How to Register for the GMAT Focus Exam
To register for the GMAT Focus Edition exam, first make an account on MBA.com (the official GMAT website). Then, decide whether you’d like to take the exam in a test center or at home. Finally, sign up and pay for a time slot that works for you, based on progress toward your target GMAT Focus score.
Should you take the GMAT Online or in Person?
The content, structure, and difficulty level of the online and test-center GMAT Focus tests are identical. However, there are some differences that might convince you to register for one version over the other.
Here is a key benefit of the test-center version of the GMAT Focus:
You don’t have to worry about finding a quiet room with a stable internet connection, or configuring your computer to adhere to GMAC’s systems requirements.
Here are some benefits of the online version of the GMAT Focus:
You can take the test from the comfort of your own home.
There is much wider availability, so you can register for your exam at a time that works for you.
REGISTERING FOR THE GMAT FOCUS EXAM IN A TEST CENTER
To register for an in-person exam at a test center, log in to your MBA.com account and click “Register for the GMAT.” You can then choose to book an in-person exam at a testing center.
Input your address when prompted, and then you’ll see the options for test centers in your area. You can select multiple test centers to compare their appointment availability for your desired test date.
When registering, make sure that you:
Know the ID and clothing requirements for your test appointment.
Plan out your route to the GMAT test center so you’ll arrive on time.
Document your exact appointment details so that you don’t miss your test (yes, this has happened to some of our students, and it’s not fun).
Review the cancellation and reschedule policies just in case you have to change your appointment later.
REGISTERING FOR AN ONLINE GMAT EXAM
To register for the online GMAT exam, log in to your MBA.com account and click “Register for the GMAT.” You can then choose to register for an online exam.
You’ll be prompted to complete various tasks, including uploading pictures of your ID and checking that your computer meets the system requirements. Once you’ve completed these tasks, you’ll be able to register for the online GMAT exam.
When registering, make sure that you:
Know the technical and space requirements for the exam. Thanks to test security concerns, enforcement of these requirements can be extremely strict for the online GMAT Focus, so we recommend spending as much time as you need on this step.
Know what materials (whiteboard and dry erase pen) are allowed.
Document your exact appointment details so that you don’t miss your test.
Review the cancellation and reschedule policies just in case you have to change your appointment later.
HOW DO YOU KNOW WHEN YOU’RE READY TO REGISTER FOR THE GMAT FOCUS?
You’re allowed to register for the GMAT exam 5 times within a 12 month period, up to a maximum of 8 times in your lifetime. (Again, your previous attempts at the “old” version of the GMAT do count toward these limits). While very few students want to take the GMAT this many times, it’s wise to save your test attempts for when you’re actually ready to take the test.
The best way to know whether you're ready is to achieve your target score on a fresh, official GMAT Focus practice exam from mba.com. You’ll want to take this in test-like conditions: don’t pause the test, take only the allotted breaks, and treat the practice test exactly as if it’s the real thing. If you take a practice exam and you don’t achieve your score goal, odds are that you won’t achieve it on the actual GMAT, either.
Some exceptions: if it’s really motivating for you to have a test date on the calendar, then it’s fine to register for a GMAT exam when you think you will be ready to take it. Just remain a bit flexible as that date approaches – if you’re not on track to achieve your score goal, consider rescheduling your GMAT for another date.
Additionally, if the online test isn’t a good option for you (perhaps because you don’t have a quiet room or a stable internet connection), make sure that you check the availability of GMAT test centers in your area. In some regions, GMAT test centers book up quickly, and you don’t want to reach the end of your studies and then have to wait several months to actually get into the test room.
Finally, if you haven’t taken the GMAT before and want to know what it’s like, then consider registering for a first attempt somewhat early in your studies. You can think of this as an “expensive practice test” that will give you valuable data for future attempts.
Learn more about the GMAT: