- What are the workspace requirements to take the online exam?
- What does the System Test check for?
- How do I prepare for the exam? Does it require any special prep materials?
- What are the requirements for the physical whiteboard?
- What are the rules and policies for using a physical whiteboard?
- Can I still use the online whiteboard?
- How does the online whiteboard work?
- Can I practice using the online whiteboard with GMAT Official Practice Exams?
- Where can I get a physical erasable whiteboard?
What are the workspace requirements to take the online exam?
You can test at home, in your office, or in any other quiet, private space. Wherever you test, you should be in a walled room, with a closed door and without distractions. No one else is permitted in the room with you while you are testing.
Please review the workspace requirements and the system requirements.
What does the System Test check for?
The system test process is a helpful tool to verify that the microphone is working, there is an acceptable internet connection, and the webcam can stream video. Please note, this quick system test does not verify that your computer and internet connection meet the requirements documented in the system requirements. It is important to review the system requirements to help ensure successful exam delivery.How do I prepare for the exam? Does it require any special prep materials?
If you have been preparing to take the GMAT exam in person you can feel confident in continuing your online practice with the GMAT Official Practice materials, as that preparation is fully relevant to the online, proctored experience.
We also highly recommend you practice using our online whiteboard practice tool to familiarize yourself with how the online whiteboard works and get comfortable using it for scratch work.
What are the requirements for the physical whiteboard?
You will be allowed the option to use 1 erasable whiteboard that is no larger than 12 inches x 20 inches (30 cm x 50 cm), up to 2 dry erase markers, and 1 dry erase whiteboard eraser during your exam session.
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 cleaning spray
• Paper in a clear slide
• Boogie Boards
• Chalkboards
• Writing Tablets
*These are some examples of prohibited items, not a comprehensive list
What are the rules and policies for using a physical whiteboard?
During check-in, the proctor will scan your workstation and work area / environment. If your physical whiteboard is too large your proctor will ask you to remove it from the work area
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(s) 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. Note that the showing of your blank whiteboard to the camera will be recorded on video and will be reviewed by exam and test security administrators if needed.
Can I still use the online whiteboard?
Yes, the online whiteboard feature will still be available – you have the option and the flexibility to use either the online whiteboard, or a physical whiteboard, or both, while taking your exam.
How does the online whiteboard work?
During your GMAT™ online exam you will have access to an online whiteboard to work through equations, use for scratch work, and take notes on. Unlike a physical whiteboard you will have almost an endless canvass to work on, so there is no need to erase your work as you move through your exam. You will be able to access an online whiteboard during each section of the exam by clicking the Whiteboard icon at the top of your screen. With the online whiteboard you will be able to:
• Write out equations or text or use it for scratch work
• Enter text via the text box
• Draw shapes and lines
• Pan across the whiteboard, and zoom in and out, to use different areas to do your work on the same whiteboard screen
• Erase or clear to start something new – remember your work will be accessible in every section during your entire exam
• Resize or move the whiteboard around your screen
Learn more about how the online whiteboard works, or practice using the online whiteboard.
Can I practice using the online whiteboard with GMAT Official Practice Exams?
Yes, you can practice using the online whiteboard with any of the six GMAT Official Practice Exams or any of the official Practice Question sets.
Any scratch work that is done on the online whiteboard during a practice exam or practice question session will not be saved. As soon as an exam is completed the online whiteboard is reset for the next practice exam or practice question set.
There are minor cosmetic differences to account for the different platforms, including the background colors and some restrictions in the ability to resize horizontally in the version in the practice exams.
Where can I get a physical erasable whiteboard?
You can purchase a physical erasable whiteboard that meets the required specifications, an erasable marker, and a whiteboard eraser from any online or in-person retailers accessible to you. Please be mindful of shipping times.