Last Updated: May 18, 2009
Why is GMAC® developing the Next Generation GMAT® after 50 years of using the same test?
Significant advances in technology and measurement have given us new techniques, methodologies, and applications for measuring skills now in the exam—as well as new skills. At the same time, the business marketplace and business schools and students have changed considerably over the past few years, and that change will continue. The pool of test takers, for example, is more international, younger (with more undergraduates), and more diverse in culture and gender.
As a result, we have decided that the time is right for an innovative approach to the GMAT exam, one that builds on its solid foundation.
Will there be any changes in the current GMAT while the next generation exam is being developed?
The GMAT will continue to undergo review and improvements until and after the Next Generation GMAT exam is launched.
For more than 50 years, the GMAT exam has built a strong reputation as a quality, reliable, and valid assessment, recognized for its commitment to continuous improvement. Some of that improvement has been visible, such as the addition of the Analytical Writing Assessment and converting from a paper-and-pencil test to a computer adaptive test. Among other enhancements are improved test security and a more rigorous question-development process, as well as the implementation of stringent procedures to ensure bias-free questions.
When will we see the Next Generation GMAT?
The Next Generation GMAT is expected to launch in 2013. The process we are following is detailed and rigorous, reflecting our strong commitment to quality and to ensuring that we continue to provide valuable information to help schools admit the best students for their programmes. We also aim to help students best display their relevant talents to schools.
Will there be a new score scale? And will it be possible to compare that scale easily with the current GMAT? If not, why not?
Since we are early in the process, we don’t know yet if there will be a new score scale and if so, what it would look like. We will pay careful attention to providing schools with meaningful information during the transition from receiving existing GMAT scores to receiving Next Generation GMAT scores.
The structured development and roll-out process allows for incorporation of new content and new question types, but we cannot quantify the differences with the current GMAT until these skills, question types, and the score scale have been finalized. Consequently, we will need to field-test the Next Generation GMAT before we can determine how schools can compare old GMAT scores with the Next Generation GMAT scores.
How much will the new test cost?
It is too soon in the process to determine pricing for the test in 2013. GMAC strives to keep the price stable—we have not increased the price of the test since early 2005. We will continue to reinvest test proceeds into graduate management education in the form of research, professional development, and other related services.
Will the GMAT be available in more centres?
In line with our commitment to continuous improvement, we will continue to enhance access to the GMAT exam. We will monitor changes in demand for testing and distances traveled to take the test, as well as innovations incorporated within the Next Generation GMAT to determine how we might improve the availability of the GMAT exam to test takers without compromising test security.
What are the main changes in management education that may drive new test content?
As the business marketplace and the needs and interests of students have changed, so has graduate management education. More specialized master’s programmes and more variations on the traditional MBA are available worldwide. Schools have revised and continue to review their curricula to better match the needs of employers and an increasingly diverse range of students with different ambitions, backgrounds, and learning styles.
What about non-cognitive skills?
Non-cognitive skills have not traditionally been a part of the GMAT academic test. An advisory group of GMAC members has indicated a desire to evaluate such skills (including leadership and team-building skills, amongst others). We will continue our exploration into assessing this important and complicated set of skills. However, at this time, it is too soon to tell what form such an assessment will take.
Will the test be available in other languages?
A broad range of international faculty is involved in evaluating the skills to be measured on the Next Generation GMAT. Decisions about making the test available in other languages will be made after the evaluation process has been completed.
As the test changes, how will security be affected?
Test security will continue to be a high priority. Our goal will always be to provide schools with the confidence that the individual they admit into their programme is the same individual who took the GMAT test and that the GMAT score is an accurate reflection of his or her ability.
In the meantime, we continue to look for opportunities to enhance the security and integrity of the current GMAT test.
How will these changes make the GMAT similar to or different from other admissions tests?
The GMAT has been, is, and always will be a test designed specifically for business schools, by business schools, to help with admission decisions for graduate management programmes. Unlike any other admission test, the GMAT is used resoundingly by leading business schools around the globe. Faculty and admissions professionals from these schools play a key role in deciding the content on the test and the information that is provided on score reports. Any change to the GMAT will enhance the value of information we provide to business schools about a candidate’s academic abilities.