Planning for the Online Exam

Use this pre-test checklist prior taking the GMAT exam online:

1. Confirm your appointment date, time, and time zone in your email confirmation and on your mba.com My Account.
2. Review the GMAT™ Online Policies and Procedures on the Exam Policies page to understand test policies and avoid violations which may result in your score being canceled.
3. Download and install the secure browser, run the system check, and make sure your computer meets ALL the technical requirements listed below.
4. If using a physical whiteboard, ensure you have one that meets the size specifications.
5. Prepare your testing area, including removing all prohibited items, ensuring you can plug into a power source, and having a stable, wired internet connection (if possible).
6. Have your valid photo ID on hand; double check that your ID complies with your local ID requirements (and that your name exactly matches the name on your GMAT registration.)
7. Please ensure you arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment time to allow enough time for the check-in process.
8. Relax and make sure you are well rested before your appointment!

You can also download our GMAT Exam Online Pretest Checklist here.

View our ID Requirements page.

Complete all the steps below on the computer you plan to use for the GMAT exam online before exam day to help ensure that your computer is compatible, and you have a smooth testing experience.

1. Download and install the secure browser: Windows | MacOS (for appointments before December 7, 2024 | MacOS (for appointments after December 7, 2024)

The zip file downloaded will include both the secure browser file as well as installation instructions. If you have any issues with installation, please contact gmachssupport@excelindia.com.

2. Run the system check

The system check will automatically test that your computer has a functioning webcam and microphone and that your operating system, browser, and internet connection meet the minimum requirements.

3. Confirm that your computer meets ALL the technical requirements for the online exam:

NOTE: You may not use any external, connected devices such as monitors extended keyboards, writing tablets, a touchscreen stylus, or any other similar on-screen writing devices.

When taking your GMAT exam online, you can choose to use a physical whiteboard, an online whiteboard, or both for scratch work and note taking. As you prepare for your exam, determine which option or combination works best for your test taking strategy.

Physical Whiteboard

If you plan on testing with a physical whiteboard, you will need to procure one before your appointment so plan to schedule your exam appointment to allow for enough time to get your whiteboard (whether in a store or via shipping).

During your exam, you will be asked to completely erase your whiteboard and show the front and back of your blank whiteboard to the camera at three points:

1. Before the exam begins
2. Before the optional break begins (if you choose to take the break)
3. Before the exam ends

Whiteboard Requirements:

• 1 erasable whiteboard no larger than 12 inches x 20 inches (30 centimeters x 50 centimeters)
• Up to 2 dry erase markers
• 1 dry erase whiteboard eraser

(physical whiteboard example)

The following items are NOT allowed*:

• Whiteboards with grids or other markings
• Whiteboards with background colors
• Paper
• Pen / Pencil
• Permanent Marker
• Tissues, Paper Towels, Napkins
• Whiteboard Spray
• Paper in a clear slide
• Boogie Boards
• Chalkboards
• Writing Tablets 

*These are some examples of prohibited items, not a comprehensive list.

Online Whiteboard

During your exam you will have access to an online whiteboard that can be opened and closed using the whiteboard icon  in the exam navigation bar at the top of your screen. With the online whiteboard you will have an almost endless canvas to work on, so there is no need to erase your work as you move through your exam.

The online whiteboard is in all six GMAT Official Practice Exams, where you have the opportunity to practice with it in a simulated, timed environment.

Please Note: If you have a touchscreen laptop, you may not use a stylus, your finger, or other writing apparatus to write on the whiteboard. The online whiteboard cannot be used with a connected writing tablet or pad, nor can you use dual monitors for taking the exam and accessing the whiteboard.

• Please ensure that your desktop is clean and clear of all prohibited items noted below (water in a clear container is allowed).
• If you plan to use a physical whiteboard, have it, your dry erase marker(s), and eraser ready.
• Additional monitors and computers must be unplugged and turned off. items on the wall with writing on them, such as whiteboards, will be inspected.
• Make sure your desk or table is in a location where you can plug your computer/laptop into a power source.
• Plan to have a wired Internet connection.
• Cover glass walls, glass doors, and windows prior to your exam.

