GMAT: all you should know

The test you sit today for graduate business admissions is the current GMAT exam, which the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) also refers to as the Focus Edition. According to the GMAT FAQ, this format replaced the older GMAT Exam (10th Edition) on 1 February 2024. If you took the 10th Edition before that date, your scores remain valid for five years from your appointment date.

Learn does not offer GMAT practice at this time. Learn is independent of GMAC.

As noted in the GMAT exam overview, the current exam does not contain an analytical writing assessment. There is no essay section to prepare for or write.

According to the GMAT exam structure and content specifications, the test consists of 64 total questions and takes 2 hours and 15 minutes of testing time. You may take one optional 10-minute break during the sitting. You can take this break after your first section or after your second section, but not after both. You also have the flexibility to choose the delivery order of the three sections when you begin:

• Quantitative Reasoning (45 minutes, 21 questions): This section assesses foundational mathematical knowledge through problem-solving questions. The content focuses on arithmetic and elementary algebra. You may not use a calculator in this section.
• Verbal Reasoning (45 minutes, 23 questions): This section evaluates your ability to evaluate arguments and comprehend written material through reading comprehension and critical reasoning questions. You may not use a calculator in this section.
• Data Insights (45 minutes, 20 questions): This section measures data analysis skills across five distinct formats: Data Sufficiency, Multi-Source Reasoning, Table Analysis, Graphics Interpretation, and Two-Part Analysis. According to the GMAC calculator policy, an on-screen calculator is provided for the Data Insights section only. Personal calculators are strictly prohibited unless you have received prior approval for an accommodation from GMAC.

The questions provide the necessary facts to solve each problem, meaning you do not need outside business knowledge.

As outlined in the GMAT Official Guide excerpt, all three sections are computer adaptive. Each section begins with a question of medium difficulty. Because the testing engine selects subsequent questions based on your performance, you cannot skip a question; you must enter an answer to move forward. However, the platform allows you to bookmark questions as you work. Once you answer all questions in a section, and provided you still have section time remaining, you can review questions and change up to three answers before the clock runs out.

When you finish, you get three section scores and one total. The three sections are weighted equally.

The scales are on the GMAT scores page.

A school sees your score only if you send it. The FAQ says no one else is given the score unless you share it.

There is no single national test date. How to book a center or an online sitting is on the GMAT dates page. Confirm a seat on mba.com before you register.