One of the key differences while comparing the GMAT vs. GRE at-home exam is the exam structure compared to the usual testing experience. The GRE general test at home is identical in content, on-screen experience, and format compared to the test taken at the center. However, the GMAT at-home exam has omitted the Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) section, which is included if you take the in-center GMAT exam.
This omission has made the GMAT at-home exam 45 minutes shorter than the GRE at-home exam. You can complete the GMAT Online exam in approx. Three hours whereas the at-home GRE takes 3 hours 45 minutes to complete, including breaks. However, starting April 8, 2021, you will be able to take the AWA section too. Take a look at this video to know about 4 key enhancements for GMAT online in 2021:
This article compares the GRE and GMAT at-home test and highlights key differences and similarities between them.
Check out GMAT Online vs. in-center Exam.
Here an outline of the article:
- Compare the GMAT Online vs. GRE at-Home Exam
- GMAT vs. GRE at-home Exam – How is it different?
- GMAT vs. GRE at-home Exam – How is it Similar?
Compare the GMAT Online vs. GRE at-Home Exam
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, both GMAT and GREs can be taken at-home. The GRE is conducted by Educational Testing Service, whereas the Graduate Management Admission Council conducts GMAT.
Here is a side-by-side comparison of the two tests:
| GMAT vs. GRE | GMAT Online | GRE At-Home |
| Cost | $250 | $205 |
| Start and End Date | The GMAT Online Exam is here to stay for a while. It will be offered on a rolling-bases | As mentioned on the GRE official site, GRE at-home is here to stay |
| Test Availability | The exam is available globally, except in Cuba, Iran, North Korea, mainland China, and Sudan | It is globally available, except in Mainland China and Iran |
| Sections | There are three sections- Quantitative, Verbal, and Integrated Reasoning. Starting April 8, 2021, you will be able to take the AWA section | There are six sections – Quantitative and Verbal Reasoning (2 sections each), Analytical writing skills, and unscored. |
| Total Exam Time | Approx. 3 hours | 3 hours 45 minutes |
| Break | One optional break of 5 minutes. Starting April 8, 2021, you will be able to take two 8 mins break. | Optional 10-minute break following the third section plus a one-minute gap between the remaining sections in front of the camera. |
| Section order | Quant – Verbal – Integrated Reasoning. Starting April 8, 2021, you will be able to choose your section order. | The analytical writing section will always be the first. Quant, Verbal, and unscored section may appear in any order |
| Content comparability to the standard offering | AWA section is omitted. Starting April 8, 2021, you will be able to take the AWA section | Like the usual testing experience |
| Reschedule fees | $25 | Depending on the Location charged. Check this article to know more. |
| Cancellation Fees | $100 (up to 24 hours before the appointment) | Depending on the Location charged. Check this article to know more. |
| Official Scores available | Within seven days of completing the Exam | 10-15 days of completing the exam |
| Score validity | Five years | Five years |
| Score report | You can send your score report to unlimited colleges and schools. | You can send your score report to unlimited colleges and schools. |
| Score preview after the test | No. Starting April 8, 2021, you will be able to see your scores immediately | Yes |
| Score Cancellation after the test | No | Yes |
| Retake | One retake is available | Must wait at least 21 days; can take as many as five times within 12 months |
| Computer Systems | Windows 10, Windows 8.1 (32-bit and 64-bit) and Mac OS 10.13 and above (excluding beta versions) | Windows 10, 8 or 7/or Mac OS 10.5 and above |
| Use of Paper | Not allowed | Students can take notes with an erasable marker on a black sheet of paper visible through a transparent sheet protector |
| Online White Board | Available | Not available |
| Physical Whiteboard | Students can use a physical whiteboard. Check out the specification here. | Students can take notes with an erasable marker on a whiteboard. The minimum size is 8″ x 10″. |
| Proctoring | Pearson VUE® | ProctorU® |
| Human Proctor | Yes | Yes |
| Refreshments | Water in a clear glass | None |
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GMAT Online vs. GRE at-home Exam – How is it different?