Permitted Comfort Items
All items are subject to visual inspection by the Test Administrator.

Medicine & Medical Devices

• Auto-Injector, such as EpiPen
• Bandages
• Braces - neck, back, wrist, leg or ankle braces 
• Casts - including slings for broken/sprained arms and other injury-related items that cannot be removed
• Cough Drops - must be unwrapped and not in a bottle/container
• Eye Drops
• Eye Patches
• Eyeglasses, without the case, including tinted lenses
• Glucose Tablets (does not include hard candy) - must be unwrapped and not in a bottle/container
• Hearing aids/Cochlear implant
• Inhaler
• Medical Alert Bracelet
• Medical device – Must be attached to a person’s body
  • Continuous Glucose Monitor
  • Insulin Pump 
  • Spinal Cord Stimulator 
  • TENS Unit
• Medical Foot Stool
• Nasal Drops/Spray
• Oxygen Tank
• Pills - must be unwrapped and not in a bottle/container, unless packaging states they MUST remain in the packaging, such as nitro glycerin pills that cannot be exposed to air. Packaging must be properly inspected.

Mobility Devices

• Canes
• Crutches
• Motorized Scooters/Chairs
• Walkers
• Wheelchairs 

Prohibited Items
During the exam, you may not access the following personal items: mobile phones, headphones or headsets (wired or Bluetooth), handheld computers or other electronic devices, pagers, watches, wallets, purses, hats (or other head coverings), bags, coats, books, notes, or any other materials not specifically approved. Also, you may not use unapproved physical writing materials such as paper, pen, pencils, chalkboards, or other prohibited writing tablets. All items and devices must be placed out of sight/reach while you take the exam and may not be accessed during the break. Eating, smoking, and chewing gum are also prohibited.

Security at Check-In
As part of the exam check-in process, you will be required to answer the security questions you set up at registration, and type in your first  name and last name. The online proctor will then verify your ID, which must match the ID photo that you uploaded during your exam registration. The name on your ID must also match the name provided at registration. The proctor will conduct a 360-degree scan of the desk, workspace, and surrounding area by having you use your webcam. The proctor will:

• Confirm all external monitors and other devices are unplugged
• Confirm no items or objects are within reach of you
• Confirm no food or drink is in the vicinity, other than water in a clear container
• Inspect items on the wall

After the webcam inspection, the proctor will check that no other applications are running on your computer before launching the exam.

Security During the Exam
The exam is administered in a secure, locked-down browser – once the proctor launches your exam, all applications other than the test taking software will be shut down and disabled. You will be required to agree and adhere to the GMAT™ Online Exam Test Taker Rules before starting the exam. During the exam, you will be monitored via webcam and microphone by the proctor and the entire session will be recorded. 

If you choose to use a physical whiteboard during your exam, you will be asked to completely erase your whiteboard and show the front and back of your blank whiteboard to the camera at three points:

• Before the exam begins
• Before the optional break begins (if you choose to take the break)
• Before the exam ends

Follow the instructions on the screen to show your blank whiteboard to the camera. 

If any prohibited behavior is detected, the exam may be terminated immediately.

GMAC cares about our test takers, and we want to encourage all individuals interested in pursuing a graduate degree in business to not engage with or fall victim to bad actors. Often, services and individuals purporting to help candidates attain high scores through improper means are scams that cheat and extort candidates out of their money. We encourage test takers to notify us of any security concerns or suspicions of cheating at testsecurity@gmac.com.

• You must wait until you see the specific scheduled break message during your exam to commence your break.
• If you elect to skip the break, your exam will automatically start in 60 seconds.
• During your break, you may leave your desk to use the restroom, but you must leave your camera running.
• You may not access your phone, or any other devices or prohibited materials during break. You may NOT alter settings at your desk/workstation.
• If using a physical whiteboard, you must leave your whiteboard at your desk/workstation while on break.
• If you do not return from your break in the allotted time, the extra time spent on your break will be deducted from the next section of your exam.