GMAT™ Exam

Frequently Asked Questions about the GMAT™ exam.

If the answer to your question does not appear here, please don't hesitate to contact us.

How can my school begin to receive GMAT scores?

To request access to GMAT scores, you must be a degree-granting institution that offers graduate-level programs in business and management. Your institution must be accredited to grant degrees. In addition, your program must agree to use the GMAT exam as an admission criterion.

You can also apply to receive GMAT scores if you are an approved organization that provides scholarships, fellowships, or other types of aid in the areas of graduate business and management education.

If you meet the above criteria, contact the GMAT program department at gmatprogram@gmac.com or at the mailing address below to request an application:

Graduate Management Admission Council
ATTN: GMAT School Coordinator
PO Box 2969
Reston, VA 20195
United States

How do I get GMAT scores online?

Once a candidate has selected your program to receive GMAT scores, you should receive them within three weeks of the candidate's sitting for the GMAT exam. Official GMAT scores are available electronically or by mail. Our free electronic score-reporting system lets you access available GMAT score reports at your convenience: for a day, a week, or a month—you can even search by individual. 

Students may also send their scores to programs up to five years after sitting for the exam. 

If you would like to start receiving your scores online, please contact gmatprogram@gmac.com.

Why should my school accept GMAT scores?

The GMAT exam was designed by business schools to measure the skills shown to help graduate business students succeed in the challenging curriculum. A computer-adaptive exam that assesses Verbal, Quantitative, and Analytical Writing skills developed over time, the GMAT exam is a valid and reliable predictor of success in graduate business school. 

Applicants come from different countries, cultures, academic backgrounds, and levels of work experience. Using the GMAT exam gives admissions professionals a consistent, objective measure of skills above all these application variables. The GMAT exam is given under standard conditions around the world, with the highest level of security, to ensure that scores are comparable across applicants. 

Studies continue to show that only one factor predicts success in graduate business school better than the GMAT exam: combining the GMAT exam with undergraduate GPA.

How do I interpret GMAT scores?

When you receive Official GMAT Score Reports you will view four scores: 

  • Verbal - scores range from 0 to 60 
  • Quantitative - scores range from 0 to 60 
  • Integrated Reasoning - scores range from 1 to 8
  • Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) - scores range from 0 to 6 in half point intervals 
  • Total - scores range from 200 to 800 

Official GMAT Score Reports show scores for all exams taken in the past 5 years. 

In addition if you have chosen to receive Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) essays you will have access to the essays from the candidate's most recent testing experience. 

GMAT percentile rankings are updated annually and reflect test taker performance for the past 3 years. As a result percentile rankings may change each year. 

To learn more about how to interpret the Official GMAT Score Report please visit Understanding GMAT Scores.

How difficult is it for applicants to schedule an appointment for the GMAT exam?

GMAT appointments are generally available six days a week in 110 countries around the world. Local testing centers set their own hours to meet local and regional needs. 

If you are working with an applicant that is unable to schedule an appointment please contact us at gmatcustomerservice@gmac.com.

To find out more, please visit mba.com to Find a Test Center.

What does the test taker experience on test day?

The GMAT exam is delivered via computer in a quiet environment at an individualized workstation. The exam is completed in approximately 4 hours with two optional breaks available. 

The GMAT exam is administered under strict supervision and security measures. Test takers are informed of the security measures prior to arriving at the testing center. Personal property is stored securely while they sit for the exam. 

Cost: US$250.00