Taking the GRE in a Test Center versus Online

Testing Center GRE versus Online GRE Overview

The GRE is only available as a computer-based test, as paper-based versions of the exam are no longer available. However, test-takers can choose whether they wish to take the computerized exam remotely from the comfort of their own home or at a local testing center. Regardless of where you take the GRE, it is important to understand that the test itself remains the same: 

  • The test will be 1 hour and 58 minutes long.
  • You will begin with the Analytical Writing section.
  • You will complete two Verbal Reasoning sections and two Quantitative Reasoning sections presented in a random order.

Another aspect of the GRE that does not depend on location is how many times you may take the exam. Whether you take it remotely or at a test center, you may take the GRE once every 21 days or up to five (5) times within a continuous rolling 12-month period of 365 days. 

Read on to discover the similarities and differences between taking the GRE at home versus at a test center tro help you make the best location decision for your specific test-taking needs.

GRE Registration 

Before taking the GRE either at home or at a test center, you will need to register for the exam. You will begin by creating an ETS account, and ETS provides a video on their website of how to do this. You can use your ETS account for the following:

  • Register for the GRE
  • Sign up for the free GRE Search Service, which allows programs to communicate with you about admissions, scholarships, fellowships, and additional educational opportunities
  • Purchase test prep materials
  • View, change, or cancel your GRE registration
  • View your scores
  • Order Additional Score Reports
  • Access the free GRE Diagnostic Service

You may register for the GRE either online or by phone.

Registering for the GRE Online

After creating your ETS account, you will need to register for your preferred test date at least two calendar days before that date. If you are taking the GRE at a test center, registration is on a first-come, first-served basis, which means you should register as soon as you know when you want to take the test to ensure you are able to secure an appointment on that day. The remote GRE is offered 24/7, 365 days a year, giving you much more flexibility with regards to timing. Either way, pay attention to when you will receive your test scores and when applications are due to your preferred programs in order to have plenty of time to turn in all required materials. 

Registering for the GRE by Phone

You may register for the GRE by phone if you are testing in the United States, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, or Canada by calling 1-609-771-7670 or toll-free at 1-866-473-4373.

Regardless of how you register for the exam and whether you take it remotely or at a test center, the GRE costs $220, unless you are taking it in China, in which case it costs around $230 dollars.

Taking the GRE Online at Home

Taking the GRE remotely from the comfort of your own home can save you time and money, as you do not need to commute anywhere, take time off work or school, or pay for parking. While there are many upsides to remote testing, there are some specific procedures you should be aware of, which we will examine in detail below.

Before Your Test

Prior to taking the GRE remotely at home, there are a few technology requirements you will need to address. You will need to download the ETS Secure Browser from the ETS website, and both a Windows and a Mac version are available. You will run the file to complete installation. After opening the Secure Browser, you will arrive at a welcome screen. You can then run the “Equipment Check” program. At the end of the Equipment Check, you can view the status of your equipment; if any parts of your computer failed, you will notice a red triangle status indicator, as well as suggestions for how to resolve the problem. All computer-associated problems must be resolved before the time of your test appointment.

The night before your exam, give yourself plenty of time to gather the materials you will need during your test session, which include:

  • A passport or other acceptable form of ID
  • Approved note-taking materials, such as a small plastic whiteboard or a piece of paper inside a plastic transparency sheet
  • An eraser and erasable marker
  • Your cellphone or a handheld mirror for the check-in process

Ensure that your test area meets ETS’s environmental requirements. The room should be quiet and well-lit. Your table and the surrounding area should be free of any items other than those mentioned above that you need for the check-in process or for solving problems during testing. Make sure your table and chair are positioned so that the door to the room will be visible to the proctor at all times. You must remain alone in the room during testing, so if you live with family members or roommates, instruct them not to knock on the door or open it while you are taking the GRE. You may even wish to tape a sign to the outside of the door reminding others in the house that you are taking a very important test and letting them know what time you will be done.

Be sure you are dressed appropriately for the temperature in the room. You do not need to wear formal business attire but rather choose something comfortable that allows you to access the keyboard and easily use your erasable marker. Ensure that your ears and face are visible to the proctor. It is recommended that you not wear jewelry or other accessories while taking the remote GRE. You may wear religious headwear as long as your ears are visible, and face masks may not be worn during any part of the at-home testing process. 

