How To Register for the GMAT
The GMAT is widely used by graduate business schools as a part of their application process. Whether you plan to take the GMAT online or at a test center, you should start by registering for your exam.
If you're going to take the GMAT exam, stay with us. In this post, we're covering everything you need to know about GMAT registration and even more. How to register for the GMAT? What are the GMAT registration fees? Do you have to pay to reschedule your GMAT? How to register for the GMAT if you have a disability? Let's find out the answers.
Outline of this article
- When can you register for the GMAT?
- Where to register for the GMAT exam?
- About the GMAT registration process
- Information you will need when registering for the GMAT
- Common Mistakes while Registering for the GMAT
- GMAT exam registration fee
- GMAT registration process for the differently-abled
- FAQ
When can you register for the GMAT?
You can register for GMAT as early as six months before your intended test date but no later than 24 hours before the exam. There is usually plenty of availability of slots to schedule the online exams. However, many test-takers have noticed that test centers often book out months in advance. Once you are about 6 weeks out, and if you want to take the test in person at a test center, start checking availability. It does not pay to book your exam early as the change fees are quite steep so ideally you want to book your exam only once (more on that below).
When choosing your date, it's essential to take into account several factors, such as your business school application deadlines (your score report can take up to 5 business days to be ready, though the secret is that while you need to take the test before the application deadline; the score can be reported at a later date), your admission exam date, the time you need for GMAT preparation, and the possibility of retaking your test.
Speaking of retakes, keep in mind that you must wait at least 16 days between each GMAT attempt, and you can take the GMAT up to five times within a rolling 12-month period.
Where to register for the GMAT exam?
You can register for the GMAT test online on the official mba.com website. First, create your mba.com account, and then proceed to fill in the GMAT registration form.
About the GMAT registration process
The GMAT registration process is designed to be user-friendly and won't take long. Here are some steps to help you complete your GMAT registration:
- Start with deciding on the version of the GMAT exam you want to take — online or at a test center.
- Sign in to your mba.com account.
- Go to the GMAT registration form.
- Enter the required personal and account details.
- Verify your profile by carefully checking your personal details — these should match your identification.
- Select your test center. If you're going to make an exam appointment at a test center, you'll want to enter your location and choose up to three centers from the list provided by the system. There are 600+ GMAT test centers across the globe.
- Schedule your GMAT exam. After picking your test centers, the system will direct you to the GMAT appointment scheduling form. You'll be asked to enter your preferred GMAT date to see which appointments are available at your closest test centers.
- After selecting your test day and time, the system will take you to the confirmation page, where you'll see your GMAT registration fee. You can pay now or later. However, bear in mind that if you choose to pay now, you'll have only 15 minutes to complete your GMAT registration.
- Once your GMAT exam registration is completed, you'll receive a confirmation email with important details about your test appointment.
Information you will need when registering for the GMAT
When registering for GMAT, you'll be required to fill in a lot of information, so make sure you have it all at hand. Here's a GMAT registration checklist to help you:
- Title (Mr., Ms., Mrs., Dr.)
- First name
- Middle name(s)
- Last name
- Suffix (Jr., Sr., II, III, IV)
- E-mail address
- Country
- Address
- Primary telephone number
- Mobile telephone number
- Correspondence language
- Date of birth
- Gender
- Country of citizenship
- First/second/third language
- The highest level of education attained
- Date of receiving your undergraduate or first university degree
- Date of your undergraduate or first university graduation
- Your undergraduate major
- Your secondary field of study
- Your grade point average (GPA) in your undergraduate or first university degree
- Your work experience: full-time years, functions, industry
- Details on your military experience, if any
- Your current/last employer
- Month and year when you're going to start your graduate management program
- Region(s) where you plan to study
- Kind of program you're looking to take part in
Common Mistakes while Registering for the GMAT:
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Mixing up first and last name (common issue for some countries). Make sure you do not rely on auto-fill in your browser -
Not matching your exact name in your government identification. GMAT has very specific identification requirements (there is even a whole document section dedicated that specifies by country of citizenship what identification is required). If you have a middle name or extra names, make sure they match.
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Creating multiple accounts - there is no rule that you are not allowed to have multiple mba.com accounts. However, if you create one with a slightly incorrect name and then create another one with a correct name, GMAC will merge them and usually they will use the older (incorrect name) which will cause trouble. If you have a problem with your account and need to change the name, best approach is to contact mba.com support (allow many days for the process to take place). -
Not bringing the correct Identification to the test center - again, check what identification is required but if you are an American citizen, you can use a California driver’s license as ID. However, if you are an Indian citizen living in California, you be barred from taking the GMAT with a California driver’s license and you will have to use your passport because identification requirements are based on the citizenship and not residency.
GMAT exam registration fee
The GMAT isn't free. The GMAT registration fees vary across different countries, and starts at $275. For the exact exam fee, we recommend checking the prices for your location. This information is freely available at mba.com. You can pay for your GMAT registration by check, money order, or credit card. Here are the fees for some of the most popular GMAT destinations:
The USA
In the USA, the GMAT registration fee is $275 for an in-person test and $300 for the GMAT online exam. The same GMAT registration fee (plus any taxes) applies to Canada, Australia, and most other countries.
