What to Take to the GRE

November 20, 2025

You're putting a lot of effort into preparing for the GRE with crucial strategies and approaches to difficult questions. More than likely, you've spent months finessing your performance, working with a teacher or tutor and taking mock exams to enhance your score. A high score is important, as it opens the doors to graduate programs and business schools all around the world. What can be more satisfying than studying at the school of your dreams?

Naturally, you want to make sure you follow the stringent GRE rules and regulations—not to mention expectations—on exam day. Knowing all the guidelines is essential, as any misstep in several of them could disqualify you and cancel your score. We're taking a deep dive into what's expected of you so you can avoid any problems at the test center and perform at your best.

Have a pen and paper ready? You'll want to take notes on some of these as they're vital to keep in mind!

GRE Test Day: Your ID

The one item that you absolutely must bring to the test center on GRE exam day is your photo I.D. It's very important to remember that you won't even be permitted to walk into the testing area without the proper photo identification. What constitutes a viable photo I.D. for the GRE? Let's explore the specifics.

Valid identification is a passport, driver's license, or military I.D.
Your name on the I.D. must match the name you used to register for the GRE, specifically in the Roman alphabet. This includes middle names, in addition to any other special characters.
According to ETS, the makers of the GRE, if a test administrator questions the validity of your identification, you may be asked to provide supplemental I.D. If a confirmation isn't made, you won't be permitted to take the test.
Your test fee will not be refunded if you're turned away because of an invalid I.D.

Long story short—your I.D. must be exactly what ETS requires, or you run the risk of losing your test date. Double- and triple-check your identification, not just to make sure it's a passport, military I.D., or driver' license, but also to check that the name you registered with exactly matches your ID.

You've come so far with your course of study, don't let something as simple as a photo I.D. prevent you from attaining a top score!

GRE Test Day: What Else to Bring

There are other items that will also be important for you to have on test day in addition to your I.D. One in particular is the confirmation email you received from ETS that validates you registered for the GRE. Do yourself a favor and print this out and bring it with you; that way, if there's confusion or a misunderstanding about your exam date, you have proof. (Note: Some test takers may believe they can simply bring the email up on their phones if needed, but trust us, it's advisable to have a hard copy since cell phones aren't allowed in the testing area.)

When you registered for the GRE, you had the option of selecting up to four schools to receive your scores. If you didn't indicate your chosen schools then, you'll have the opportunity to do so at the test center. Write down the list of schools you want your scores sent to and bring it with you so you aren't distracted by having to wrack your brain if you forget one.

You should be provided with pencils, but in case you aren't, bring a few non-mechanical ones with you just in case. ETS officially says they'll hand them out, but bringing along a few to avoid a disaster is a good idea.

Just like movie theaters, test centers can sometimes be very cold, and we all know it's hard to focus if you're freezing. Bring along a few layers of clothing that you can easily take on or off to give yourself some flexibility. You don't want any environmental distractions, and the exam room's temperature can certainly be one!

Even though you can't bring food or beverages into the test room and the GRE no longer has any breaks, it's still a good idea to bring healthy snacks and beverages with you that are low in sugar and provide energy. You can eat or drink them at the test center before going into the exam room to begin the test if you become hungry or thirsty. You don't want your stomach growling during the GRE, especially while you’re attempting to tackle challenging questions!

GRE Test Day: What to Leave at Home

The test center provides lockers for you to store belongings that you can't take into the exam room during the test. This is very useful, since everyone has some items they don't want to leave in their car or at home. However, there are some things ETS has strict rules against that you shouldn't take with you.

Leave behind your phone. ETS strictly forbids cell phones of any kind in the testing area. You do have the option of storing it in your locker, but if you're able to leave it in your car or at home, you won't have to worry that it's secure.
Leave behind your calculator. When it comes to the GRE Quant portion, an on-screen calculator is provided, making the need for a physical calculator obsolete.
Leave behind jewelry. ETS insists that all bracelets, bags, purses, watches, necklaces, headphones, and anything similar be left behind. Sure, you can store them in your locker, but why not leave them at home so you aren't concerned about taking them on and off? Just like with your phone, your mind will be more at ease knowing your valuables are safe and sound.
Leave behind family and friends. Yes, we all love moral support, but the GRE test center is only for test takers. Rest assured that you can tell loved ones all about your exam experience once it's over.
Leave behind weapons of any kind. This should go without saying, but it bears repeating. Firearms or knives of any kind are not permitted in the testing area and must be left at home. This includes razor blades and pocketknives, so keep that in mind when preparing to head to the exam center.

GRE Test Day: Rules and Regulations

As with any standardized test, the GRE has many rules and regulations. Let's delve into some of them so you aren't surprised on test day. After all, the only surprise you really want is your score being higher than you originally anticipated!

If you wear eyeglasses, it's possible you may be asked to remove them for a close visual inspection. This would occur prior to check-in.
The only jewelry permitted inside the testing area is wedding or engagement rings. Anything else must be stored in the lockers that ETS provides or left at home.
Clothing such as bowties, neckties, scarves, jackets, hair accessories, jackets, and outwear are subject to inspection by test administrators. Steer clear of accessories such as tie clips, cuff links, ornate clips, combs, barrettes, headbands, and other similar items, as you may be prohibited from wearing them in the testing room.
In addition to storing your personal items in the lockers, you will also be asked to remove everything from your pockets.
Your photo will be taken and you may be asked to provide a voice sample.
Any food and beverages you bring are only allowed to be consumed outside the testing room either before the exam or during an unscheduled break. Medication is the only other item that can be accessed during an unscheduled break. Remember that the testing time will not stop during these breaks.
The administrator will provide scratch paper for use during the exam. It's not allowed to be used before the test, and must be returned to the administrator once the exam session ends.
Testing premises are subject to videotaping.
Since there are no breaks during the GRE, you can only go to the bathroom before the exam or during an unscheduled break. You are not allowed to leave the test center until the exam is over.
Test centers cannot provide printed copies of unofficial score reports.

GRE Test Day: Tips

When exam day finally arrives, many students wonder how to approach the final hours before walking into the test center. Following are some proven tips to help you best tackle exam day.

Get a good night's rest. Sleep is crucial to GRE success, helping you optimally approach each section. Make it a point to go to bed early and try to get an extra hour or two of sleep. It will pay off the next day!
Don't cram the night before or on the day of your test. We can't emphasize this point enough! Cramming will have an adverse effect on your exam day performance, so avoid learning new strategies or techniques so close to taking the test. Instead, opt for a quiet, relaxing evening at home doing something low-key and enjoyable.
Lay out your belongings the night before just as you do a day ahead of a big trip. Set out your photo I.D. and any other necessities before going to bed so you don't risk forgetting something.
Get to the test center with plenty of time to spare. This is crucial, because if you're late for the GRE, you will be disqualified. Concerned about the route you'll be taking? Try doing a dry run ahead of time so you know exactly how to get there and the amount of time it takes.

In the end, you must prepare logistically for test day just as you do for the exam's content. Knowing the rules and regulations, including what to bring and what to leave at home, will hopefully prepare you for what to expect when you walk through your GRE test center's doors.