1. What is the GMAT Online?
The GMAT Online exam is an online and remote proctored solution developed to support candidates and schools during the disruption to test center-based delivery during the COVID-19 pandemic. It is a temporary alternative solution.
2. Who should take the GMAT Online?
While open to all test-takers, the GMAT Online is intended to support candidates working to meet upcoming business school application deadlines. It is important to note that the current window ends on June 15, 2020 which coincides with late application deadlines in the U.S. In other words, only applicants looking at starting their MBA or Master’s in Fall 2020 should really consider this alternative.
3. What is the structure of the GMAT Online?
The GMAT Online includes the Quantitative, Verbal and Integrated Reasoning sections and only omits the AWA section. Each section will contain the same number of questions and time per section as the in-person GMAT. The Section Order for the GMAT online is fixed and you will start with the Quantitative Reasoning section, followed by the Verbal Reasoning section, an optional 5-minute break and the Integrated Reasoning section to end your exam.
- Quantitative Reasoning: 31 questions, 62 minutes
- Verbal Reasoning: 36 questions, 65 minutes
- Optional 5-minute break
- Integrated Reasoning: 12 questions, 30 minutes
4. How long is the GMAT Online?
The total exam time is close to 3 hours with 2 hours 45 minutes for the exam and around 15 minutes to check into the online proctored system.
5. What are the system requirements?
The GMAT Online exam can be taken on both Windows and Mac personal computers and laptops. Please note that using a work computer is highly discouraged as internal security may block the OnVUE software. You can review the configuration and administrator specifications sheet here (page 4 summarizes most of the required specs). It is highly recommended to take your GMAT Online on a wired network as opposed to a wireless network and tethering to a mobile hotspot is prohibited.
6. What should you do before starting your test?
The day before, make sure to do a System Test to ensure that you are able to take the test on your computer. Spend time to clean your desktop/workstation (we recommend removing all books, notepads, sticky notes, papers, pens, pencils, calculators and keeping only your computer and mouse on it). Additional monitors and computers must be unplugged and turned off.
Log in to the system ahead of your exam starting time and be prepared to take photos of your work area which will be checked by a human proctor.
7. Personal items and security?
You cannot 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 exam-specific materials or scratch paper, or any other physical writing object, such as a pen, and pencil.
8. Online Whiteboard or Physical Whiteboard?
You can access an online whiteboard during each section of the exam by clicking the icon that says “Whiteboard” at the top of your screen. But there is a catch: you will need to use your mouse to write and this is not an easy task. We strongly advise not to use this option but if you were make sure that you practice 7 to 10 hours on the Manhattan GMAT Online Whiteboard before attempting your online GMAT.
Instead, we strongly encourage you to purchase a physical whiteboard (now allowed) with the exact requirements as below:
- 1 erasable whiteboard no larger than 12 inches x 20 inches (30cm x 50cm)
- Up to 2 dry erase markers
- 1 dry erase whiteboard eraser
Please note that both whiteboards with grids or other markings and whiteboards with background colors are forbidden.
9. Can you drink or eat during the exam?
Security of testing environment has always been the GMAC’s number one priority. Water in a clear glass is allowed during testing. However, eating, smoking, and chewing gum are prohibited. Your exam includes one optional 5-minute break (after more than 2 hours of testing). Wait until you see the specific scheduled break message during your exam. At that time, 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. 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.
