What to Bring to the GMAT Test Center

When going to a GMAT test center, you really only need to bring two things: a valid, government-issued photo ID whose name matches your registration exactly, and your appointment confirmation. Everything you’ll write with — a laminated notepad and marker — is provided at the center.  

It’s also worth packing a snack, a bottle of water, and a light sweater for your break. These items will be kept in a locker at the testing facility. 

If you’d like a full rundown of the testing experience, see: How to Prepare for GMAT Test Day.

The Two Essentials

A valid photo ID. This is the one item you cannot test without. It must be a current, government-issued ID that includes your photo, signature, name, date of birth, and country. The information must exactly match what you entered when you registered for the GMAT, right down to the spelling and order of your names. Your name needs to appear in the Roman alphabet. 

If you’re testing outside your country of residence, a passport is required and is the only accepted form of identification. Because requirements vary by location, confirm yours ahead of time on mba.com’s test center page.

Your appointment confirmation. Bring the confirmation email or letter you received when you booked your exam, either printed or on your phone. You’ll want this in case there’s any question about your appointment.

What the Test Center Provides

You don’t need to bring anything to write with. The center provides you a laminated notepad and a dry-erase marker when you check in. You cannot bring your own scratch paper or pens into the testing room anyway, so leave them at home.

One small tip: When the proctor hands you the marker, test it before the exam starts. It’s much better to swap out a dried-up marker when you check in than to discover the problem once the clock is running. 

Pack These for Your Break

The GMAT includes one optional 10-minute break, and a few comfort items can help you make the most of it: 

• A quick, filling snack, such as a protein bar, banana, or trail mix.
• A bottle of water. Just don’t overdo the liquids, since your break is also your only opportunity to use the restroom.
• A light sweater or extra layer, since testing rooms can run cold or warm.

Keep in mind that all of these items must stay in your locker. You cannot bring food, drinks, or outerwear into the testing room itself, and you can access your locker only during the scheduled break. 

The one exception is if an item has been pre-approved through GMAC’s accommodations process, which you can read about in GMAT Testing Accommodations: What You Need to Know.

What to Leave at Home

Test centers are strict about what can be brought into the testing room, and lockers are small, so bring only what you need. Leave the following items at home or in your car:

• Your phone. It must be turned off and stored in your locker for the entire exam, and you can’t access it – even during your break.
• A calculator. You cannot use one on the GMAT, so there’s no reason to bring it.
• Notes, books, study materials, watches, and other electronics. None of these items are permitted in the testing room. 

During your break, you’re limited to the locker area, the test center lobby, and the nearest restroom. You can’t leave the building, so there’s no running out to your car.

A Tip from the GMAT Ninja Team: Bring Backup ID

If you don’t have a single ID that checks every box – current, containing a photo and signature, and displaying your name in the Roman alphabet exactly as it appears on your registration – bring a second form of identification to fill the gap. It’s a small precaution that can help prevent you from being turned away at check-in over a technicality.

Testing Online Instead?

If you’re taking the GMAT from home, “what to bring” becomes “what to set up.” You won’t be bringing items to a center, but you’ll need an approved whiteboard, up to two dry-erase markers, an eraser, and a private, compliant workspace. 

See GMAT Test Online vs. In-Person for how the two formats compare.