Last Updated: November 03, 2023
GRE General Test at Home
GRE is a competitive exam offered by ETS for students planning to pursue their studies in graduate and professional schools along with business and law. The test can be taken by students all over the world and can have different educational and cultural backgrounds. It is offered in around 160 countries and is conducted continuously throughout the year.
The GRE test includes three question types which are verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing. They measure the candidates' ability to analyze and draw conclusions from the information they provide, to understand and interpret quantitative information along with critical thinking, and the ability to articulate complex ideas with proper reasoning.
The test used to be conducted online or in a paper format in various test centers all over the world. However, during the pandemic, ETS provided students with the option of attempting the test from their homes. Because test takers responded well, ETS maintained this test mode as the default.
This page will provide the test-takers with all the information required about the GRE test at Home.
Understanding how GRE Test at Home Works
Students can choose to take the exam at home rather than in a testing facility thanks to an option provided by ETS. During the pandemic, this option was made available. It is accessible twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, and individuals can take the test as soon as register.
With this option, candidates can work on the same system they have been using to prepare for the test on their own schedule. As long as it satisfies ETS's requirements, candidates are free to remain in their comfort zone and can overcome the anxiety that comes with physically being in the test center.
Equipment Required for Test
One of the complications test-takers can face while opting for the Home-based test is not possessing the right kind of equipment they require. The requirements regarding equipment are as follows:
- One should have a desktop or laptop that they can use for the examination. Candidates are NOT allowed to take the examination on a tablet or mobile phone.
- The system can be a PC with a Windows Operating System with the 8th or 10th version.
- The system can also be a MAC with a Mac OS X 10.5 or higher. They recommend a 10.13 High Sierra.
- The system should contain a Chrome or Firefox browser.
- The internal or external speaker of the system should be fully functional. The use of headsets or earphones is not permitted.
- The internal or external microphone (not part of the headset) should be fully functional. Test-takers will communicate with the proctor using this microphone.
- The built-in camera of the computer or the webcam that test-takers use should allow a 360-degree view of the room including the tabletop before the test.
Environment Required for the Test
ETS specifies the kind of environment that is ideal for the test and this includes factors like privacy, how their tabletop and seating should be,test-takers' appearance during the test, and the materials they can keep with them.
- No one should be allowed to enter the room they occupy during the test.
- The test cannot be taken in a public setting.
- Test-takers' computers or laptops must remain on a desk/ tabletop.
- There should be no extra items on the table than what is specified.
- Test-takers' should be seated on a chair. Overstuffed chairs, beds, and couches cannot be used to sit for the test.
- Candidates are not allowed to consume food during the test.
- Test-takers' ears should be visible at all times. It should not be covered by their hair, a hat, or anything else.
- Dress appropriately since test-takers will be monitored and this picture will be shared with institutions that receive their scores.
- Avoid jewelry and other hair accessories.
- Do NOT use regular paper to take notes. Use a small desktop whiteboard or a sheet of paper inside a transparent sheet protector, both with erasable markers.
- These notes must be erased at the end of the test and shown to the proctor.
Steps to take before the Test
- Install the ETS Secure Test Browser after downloading it on the system.
- Test-takers; will be required to run the file after downloading it. There are two versions of this available-one for Windows and another for Mac.
- Test-takers' should run the ProctorU Equipment Check to ensure that the system, the microphone, and the speaker are intact and in perfect shape to use for the test.
- In case of firewalls and other security issues, candidates should disable or reconfigure their applications before the test.
How to Register?
Pre-requisites
- Candidates should ensure that they meet all requirements based on environment and equipment.
- Test-takers' should keep their identification documents ready. It is preferred that test-takers provide their passport details as primary ID.
- Create an ETS account for the GRE General Test, if candidates haven’t already done so.
- The name provided in the ETS Account should be the same as what is written in the primary ID.
- Request accommodations for a disability or health-related needs if candidates require it before registering.
Registering
- Log in to the ETS account the test-taker has created for the GRE General Test.
- Select the Register/Find Test Centers option on the home page that appears.
- Select the option called Test at Home on the page that follows. The Test at Home option will be available based on the availability of the test in the country.
- The candidate will be asked to verify their email address after which they can continue.
- Confirm the time zone or select a new one to pick test appointment.
- Select an available test date from the calendar they show after they have chosen the 2 months in which they can possibly take the test.
- Now, select an available time for the test.
- Click on the link called Register for this Test
- Fill in the details required and pay for the test.
- After payment, the candidate will receive a confirmation mail from ETS with information regarding their test and the test link for the day.
Test Day Information
- Fix any issues in the system after running a final check with ProctorU Equipment Check.
- Keep passport/ ID, acceptable note-taking materials, and a cellphone or handheld mirror for check-in.
- Ensure that the room is quiet and that there is sufficient lighting. The table that candidates are using should be clear along with their immediate surroundings.
- Click on the URL they sent along with the confirmation mail. The candidate will have a maximum of 12 minutes after their scheduled time to log in. Their test will be canceled if they delay any longer.
- Start the session and complete the authentication processes after which the candidate will be told about the exam rules.
- Once authentication is done the proctor will launch the ETS browser and let the candidate access the test. The entire process can take around 20 minutes to complete.
- The candidates are required to disable any screen-sharing or remote-access software like Skype, Zoom, etc. that is present on the system.
- The test contains 6 sections with a 10-minute break after the 3rd section and 1-minute breaks between the other sections. Failure to return in time during the break will cancel the test.
- In the unlikely event that the candidate loses their internet connection for a brief period, they will have to immediately reconnect to the proctor. The proctor will reopen the candidate exam if it is possible for them to do so. If the test-takers are having trouble reconnecting and communicating with the proctor, they can get help by calling ProctorU at 1-855-772-8678.
Receiving the Score Report
The GRE General Test at Home differs from the Online Test only in the way it is conducted. The post-test procedures regarding the score and sending reports remain the same as the other formats.
- The candidates will be able to receive the score report in their ETS account after 10-15 days after the test date.
- The score report will be sent to institutions of candidates' choice after 8-10 days of the test.
- Additional score reports can be requested for an additional charge of $35 per institution.
How to Apply for Re-test?
If the candidates find that their scores aren’t satisfactory for the colleges they have applied to, they can always apply for a retest and take the test with a better idea of what to expect. Procedures for applying for a retest are as follows:
- The GRE General Test can be taken once every 21 days up to a limit of 5 times in a year. This is the same for people who have canceled their previous scores as well.
- Follow the same registration steps as the candidate did for applying the previous time.
- The candidate can either choose a home-based test or a test center according to their convenience.
If someone living in Mainland China wants to take the GRE at home, they should CLICK HERE to learn more about the requirements and guidelines for doing so in their nation.