GRE General Test at Home

GRE is a test 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 worldwide who 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 sections: 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.

Since the pandemic, ETS has allowed students to attempt the test from their homes. This page will provide the test-takers with all the information required about the GRE General test at Home.

Understanding how GRE Test at Home Works

Thanks to an option provided by ETS, students can choose to take the test at home rather than in a testing facility. The option is accessible twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, and individuals can take the test as soon as they register.

Candidates use the same system they have been using to prepare for the test. As long as it satisfies ETS's requirements, candidates can remain in their comfort zone and overcome the anxiety of 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 required equipment. The requirements regarding equipment are as follows:

• Desktop or laptop to take the test. Use of a tablet or mobile phone is not allowed.
• Operating system can be Windows with the 8th or 10th version or MAC with a Mac OS X 10.5 or higher.
• Chrome or Firefox browser.
• fully functional internal or external speaker. The use of headsets or earphones is not permitted.
• fully functional internal or external microphone (not part of the headset). Test-takers will communicate with the proctor using this microphone.
• The computer's built-in camera or the external webcam should allow a 360-degree view of the room, including the tabletop, before the test.
• Use only one monitor, keyboard, and mouse is permitted.

Environment Required for the Test

ETS specifies the kind of environment ideal for the test, including 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 enter the examination room. The candidate should be alone.
• The test cannot be taken in a public setting.
• All doors and windows have to stay shut down.
• The computer or laptop used to take the test must remain on the desk or tabletop.
• There should be no extra items on the table than what is specifically needed for the test.
• Test-takers' should be seated on a chair. Overstuffed chairs, beds, and couches cannot be used to sit for the test.
• Any eatables or drinks are prohibited in the test room.
• Test-takers' ears should be visible at all times. It should not be covered by their hair, a hat, or anything else.
• The candidate should dress appropriately and avoid jewelry and other hair accessories.
• Use of regular paper pen to take notes is prohibited. A small whiteboard on the tabletop or a sheet of paper inside a transparent sheet protector is allowed with a marker and an eraser. These notes must be erased at the end of the test and confirmed by the proctor.

Steps to take before the Test

• Install the ETS Secure Browser after downloading it on the system from the ETS website.
• Test-takers must run the file after downloading it. Two versions of this are 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 update the firewall settings before the test to enable popups.

How to Register?

Pre-requisites

• Candidates should meet all the environmental and equipment requirements.
• 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 Schedule your test option and select GRE General at Home.
• The candidate will then be asked to choose a day and time based on their location.
• Click on the link called Register for this Test.
• Fill in the details required and pay the registration fee.
• After payment, the candidate will receive a confirmation email 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 for check-in.
• Ensure that the room is quiet and that there is sufficient lighting. The table that candidates are using and their immediate surroundings should be clear.
• Click on the URL they sent and the confirmation email. 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, following the proctor's instructions, after which the candidate will be told about the test 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 candidate must turn off any screen-sharing or remote-access software, like Skype, Zoom, etc., that is present on the system.
• The test contains six sections with a 10-minute break after the 3rd section and a 1-minute break between the other sections. Failure to return in time during the break will cancel the test.
• In the unlikely event the candidate loses their internet connection briefly, they will have to reconnect with the proctor immediately. The proctor will reopen the candidate exam if it is possible for them to do so. If the test-taker is 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 in how 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 8-10 days after the test date.
• The score report will be sent to institutions of the candidates' choice.
• Additional score reports can be requested for an additional charge of $35 per additional 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 a year. This is the same for people who have also canceled their previous scores.
• Follow the same registration steps as the candidate for applying the previous time.
• The candidate can choose a home-based test or a test center at their convenience.

If someone living in Mainland China wants to take the GRE at home, they will have to go over the requirements and guidelines for doing so in their nation.