Last Updated: March 10, 2021
Register for GRE Exam
GRE exams are conducted for students who wish to continue their education with post-graduation studies. The exam mainly focuses on courses like business and law along with other majors that can be chosen. The subject-tests are often extremely specific and hence considered lower than the general test which can provide colleges with a deeper insight into the students’ educational background.
For students applying for post-grad courses abroad, taking the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is mandatory. The exam can be taken multiple times a year until the best score is achieved after which the student can choose to send the scores to the colleges or universities of their choice.
Here is a look at the GRE Registration process that one would need to know.
Things to Know Before Registering for GRE
GRE - General Test at home due to COVID-19.
The registration process of this examination is very straightforward and self-explanatory. The text centers for GRE are available in more than 160 countries making it a total of over 10,000 centers all over the world. One can choose to appear for the examination in either paper mode or computer mode according to the preference and comfort level of the candidate.
- Read about the policies
The first and foremost thing is to read about the policies and the fee structure of the examination. While doing this make sure that the correct dates and test center are chosen.
- Fill up your ID
Read about the policy which mentions the ID requirement. The name on the ID card must match with the registered legal name or the name that is present on the passport. Photocopies or expired documents are not accepted.
- Choose the Type of Examination
After having read about the differences in the exams, decide whether one ought to appear for a computer-based examination or a traditional pen-paper examination. Seat availability and dates may differ for both kinds of examinations. Candidates are also allowed to take the GRE at home option which has been introduced during the pandemic.
- Create an ETS Account
Candidates need to create an account so that the registration process can be completed without any hassle.
- Shortlist Colleges
The most important thing in the GRE application process is choosing the colleges to apply to. While there are hundreds of choices present, candidates need to decide the ones that they are most likely to get. Only these institutions will receive your scores. If you decide to apply for a college later, you can do that by paying a fee.
This decision can be made based on different factors, that can include everything from the score the candidate is likely to get to the financial resources available at their disposal. Since each college has its application fee, and it's not cheap at around $30 up, one would want to focus on the 5-10 colleges they want to get into.
Creating an ETS Account
Creating an ETS Account is a required step when it comes to registering for any exam conducted by ETS. This allows the candidate to
- Avail the free GRE Search Service
- View Scores
- Change or Cancel Registration
- Get Additional Score Reports
- Buy Test Prep Materials
- Receive important notifications concerning the test.
Finding a Test Center for GRE General Test
To find a test center for the computer-based GRE General Test,
- Step 1- Go to the official ETS website and click on ‘Choose Where to Take the GRE General Test’.
- Step 2-Test-takers will be able to find a sub-heading titles Test at a Test Center under which there will be a link called ‘Find available Test Centers and Dates’.

- Step 3-Now, there will be a title called ‘Please select a test’ where the candidate can choose either the subject tests or the general test. Choose ‘GRE General Test’ from the drop-down list.
- Step 4-Here, the candidate can either mark the box titled ‘Use my current location’ giving access to their current location of type in a location according to which the test center should be found.
Then, choose the months that are apt for the test considering the 10-15 day period required for the score reports to reach the colleges and universities on time.
Click ‘Continue’ to move on to the next step.
- Step 5-ETS will provide calendars for the months that were chosen from which the candidate can choose any of the available date according to their convenience.
- Step 6-Once the candidates click on the date they require, the drop-down list will show the test centers that are available for that particular day. Choose the most convenient option depending on the distance.
After fixing the date and test center for the GRE General computer-based test, the candidate may directly apply through the ETS Account without any other hassle.
What is the iBT GRE General Test
ETS has started offering an alternative option for students who wish to take the GRE test within the safe and convenient space of their home. This option has been created due to the pandemic and has become one of the most sought-after methods of the test by students and parents alike.
It is offered in every country the GRE General Test is normally offered except Mainland China and Iran. There is no difference in content, format, or other factors when compared to the test taken at a test center. This method can be opted by students at all times since it is available 24/7 and provides test-dates as early as 24 hours after the candidate registers.
Registering and Finding Test-Dates for iBT GRE General Test
- Step 1
To Register for the iBT GRE General Test, one should go to the official ETS website or Register Here.
- Step 2
Select the option called ‘Register Now’ to move on to the next page.
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- Step 3
Now, the candidate will be able to log in to their ETS Account by typing in the username or password. If they have not created an account yet, they will be asked to create an ETS Account to complete the registration process.
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- Step 4
Upon reaching the My GRE Homepage, click on the ‘Register/Find Test Centers’ option.
- Step 5
The ‘Find Test Centers and Dates’ page will contain the option of ‘Test at Home’. Click on it. The country that will be considered by default will be the country mentioned during the ETS Account creation. If the country in concern does not offer at-home testing, this option will not be shown on the page.
- Step 6
Candidate will be asked to verify their e-mail address. This step is important since all matters regarding the GRE Test including the Meeting ID for the at home test will be sent via e-mail.
- Step 7
Confirm the time zone or select a new one.
- Step 8
Choose any two-month period from the calendar shown which is feasible to the candidate. Choosing the months will provide the candidate with the calendars for the specific months highlighting the available test-dates. Choose a date according to the candidate’s convenience.
- Step 9
Click on ‘Register for this Test’ and follow it by paying for the test. The candidate will receive a confirmation e-mail with the chosen test details.
Cancelling or Rescheduling the iBT GRE General Test
Rescheduling the test and canceling the registration must both be done at least 4 days before the test date. For Rescheduling the test, one must pay an additional fee of $50.
Both these procedures can only be done using the ETS Account the candidate holds. One should sign in to the account and then move on to cancel the registration or reschedule it.