The Educational Testing Service (ETS), the organization that manages the GRE, has taken a major step in March, offering students in multiple countries across the world that have been affected by the coronavirus pandemic an option to take the test in the comfort of their home.
GRE General Test home option is available, as of March 23, in the United States, Canada, Colombia, France ,Germany, Italy, Spain, Hong Kong, and Macau. It can be taken on a Windows-based desktop or laptop computer (not a tablet or mobile device). A web camera, a microphone and a set of speaker are required (headphones or earphones are not allowed).
The test experience is very similar to the regular GRE. There are six sections with a 10-minute break between the 3rd and 4th section. You can leave the room during the 10-minute break. During the test, however, you are not allowed to have any food or drink on the desk.
An online service called ProctorU® will be providing a human proctor who will be observing the candidate throughout the test using the web camera. Prepare to have to show the entire room and the desk on which you will work to the proctor using the camera.
The test report will be available 10-15 days after the test.
More information about the registration and the technical requirements can be found on the ETS website.
Following the suit, the GMAC announced that it would develop a take-at-home version of the GMAT. It is targeting mid-April launch. The GMAC spokesperson also indicated that the cost of the exam may be reduced, making it closer to the cost of the GRE.
Students worldwide are excited and understandably anxious about the changes.
