below.

Access to cell phone or other communication devices during the GMAT

Access to any time of phone, computer, music player and any other communication or electronic device is not permitted at any time during which the GMAT test taker is in the test center, including during the test session and during breaks.

Access to study materials during the GMAT

Access to books, notes and study guides is not permitted at any time during which the GMAT test taker is in the test center, including during the test session and during breaks.

Access to personal items during the GMAT

Bags, purses, wallets, watches, hats and other personal items are not permitted inside the testing room and must be stored in a designated secure area in the test center. Test centers typically provide small storage lockers for the safekeeping of such personal belongings.

Eating or drinking during the GMAT

Eating, drinking, chewing gum, smoking and making any noise that disturbs other test takers in the testing room are not permitted.

Use of erasable notebook for note taking during the GMAT

Every GMAT test taker is provided by the testing administration an erasable noteboard booklet and marker upon which the GMAT test taker may take notes during the taking of the GMAT. The GMAT test taker is not permitted to use the booklet until after the GMAT has started and is not permitted to take the booklet outside of the testing room at any time during the GMAT. The GMAT test taker may receive a new clean booklet at any time during the GMAT by raising one's hand. All booklets must b e returned to the test administration upon completion of the GMAT and may not be taken outside of the test center.

Starting the GMAT

Every GMAT test taker will be logged into the assigned workstation and computer by the test center administration. The test center administration will verify that the computer is programmed for the GMAT to be administered to the test taker and will start the exam.

Agreement to GMAT Non-Disclosure Agreement and General Terms of Use

Prior to starting the first section of the GMAT, every GMAT test taker will be presented with the GMAT Non-Disclosure Agreement and General Terms of Use. The GMAT test taker must agree to the terms and conditions presented therein in order to begin the GMAT.

Monitoring during the GMAT

The test center administration may walk around the testing room or otherwise continuously monitor the GMAT test taker while one is taking the GMAT in order to maintain a high level of security. The test center may record the testing room with audio and/or video to further maintain appropriate security.

Questions related to GMAT content during the GMAT

The test center administrator is unable to answer any questions related to the content of the GMAT.

Workstation problems during the GMAT

Should the GMAT test taker experience any problems with the workstation or computer at which they are assigned at any time during the taking of the GMAT which affect the ability to take the exam, the GMAT test taker should notify the test center administrator immediately by raising one's hand.

Workstation keyboards & use of standard American English during the GMAT

Some keyboards on computers in GMAT test centers may not have an American English layout; however, all computers in GMAT test centers will support American English characters. Only use of standard American English characters are permitted when entering responses or completing essays when taking the GMAT.

Taking breaks during the GMAT

GMAT test takers are permitted two optional scheduled and timed breaks during the GMAT. Scheduled breaks are able to be taken after completing the Analytical Writing Assessment and Quantitative sections of the GMAT. If a GMAT test taker does not return to their computer within the time allotted for a scheduled break, such excess time is deducted from the time permitted to complete the next timed portion of the GMAT. Choosing not to take a scheduled break does not provide in any way the test taker with any additional time to work on other sections of the GMAT. If necessary, GMAT test takers may take unscheduled breaks of any duration during the timed sections of the exam; however, the GMAT exam timer does not stop during such unscheduled breaks. To take any scheduled or unscheduled break, the test taker must notify the administrator by raising one's hand. The administrator will set the workstation computer to break mode. The administrator may also sign the GMAT test taker out of the test room upon taking a break and sign the GMAT test taker back into the test room upon returning from the break. When taking a break, if necessary, the GMAT test taker may access medication or other personal items stored in the designated secure area; however, access of cell phones and any other communication or electronic devices, study notes and guides and other such personal materials are prohibited.

Completion of the GMAT

Upon completing the GMAT, the GMAT test taker should raise one's hand, at which time the test center administrator will check the workstation computer to make sure that the GMAT exam has properly ended.

Test score upon completing the GMAT

The test score received by the GMAT test taker is displayed on the workstation computer screen upon completion of the GMAT. Test centers generally provide a printed GMAT score report after the test taker has returned the noteboard booklet.

Disclosure of GMAT exam questions or answers

GMAT test takers are prohibited from recording, copying or disclosing any GMAT exam question or answer.