The UK
In the UK, you'll have to pay £250 in case of registering for GMAT delivery at a test center and £275 for an online test.
Mexico
You must pay $250 for in-person GMAT exam registration and $275 for an online test in Mexico. The fees are the same in Argentina and Brazil.
Germany
In Germany, the GMAT registration fee for in-person exam delivery is €275. At the same time, you'll have to pay €300 for an online exam. The same fees apply to France, Italy, and other EU countries.
India
In India, you have to pay $275 when registering for GMAT at a test center and $300 when you register for GMAT exam online plus applicable local taxes.
You can send your Official Score Report for up to five MBA admissions for free within a certain period. However, if you want to send your score to more programs or after that specific period, you'll be able to send additional official GMAT reports only for a fee, which is currently $35 for each report in the US.
You'll also have to pay fees if you decide to cancel or reinstate your exam scores, as well as reschedule or cancel your appointment.
GMAT registration process for the differently-abled
The GMAC does everything possible to make its services broadly accessible, providing accommodations for GMAT test takers who meet eligibility criteria. A test-taker with a disability preventing them from doing the exam under standard conditions may request accommodations. Let's explore the major steps of the GMAT registration process for differently-abled individuals:
- Create an account on MBA , but don't proceed with the GMAT test registration until you get an accommodation decision. Remember that changing a standard appointment to an accommodated one is impossible.
- Prepare documents to support your disability type (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Learning and Cognitive Disorders, Physical and Systemic Disabilities, Psychological Disabilities, Sensory Disabilities).
- Go to this page on the official mba.com website and click the Apply for Accommodations button. This will take you to a page where you'll find your accommodation request form and will be able to attach supporting documents.
- After successfully completing your request form, you'll get a confirmation e-mail.
Depending on the disability, test takers are equipped with supporting pillows for the injured back or limbs, eyeglasses, insulin pumps, hearing aids, and neck braces. However, some physical aids must be preapproved, including PC font enlarged to 20 points, trackball mice, wheelchairs, inhalers, diabetic equipment, eye drops, individuals reading questions and recording responses, sign language interpreters, additional time, and extended breaks.
FAQ
How is the GMAT scored?
The GMAT exam measures skills that are most relevant to management and business programs. The Total Score is calculated based on the scores from the Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Data Insights sections of the exam. Each section score contributes equally to the Total Score. Total Scores for the GMAT™ Exam - is range from 205 to 805.
How early do you have to register for the GMAT?
GMAT registration is available six months in advance. However, this makes popular test dates fill up quickly. Therefore, we recommend registering for the GMAT as early as possible to win your preferred test date and location.
How late can I register for a GMAT test?
The GMAT registration deadline is 24 hours before the test, so if you're lucky enough to catch a free slot, theoretically, you can register for your exam today if it takes place tomorrow.
How long does GMAT registration take?
GMAT registration typically takes about 30 minutes. However, it's a good idea to allocate some extra time to review information and ensure accuracy during your GMAT registration process.
Can you register for two GMAT exam dates?
Certainly, you can book two appointments simultaneously. However, please keep in mind that you are allowed to take the GMAT a maximum of five times per year and up to eight times in your lifetime and the 2 appointments have to be at least 16 days apart.
What is the GMAT registration number?
The GMAT registration number is a unique combination of digits identifying your GMAT test.
How do you find your GMAT registration number?
You can find your GMAT registration number on your mba.com account page.
How do I register for a GMAT retake?
You should use your mba.com account to register for the retake. The system has a user-friendly, intuitive interface to ensure a smooth registration experience. However, there are a couple of rules to keep in mind.
You can appear for the GMAT retake no sooner than 16 calendar days after your exam. Also, remember that you can't take the GMAT more than five times in a year. In addition, GMAT retakes may be restricted for violation of the NDA or test center rules, with some bans valid for five years or even a lifetime.
How much does it cost to register for GMAT?
GMAT registration costs differ across different geographies. For example, you must pay $275 for an in-person test and $300 for an online exam in the USA.
How do I check my GMAT registration payment status?
You can check your GMAT registration payment status on your mba.com account page.
Can you register for the GMAT on the test day?
No, it's impossible to schedule the test for the same day. Test takers can book an appointment at least 24 hours before the test and no less than 16 days after their previous GMAT attempt.
What is GMAT Focus Edition?
On 1 February 2024, the GMAT Focus Edition is completely replacing the previous version of the GMAT. The updated GMAT Focus Edition is an exam designed to cater to more candidates since it will consist of three 45-minute sections and no essay.
How early should I start preparing for the GMAT?
There isn't a one-size-fits-all answer to this question since it should primarily depend on your current level. Still, knowing when to start your GMAT prep is crucial for picking the right test date. If you strive to get a high GMAT score, you should start getting ready months in advance. The best advice is to understand your baseline score and start preparing from where you are.
