Gmat Online Exam Vs. Gmat Test-center Exam

The GMAT Online exam is a remote proctored version of the Official GMAT Test-Center based exam. The GMAT Online exam can be taken from home on a Windows or Mac PC. In addition, GMAT Online exam appointments can be scheduled around the clock. In early November 2020, GMAC formally announced they have extended GMAT Online exam appointment bookings through to February 2021. Further GMAT Online exam appointments will continue to be added throughout 2021 on a rolling basis.

Although these two different exam environments (Online vs. In-Person) are similar in some respects (i.e. Exam Cost = US$250, Score Scale = 200-800, Score Validity = 5 years), there are also a number of key differences that could materially affect which exam format an individual student prefers to take. We have outlined the Top 10 differences between these two available GMAT exam formats below:

Exam Feature

GMAT Online Exam

GMAT Test-Center Exam

1.

Exam Location

Online @ Home
No Commute!

In-person @ Test Center
Must travel to Test Center
(+ wear a mask during exam)

2.

Number
of Sections

3 (Math, Verbal, IR)*
*Excludes AWA Essays (0)

4 (Math, Verbal, IR, AWA)
*Includes AWA Essays (2)

3.

Section Order

Fixed
1. Math
2. Verbal
3. IR

Variable
1. Math First
2. Verbal First
3. IR/AWA First

4.

Test Duration

~2 hours
(30 minutes shorter)

~3 hours
(30 minutes longer)

5.

Material Provided

Online or Physical
Whiteboard Option

Erasable Scratchpad
(with marker provided)

6.

Breaks Allowed

One optional break (5 min)

Two breaks (8 mins each)

7.

Score Cancellations

Not Allowed

Allowed

8.

Rescheduling

Cancellations

US$25 Rescheduling Fee
US$100 Cancellation Fee
(up to 24hrs before exam)

None.
Temporarily Waived
(due to COVID-19)

9.

# of Score Reports

Unlimited Score Reports
(+ no additional fees)

5 Schools for Free
+ US$35 per additional school

10.

# of Exam Attempts

Maximum of Two (2)*
*Must wait a minimum of 16 days between exam sittings

Five (within 12 months)*
Eight (Lifetime)*
* includes any Online Exams

Pros Cons

Given that there are a variety of advantages and disadvantages to each GMAT exam format, a common question students ask is which exam format is the right one for me to take? The answer to this question is that it partially depends on your personal comfort level (as neither exam format is inherently better nor worse than the other). However

Verdict?

From the perspective of an experienced GMAT Instructor / Tutor, my professional recommendation would normally be to suggest students consider writing the GMAT Online exam over the in-person exam format. Here are five (5) key reasons why:

Reason

Additional Comments

1.

Less Time

It s 30 minutes shorter than the test-center GMAT exam (no AWA).
This means it s less a test of endurance than the in-person exam is.

2.

Less Content

No essays to write. Therefore, less overall study time required.

3.

Less Stress

No commute. Can take it from a comfortable spot at home.

4.

Lower Cost

Complimentary score reports can be sent to an unlimited # of schools.

5.

No Mask

This should result in a more comfortable test taking experience.

Author: David is an expert full-time GMAT Private Tutor based in central London.
He is available for both in-person and/or online GMAT Tutoring through Tutorhunt.