Table of Contents
- 1. I’m taking the GMAT. Should I take the GMAT online or offline?
- 2. Rescheduling and cancellation cost
- 3. Final thoughts
I’m taking the GMAT Focus. Should I take the GMAT online or offline?
Good news! Test quality is similar if you take the test online or at one of the many GMAT test centers.
Before 2021, the GMAT structure was different online with break deviations and question formatting, but as of April 9th, 2021, they are precisely the same.
Check out the 700+ Club’s comparison chart to see what testing style would suit you best.
| GMAT Testing Features | GMAT Online | GMAT Test Centers |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | 2 hours, 15 minutes | 2 hours, 15 minutes |
| Structure | 3 sections (64 questions), completed in the order of your choosing: Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, Data Insights | 3 sections (64 questions), completed in the order of your choosing: Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, Data Insights |
| Appointment Availability | 7 days a week, around the clock | 7 days a week during test center operating hours |
| Reschedule Cost | See Rescheduling below | See Rescheduling below |
| Cancellation Cost | See Cancellation below | See Cancellation below |
| Score Validity | Scores are valid for 5 years | Scores are valid for 5 years |
| Sending Scores | Send to 5 schools for free; additional reports are available for a fee | Send to 5 schools for free; additional reports are available for a fee |
| Scatch Work | A physical whiteboard, dry erase marker, and eraser are permitted, and access to an online whiteboard is provided | 5 laminated pages and 2 dry erase markers are provided |
| Exam Attempts | 5 in a 12-month rolling period (8 lifetime attempts) | 5 in a 12-month rolling period (8 lifetime attempts) |
Rescheduling and cancellation cost
In order to reschedule your exam, you must reference the GMAT online database for unique pricing and location-specific costs. Check out the database here!
Final thoughts
If your closest GMAT testing center is miles away, opt for an online test to get it done from your home. You’ll have to be early for the exam for the proctor to test your surroundings, and you can’t be distracted. The second you leave the screen of your computer, your test is considered finished. Keep this in mind when you’re taking the GMAT online.
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