Palm Vein Recognition Frequently Asked Questions
How does the palm vein recognition system work, and how do I use it?
Palm vein recognition works by scanning the veins inside of your hand and creating a digital template that represents your vein pattern.
To use the system, you hold your hand a few inches above a sensor, which records the pattern of your palm veins on a digital template. Palm vein patterns are unique to each individual—even identical twins have different patterns.
Why does GMAC use the palm vein pattern reader?
GMAC uses palm vein recognition because it offers a form of positive identification that is highly accurate, and less intrusive and more culturally acceptable than some other identity verification technologies, such as digital fingerprinting.
Palm vein recognition allows GMAC to accurately identify people trying to take the test under assumed identities. By preventing impersonators, the technology helps GMAC maintain the test’s integrity and ensure the test is an honest measure of each examinee’s ability.
What can I expect at the testing center, and how will my vein pattern be used?
You will have your palm vein patterns recorded when you arrive at the testing center to enroll for the GMAT exam. Your pattern will be matched when you return to the testing room after a break. Your palm vein patterns will also be compared with those of other test takers to allow Pearson VUE to find people who may have tested under multiple names or identities.
Why is palm vein recognition considered better than fingerprinting?
Several aspects of palm vein recognition make it more reliable and easier to use than fingerprinting. Palm vein patterns are invisible and virtually impossible to forge, making the system highly secure. The digitally encrypted palm vein patterns cannot be read by any other system. The test taker does not touch the palm vein sensor, eliminating the possibility of smudging. The system is also much more accessible for people with some physical disabilities.
How accurate is palm vein recognition?
Fujitsu, makers of the PalmSecure device, tested the system on 140,000 palm vein patterns from 70,000 people and found the false acceptance rate (i.e., the likelihood it recorded one person’s palm as someone else’s) was less than 0.00008 percent. Because the blood veins in your palm stay in the same position as you age and through sickness and injury, their pattern record remains unique to you.
Are there any safety or health concerns caused by the palm vein recognition system?
The pattern reader uses a safe, near-infrared light source, similar to a television remote. You never touch the sensor.
What security measures does GMAC take with my palm vein pattern to ensure my privacy?
Your privacy is protected in several ways. When the reader scans your palm, the information about the vein patterns is stored as a digital template. After you finish taking your exam, the template is sent via encrypted transmission with your test results to Pearson VUE. Your vein pattern template is stored separately from other information about you in the system. Your vein pattern template is not disclosed outside of GMAC and Pearson VUE, except as required to prevent illegal activity and detect fraud. While schools you have selected to receive your GMAT score may elect to receive a copy of your digital photograph with your test score, they do not receive your signature or your palm vein pattern template.
For more information, see the mba.com Privacy Policy.
What if I refuse to provide my palm vein pattern?
If you do not provide your palm vein pattern, you will not be permitted to take the GMAT exam.
What other organizations use palm vein recognition?
Hospitals, libraries, and financial institutions including banks are among other organizations that have successfully launched the new technology. GMAC is the first high-stakes testing organization to use palm vein recognition.
