Steps to Take Before You Begin Your GMAT™ Online Exam
Before you begin your GMAT™ online exam, make sure you have prepared your test-taking environment to comply with the policies and procedures. Keep track of your list of things to do before the test to help ensure a smooth experience by downloading our GMAT™ online exam pretest checklist.
Take the time to run a system test prior to the exam day to ensure you are able to take the exam on your computer.
Run a system test
- During the check-in process, you will be asked to perform a 360 degree room/work area scan using your webcam, which will be monitored by the proctor. The proctor may ask you to remove items in the room and re-check the room.
- Please ensure that your desktop is clean and that you are not within arm’s reach of books, notepads, sticky notes, papers, pens, or pencils. 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.
- Please ensure you arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment time to allow enough time for the check-in process.
If your workspace does not pass a room scan, you will not be permitted to proceed with taking the exam.
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.
Whiteboard Usage During the Exam
To assist you with the ability to do scratch work and/or take notes, you have the option and flexibility to use wither the built-in online whiteboard, which you can access throughout the exam and/or a physical erasable whiteboard, a dry erase marker, and an eraser.
Physical Whiteboard
If you are planning to use a physical whiteboard, we recommend you review all the requirements and guidelines for using a physical whiteboard in advance of your exam. 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
Online Whiteboard
If you are planning to use the online whiteboard, we recommend you practice using our online whiteboard practice tool as well as the online whiteboard feature available in our GMAT™ Official Practice Exams to familiarize yourself with how the online whiteboard works and get comfortable using it for scratch work.
Eating, Drinking and Breaks During the Exam
Water in a clear container is allowed during testing; however, eating, smoking, and chewing gum are prohibited.
Your exam includes two optional 8-minute breaks, same as the test center exam.
- Wait until you see the specific scheduled break message during your exam.
- If you elect to skip the break, your break will automatically start in 60 seconds.
- You must return from your break on time. If you are late, time will be deducted from the next section of your exam.
During your break, you may leave your desk to use the restroom. If you leave your computer during your exam at a time other than your scheduled break, the proctor will end your session and you will be unable to continue testing.
No phones. No devices. No altering settings on your workstation. If using a physical whiteboard, you must leave your whiteboard at your workstation while on break.
You can only move off camera during your break, so be sure to have a power cord plugged in if you are taking the exam on a laptop.