Check-In and During Your Test

On the day of your exam, you will need to close all browsers and applications not necessary for the GRE, as this will prevent bandwidth issues during testing. Make sure other devices in your home that use the internet are not running, especially streaming devices. Disable any screen-sharing or remote-access software on your computer, such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams, etc. These programs must remain disabled throughout your entire test and should be set so they will not automatically open during your test. 

When there are 15 minutes left before your appointment time, click the “At Home Check-In” link in your ETS account confirmation email. This will start the check-in process and connect you with a proctor. It is important to understand that opening the ETS Secure Browser will not connect you with a proctor and start your exam, so you must use the link provided via email.

After clicking the check-in link, you will be guided through the process of connecting with a proctor. You will show your ID to the proctor via your webcam, and the name on your ID must exactly match the name on your ETS account. The proctor will review the exam rules and request access to your computer screen in order to monitor your activity during the test. 

The proctor will ask you to show them your computer screen by holding up either your cellphone or a small handheld mirror. They will also ask you to use your webcam to show a 360-degree view of the room you are in, including the surface of your table. Your photo will be taken, and you may also be asked to provide a voice sample for security reasons. You can expect the check-in process to last approximately 20-30 minutes, and you will be instructed when to open the ETS Secure Browser. 

Your entire test session will be monitored by a human proctor in addition to being recorded. Avoid making any suspicious movements while taking your test, as this could cause your session to be flagged for review. According to ETS, suspicious movements may include talking to yourself out loud, frequently looking away from the computer screen, moving out of view of the webcam and proctor, and taking a break (breaks are not allowed during the at-home GRE). 

If you need to contact the proctor during your exam, speak to get their attention, then use the provided chat function. Note that it may take the proctor 30-60 seconds to reply. If the proctor attempts to initiate a chat with you, you will receive an audio signal through the chat.

At the end of the test session, the proctor will ask you to erase anything you wrote on your whiteboard or transparency sleeve, after which you will hold your whiteboard or sleeve up to the webcam to show it has been cleaned. You will submit your exam, at which point you may close the ETS Secure Browser. Once you are disconnected from the chat, you will be given the opportunity to participate in a short survey. 

Important At-Home Testing Tips

As previously mentioned, there are no breaks when taking the GRE at home, which means you should use the restroom prior to checking-in and initiating your exam. You may also wish to avoid drinking large amounts of coffee, soda, water, etc. prior to your exam.

If you use your cellphone during check-in to show your computer screen to the proctor, move the phone away from you and leave it screen-side down on the table. Do not pick it up or look in its direction while taking your exam, as this could cause your exam to be flagged for review or even cancelled with no refund given. 

You do not need to provide a personal calculator, as an on-screen calculator is provided for use during the Quantitative Reasoning sections.

Headphones and earplugs are not permitted while taking the GRE at home. You are not permitted to have any food or drink while taking your exam unless you have received special testing accommodations from ETS. 

Taking the GRE in a Test Center

While taking the GRE at home has undoubtedly become a popular choice among test-takers, many people still prefer to take the exam at a test center. Below we will examine how to prepare for your testing center appointment, including what you should and should not bring with you.

Before Your Test

Before the day of your exam, make sure you know where the test center is located and how you are going to get there, whether that means driving yourself, having someone else drop you off, or taking public transportation. Make sure you have any money needed for parking. If you received any special health-related testing accommodations, be sure to pack the paperwork stating this. Make certain you have your valid ID. The ID you bring to the test center must perfectly match the name you used when registering for the exam, all the way down to individual accent marks over specific letters. If the proctor questions your ID, you may need to provide supplemental identification. You can visit the ETS website for an exhaustive list of acceptable forms of ID.

It is recommended both by ETS and test prep professionals that you arrive at the test center at least 30 minutes before your scheduled appointment time. If your exam starts at 9am, do not arrive at 9am but rather at 8:30am to make sure you have enough time to check-in. If you arrive at a test center after your scheduled testing time, you will not be permitted to take the exam.

