GMAT PRACTICAL INFO

When you start planning to register and schedule your exam, there are certain practicalities that you should keep in mind.

Booking your exam can only be done through mba.com

This is the official website of the Graduate Management Admission Council, the association that administers the GMAT. When you register for the exam, the website will provide you with a list of all test centers located in your vicinity. Taking the exam online is sometimes also possible. You can find up-to-date information, as well as answers to any questions you may have on mba.com, so make sure to check it out.

You can take the GMAT once every 16 calendar days

This means that if you have to resit the exam, there must be at least 16 days between the two exams. If you have an upcoming application deadline and want to leave room for a possible resit, you should take this 16-day gap into account when you plan your GMAT appointments.

Another point to consider regarding your time plan is the moment you receive your score. Directly after taking the test, you are given your unofficial score. You’ll receive your official GMAT score report within 20 business days.

These two scores are the same, but the latter is the official document stating that you have achieved that score. Most universities allow you to apply with your unofficial score, and you can send the official documentation later on in the application process. However, we recommend you to check with the program you plan to apply to, as there are institutions that demand an official score at the moment of application. If this is the case, make sure you take the 20 business days it could take to receive your official score into account.

In general, your GMAT test score is valid for 5 years

However, certain universities or programs might have different requirements with regard to the validity of your score, so we recommend you to check with the program you plan to apply for. There is a limit to the number of times you can take the GMAT.

You can take the exam no more than 5 times within a 12-month period, and no more than 8 times in total. Please be aware that taking the GMAT costs 250 euros per test. This means that if you have to retake the test, you have to pay that same fee again. To prevent double or even triple expenses, make sure that you are thoroughly prepared for the GMAT before actually scheduling your exam.

Check these requirements regularly

These are the most important practicalities you should consider when planning to take the GMAT. We advise you to check these requirements regularly, especially when your time plan from preparation to application is tight. This way, you can stay on schedule without any hiccups.

If you would like more information about the GMAT, we encourage you to attend our free introduction session. Here we discuss in depth all the topics that are important when preparing for the GMAT.