What to Bring & Not Bring to the GMAT

May 16, 2025

You've spent months studying for the GMAT, both with an experienced tutor and on your own through rigorous practice. You've made your long and short lists of potential business schools. You've sat for several mock exams so you have an estimation of your projected score. You've even visited your top schools and reached out to alumni about campus life and admission. 

After taking all these important GMAT-related steps, your exam day is now just around the corner. But you don't know what to bring to the testing center and/or its rules and regulations.

Does this sound familiar? 

Many students feel they know the GMAT inside and out, but they don't know what to expect at the testing center on exam day. This article will break down what to bring, what not to bring, and detail some specific rules and regulations that are essential to keep in mind. After all, one misstep could mean you don't get to sit for the exam and what could be worse than that? 

Take note and take heart—when it comes to GMAT exam day, we've got you covered.

GMAT Test Day: The Essentials

First and foremost, you will absolutely need to have a photo I.D. when you enter the testing area. If you do not have appropriate identification, you will be dismissed from the center. GMAC also has strict rules regarding what constitutes a valid and approved photo I.D.

Your I.D. must have your name spelled in the Roman alphabet exactly the way you registered it, and it must list your date of birth that also matches the date you provided at registration. A recent and recognizable photograph must be on the I.D., and it must have your signature. Keep in mind that if your identification does not meet all these requirements, it will not be valid for the GMAT. 

Driver's licenses and passports are the two primary acceptable forms of I.D. Additional ones include government-issued national/state/province identity cards, as well as a military I.D. cards. 

If you are planning to take the GMAT outside your country of residence, a passport is required and is the only acceptable means of identification. Those without an acceptable means of identification will be turned away at the door—no joke! 

In addition to a photo I.D., you will also need to bring your appointment confirmation letter or email just in case there's any confusion about your test date and time. If it's an email, it's wise to print it out so you have it with you to show exam administrators.

GMAT Test Day: Non Essentials

We've covered the essentials, but what about the non-essentials? And what are the non-essentials exactly? This category encompasses three main items that are useful for test day, but certainly not required. (Although, most tutors and teachers would suggest they are very important!)

Bottled water is a great idea, as you will more than likely get thirsty. Healthy snacks, such as a protein bar, banana, or trail mix will provide energy and curb hunger pangs. Finally, you never know what the temperature will be in the testing room, so bring additional layers you can easily take on and off so you're not too hot or cold and can concentrate and focus. Note: all bottled water and snacks will be kept in your locker, but you can access them during breaks.

GMAT Test Day: What to Leave at Home

While there are some essential items to bring to the testing center and some that are useful but not so vital, there are also things you should just leave at home.

While it should go without saying, you cannot bring weapons of any kind into the testing center. "Weapons" not only means firearms, but also common items like pocketknives, clippers, and razors. This policy also applies to test takers who are off-duty law enforcement personnel, as well as those with conceal and carry permits. 

Additionally, don't bother bringing a calculator since you can't use one on the GMAT. (Remember, there's an electronic one on the screen!) Study aids and other books are not permitted in the testing area, so instead of storing them in your locker, it's best to leave them home. Let's face it—cramming with GMAT exercises at the last-minute won't help bump up your score anyway.

GMAT Test Day: The Night Before

With everything you have to remember for test day about ID requirements and what to bring and not bring, what about the night before? While people have differing opinions about what to do 12 hours before the exam, we believe it's important to keep it simple:

• Get a good night's rest. You can't perform at your best on the exam when you're exhausted. Go to bed an hour or two early to ensure you get the rest you need.
• Lay out test day essentials. Just like you would before going on a big trip, you want to lay out all your test day essentials—particularly your photo I.D.—the night before.
• Don't cram. Stay far away from cramming at the last minute; it won't increase your score. Trust what you've learned and absorbed, close the books early, and do something fun and relaxing instead.

GMAT Test Day: What to Store in Your Locker

You will be given a locker outside of the testing room to safely store most of your belongings. GMAC understandably has strict rules about what you can bring into the actual exam area, so this storage provides test takers peace of mind about the security of their personal items. GMAC also has regulations about what you can store in these lockers. Below is a list of what you're allowed to keep in them:

Here's a test day tip about lockers—they aren't that big, so don't bring more than you absolutely must. Keep your stored belongings to a minimum.

GMAT Test Day: The Rules

In addition to strict guidelines about what you can and can't bring into the testing area, GMAC also enforces a variety of other exam day rules and regulations. Below are some of the important testing room rules:

• The test administrator will provide students with the equivalent of five erasable noteboards. These are not allowed to leave the exam room and the administrator must collect them when the test ends.
• Testing begins once you are seated at your computer. The exam lasts two hours and 15 minutes.
• Communicating with anyone about the content of the GMAT during testing is forbidden. Reproduction or removal of any part of the exam is also not allowed. Sharing this information during the test via email, message boards, or other means of communication is also strictly banned and subject to consequences.
• You cannot leave the test center building during a break. Basically, you're allowed to be in the locker area, the testing lobby, the nearest restroom, and the exam room. Long story short—no one's allowed to run to their cars during the breaks!
• A GMAT administrator is allowed to dismiss students from a test session for the following reasons: providing false information; attempting to take the test for someone else; failing to provide acceptable identification; possessing unauthorized personal aids; disrupting the testing environment; refusing to comply with an administrator's reasonable requests; giving or receiving unauthorized help; attempting to tamper with the operation of the computer; refusing to follow directions; and failing to adhere to other procedures, policies, and rules. 

Clearly, following the rules is crucial for test day success. Once you know what they are, you can best abide by them and focus on the actual exam.

GMAT Test Day: Violations

While we don't want to harp too much on policy violations, it may be important for some to know what the consequences are for breaking the rules. You can find common GMAT test day violations and their repercussions below. Please note: all of these are official GMAT policies.

GMAT Test Day: Takeaway

As you can see, it's essential to be aware of GMAC's rules and regulations about what you can and can't take with you when you sit for the GMAT. In fact, this information is so crucial it can disqualify you from taking the test if you don't carefully follow the guidelines and restrictions. Make a list of what you know you will need and keep it handy as exam day gets near.

We'll close with some last-minute tips for when you wake up on exam day and the GMAT is just hours away. 

• Make a point to get up early so you have some time to acclimate and not feel groggy. We perform best when we're awake, alert, and ready to tackle GMAT questions to attain a high score!
• Eat breakfast. Okay, okay, they always say it's the most important meal—but breakfast is particularly critical when taking a test like the GMAT. Healthy, protein-rich food will get your brain and body working, fueling you with energy.
• Stay optimistic. If you have a negative attitude, it can drastically affect how you perform. Remember that you will face difficult questions and it's essential not to berate yourself for having trouble at times. Optimism breeds confidence, which breeds exam day success. Maintain a good outlook so you can perform to the best of your abilities!