Check-In and During Your Test

On the day of your GRE, leave your residence early and give yourself plenty of time to reach the test center. A delayed train or bus, realizing your car needs fuel, or having to take a different route because of an accident can all require additional time, and you do not want to arrive at the test center upset about issues that might not have proven stressful had you given yourself more time.

Your clothing should allow you to be comfortable in the indoor testing environment, which may end up being hotter or colder than you expect. The following guidelines are provided by ETS:

  • Do not wear any jewelry aside from engagement and/or wedding rings.
  • Refrain from wearing tie clips, cuff links, ornate hair clips, combs, barrettes, headbands, or other hair accessories. All personal items such as hats, neckties, bowties, scarves, jackets, and other forms of outwear are subject to inspection by a test center administrator or proctor.

At the test center, you will present your ID to the proctor. Your photo will be taken, and you may be asked to do any or all of the following:

  • Provide a voice sample
  • Be scanned with a handheld metal detector wand
  • Remove your eyeglasses for close visual inspection
  • Empty your pockets, raise your pant legs above your ankles, and/or pull long sleeves above your wrists for visual inspection

You may request that any inspection involving your physical self be performed by a test center staff member of the same gender and/or in an area that is out of view from others; however, ETS cannot guarantee that all test centers will have available staff and/or space to accommodate your request.

You will be required to read and sign a confidentiality agreement stating all rules and regulations associated with the testing process. If you do not sign the statement, you will not be allowed to take the GRE, and your registration fee will not be refunded.

You will be assigned a locker to store personal items in. Phones should be turned off before they are placed in your locker, and you are not permitted to access your phone at any point during your exam. Test centers and ETS assume no responsibility for the safety of any items you bring to the center with you, including jewelry, watches, or other devices. Bring only those items you need and leave everything else in your car or at home. 

Food, drinks, and medication are not permitted in the testing room unless you have received specific accommodations from ETS. The only item allowed in the testing room with you is your ID, and everything else must remain in your locker. 

Make sure you use the restroom before entering the testing room, as there are no breaks given during the 1 hour and 58-minute GRE. You may ask the proctor for a break but if one is granted, know that the clock will not stop, meaning you will have even less time than usual to complete a test section. 

You will be assigned a seat by the test proctor, and you will be given scratch paper for use during the test. Most test centers have noise-cancelling headphones or foam earplugs available for use during testing, but this may vary by test center location. If you have any difficulties with your computer, raise your hand and the proctor will assist you. Do not leave the testing room until the test is complete and the proctor has dismissed you.

Important Test Center Testing Tips

As previously mentioned, there are no breaks during the GRE even when you complete it at a test center, so be sure to plan accordingly. Use the restroom beforehand; if you need to use the restroom during the GRE, you may ask the proctor for a break but if you are given one, the clock will continue to run on whatever section you’re in. This means you will have even less time than usual to complete a section, so do not request to leave the testing room unless it is critically important. You also may not access your locker or cellphone while leaving the testing room to use the restroom, and doing so could lead to your test being cancelled without a refund.

You do not need to bring a personal calculator, as an onscreen calculator is provided for Quantitative Reasoning sections.

There are times when weather conditions or other situations may occur beyond the test center’s control that may require a delayed start to your GRE or rescheduling of the testing appointment altogether. If this happens, you will be offered the chance to reschedule your exam free of charge or receive a full refund of your original test fee.

Conclusion

When it comes to deciding where to take the GRE, the location of the exam really comes down to what works best for you and your schedule. If you are a full-time student or have a busy work schedule, you may wish to save yourself time (and potentially money) by taking the GRE remotely from home. Similarly, if you know you focus better without other test-takers around you, you may perform at a higher level when taking the GRE at home.

On the other hand, if you do not live in an environment that is conducive to remote testing (perhaps you do not have your own room or you live in a particularly noisy part of town) you may wish to take the GRE at a test center. Additionally, if you are concerned about technology issues like the age of your computer or the reliability of your internet service, testing at a test center can alleviate those concerns and allow you to focus on achieving a high score. 

What matters is choosing the location that will best allow you to concentrate and achieve your highest GRE score, thereby demonstrating your readiness for graduate-level work and positioning yourself as a competitive candidate to your preferred graduate, law, or business program.

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