Test Center Testing

Bring valid ID

You’re responsible for bringing valid, acceptable identification (ID) on the day of your test and each time you report to a test center. ID requirements vary depending on your country of citizenship and where you plan to test. The ID you present at the test center must exactly match (excluding accents) the name you used to register. If the test administrator questions the ID you present, you may have to provide supplemental ID.

Accommodations for equipment, beverages or snacks 

If you were approved for accommodations for health-related needs requiring you to bring equipment, beverages or snacks into the testing room, you'll be permitted to do so. See requesting accommodations prior to registering.

Wearing a mask

ETS test centers are encouraged to follow local and governmental guidelines with regard to public health and safety. If you wish to wear a mask while testing, you’re permitted to do so.

Don't bring personal items

The only personal items you’ll be permitted to bring into the testing room are your ID and your mask, if you choose to wear one. No other personal items are permitted. For the full list of prohibited items and items that may be inspected, see the Bulletin.

Before the test, test enter staff will provide instructions about where to store personal items. If you fail to follow test center staff instructions, you will not be permitted to test, and your test fee will not be refunded.

Make sure to arrive at least 30 minutes before your test time, to allow time for check in. If you arrive late, you may not be admitted and your test fee would be forfeited.

Check in

During check in, your photo will be taken and test center staff will verify your ID. You may also be:

• asked to empty your pockets, raise your pant legs above your ankles and pull up your sleeves above your wrists for visual inspection
• asked to provide a voice sample
• scanned with a handheld metal detector wand
• required to remove your eyeglasses for close visual inspection

Additional visual inspections of clothing, footwear and ID documents may also be conducted.

You may request that the inspections be performed by a staff member of the same gender and/or in an area sheltered from the view of other people, but ETS can’t guarantee that all test centers will have the necessary staff and space available.

You’ll be required to read and sign a confidentiality statement agreeing to all rules and regulations. If you don’t sign the statement, you cannot test and your test fees will not be refunded.

See the Bulletin for all test center procedures and security policies during your test session.

Breaks

The testing time for the General Test administered beginning September 22, 2023, is 1 hour and 58 minutes, and there are no breaks. If you take an unscheduled break, testing time will not stop.

At the end of the test, you’ll be given the option to report or cancel your scores. To learn more about canceling your scores, see the Bulletin.

If you choose to report your scores:

• You’ll be able to view unofficial Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning scores. Because of the essay scoring process, you won’t be able to view your Analytical Writing scores at the end of your test.
• You’ll be asked to designate up to four score recipients as part of your test fee and choose your ScoreSelect^® option (Most Recent or All scores). If you don't choose your score recipients on test day, you can order score reports later for a fee.

On occasion, weather conditions or other circumstances beyond the test administrator or ETS's control may require a delayed start or the rescheduling of your test appointment. In such cases, you’ll be offered the opportunity to schedule another test appointment free of charge or receive a full refund of the original test fee. In addition, you may seek reimbursement from ETS for reasonable and documented expenses associated with traveling to the test center. To request reimbursement, contact GRE Services with the following information within 30 days of your original appointment:

• your name
• date of birth
• mailing address
• daytime telephone number
• email address
• original test date
• appointment number
• a brief description of what occurred at the test center

All reimbursements will be made in U.S. dollars.

ETS takes test security very seriously. Although tests are administered under strict supervision and security measures, testing irregularities may sometimes occur. Please contact ETS as soon as possible to report any irregular behavior that is either observed or reported to you — for example, someone copying from another test taker, taking a test for someone else, having access to test questions before the exam, or using notes or unauthorized aids. All information will be held in strictest confidence. Reports of cheating will be investigated thoroughly and offenders may be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the applicable laws.