Executive Assessment (EA) Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, each section of the EA (Integrated Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Verbal Reasoning) is computer-adaptive.

The computer adjusts the difficulty level of the questions up or down, depending on student responses. The procedure for this is quite complicated, but it ultimately means that the same number of correct answers can result in different scores on different tests.

EA Total scores range from 100 to 200. Most business schools consider 150 a "good" score, but for the most selective business programs, you will need a 155 or higher to be considered competitive. It is always best to reach out directly to any business programs you wish to attend and find out the EA score they prefer applicants to have obtained.

No, the EA is not an assessment of business skills or knowledge. The EA does test general abilities such as quantitative reasoning, comprehension of written texts, and integrating both quantitative and verbal methods of reasoning.

Regardless of the field you studied, the answer is an emphatic "no." Success on the EA requires both a specific set of skills and an understanding of how those skills are assessed on the exam.

Yes. Most available evidence indicates that the order of priority is as follows: total scores, quantitative scores, verbal scores, and integrated reasoning scores. At the same time, it is important to undergo comprehensive preparation for the exam, as unlike a typical standardized test where a higher score is always better, the EA is a threshold indicator test. This means that if you score above the threshold of the business program you hope to attend, they can be confident you are ready for the academic rigor of their program.

Almost every day of the year. Test centers are typically not open on Sundays or holidays. Since the EA can also be taken online in the comfort of your own home, this offers significantly more options for taking the test.

You can take the EA up to two times in person at a test center, and these attempts are considered separate from taking the EA online. You may take the online EA up to two times, meaning you could, in theory, take the EA up to four times total. You may take the EA as early as 24 hours after registering for it. If you are seeking to take the EA a second time at a test center, you may register for the second exam as early as 24 hours after completing your first exam. If you are seeking to take the EA a second time online, you will need to allow 16 days between your first and second test administrations.

At last count, about 114. Test-takers in North America and Europe should have no trouble finding test centers and dates, but appointment availability is dictated by demand. This means that students in many African and Asian countries have fewer centers and dates from which to choose.

Given that business schools do not automatically publish information on the EA, it worth reaching out directly to the business programs you are most interested in attending and finding out directly from them what sort of EA score you need to obtain in order to be considered competitive for admission. In general, an EA Total score between 150-155 is considered "good," although the most selective MBA and EMBA programs encourage prospective students to score above a 155.

Unlike the GMAT, there is no analytical writing section on the EA.

Valid photo identification that meets GMAC's criteria and the letter or email confirming your appointment. Aside from sweaters and eyeglasses, all personal items must be stored in lockers while taking the EA.

No. Whether you take the EA at a test center or online, all students sign strict non-disclosure agreements that forbid them from reproducing or divulging test content in any form.

Yes. If you select schools to receive your scores before you have completed the EA, your scores will be sent out as soon as you have completed the exam. If you select schools to send your scores to after completing the EA, the selected schools only receive the EA scores of your choice, meaning they will not know if the scores you send are from the first time you took the EA or from a subsequent test attempt.