There are substantial differences between GMAT vs. GRE at the home exam:
- The GMAT at-home exam has three sections in total, whereas the GRE at-home has six sections. Here is the GMAT and GRE at-home test sections, type and number of questions, duration, and score range:
| GMAT Online Exam Section | Number of questions | Time Limit | Type of questions | Score range |
| Verbal Reasoning | 36 | 65 | Reading comprehension, Critical Reasoning, and sentence correction | 6-51 in 1-point increment |
| Quantitative Reasoning | 31 | 62 | Data sufficiency and problem-solving | 6-51 in 1-point increment |
| Integrated Reasoning | 12 | 30 | Multi-Source Reasoning, two-part analysis, and graphic interpretation | 1-8 in 1-point increment |
Have a look at the GMAT Syllabus 2020.
| GRE At-home Test Section | Number of questions | Time Limit | Type of questions | Score range |
| Verbal Reasoning – 2 sections | 20 questions per section | 30 minutes per section | Sentence equivalence, text completion, reading comprehension | 130-170, in 1-point increment |
| Quantitative Reasoning – 2 sections | 20 questions per section | 35 minutes per section | Quantitative comparison question, Multiple choice questions where you select one or more answer choice, and numeric entry | 130-170, in 1-point increment |
| Analytical Writing | Two tasks | 30 minutes per task | Analyze an argument task and Analyze an issue task | 0-6, in half-point increments |
Have a look at GRE Syllabus.
- The cost of the GMAT and GRE at-home test is $250 and $205, respectively
- The GRE at-home is available globally except in Mainland China and Iran. On the other hand, the GMAT Online exam is available globally except Mainland China, Iran, Cuba, North Korea, and Sudan
- The total duration for GRE at-home is 3 hours 45 minutes, whereas, for the GMAT at-home, it is 3 hours, including breaks. Starting April 8, 2021, you will be able to take the AWA section, thus the timing will be similar to the GRE at-home test
- There is only one optional break for both the tests. However, for the GMAT online, an optional break of 5 mins is available, whereas for GRE at-home 10 mins break is available. Starting April 8, 2021, you will be able to take two 8 minutes break for the GMAT Online
- There is no rescheduling fee for GRE, and the cancellation fee is half the original price upto four days before the exam. For the GMAT at-home exam, the rescheduling and cancellation fee is $25 and $100 (up to 24 hours before the appointment)
- The official GMAT score will be available within seven days of completing the exam, whereas, for GRE at-home, the scores will be available within 10-15 days. However, you can view your unofficial GRE scores after taking the test, which is unknown if you take the GMAT online exam. However, Starting April 8, 2021, you will be able to see your scores once you finish your test. Also, once you receive your GMAT online score, you cannot cancel it
- Only one retake is allowed for GMAT at-home exam, and it is counted towards 12 months and the lifetime limit. For retaking the GRE at-home exam, you must wait at least 21 days; and take as many as five times within 12 months. This is applied even if you cancel the test
- For taking notes Online and physical whiteboard is available for the GMAT Online exam. However, for GRE at-home exam, you can use paper or a whiteboard with an erasable marker. You would require a black sheet of paper visible through a transparent sheet protector for taking notes on paper
- The system requirements for both exams are also different. Here is the comparison between the two:
| System Requirements | GMAT Online | GRE General Test at home |
| Computer System | Windows 10, Windows 8.1 (32-bit and 64-bit) and Mac OS 10.13 and above (excluding beta versions) | Windows 10, 8 or 7/or Mac OS 10.5 and above |
| Operating System | Note: Windows Operating Systems must pass Genuine Windows Validation Windows Vista, Windows XP, and Windows 7 are strictly prohibited for exam delivery. All Linux/Unix based Operating Systems are strictly prohibited. | Desktop or laptop computer; you cannot use a tablet or mobile device PC: Windows® operating system, versions 10, 8, or 7 MAC®: Mac OS X® 10.5 or higher (10.13 High Sierra is recommended) |
| RAM | OS specified Minimum RAM is required. Recommended 4 GB or more | Minimum 1024 MB. Recommended 2 GB |
| Internet Browser | The newest versions of Microsoft Edge, Safari, Chrome, and Firefox for web registrations or downloading the secure browser or Internet Explorer 11 | Chrome™ or Firefox® browser |
| Firewall | Do not take your exam in a setting with a corporate firewall (including VPN) or alert your Network Administrator to the network configuration requirements. | Run the ProctorU System Check from the computer you will use for the test. |
| Internet Connection | A consistent connection speed of 1 Mbps down/up is required. It is recommend testing on a wired network as opposed to a wireless network. It is explicitly prohibited to use a mobile hotspot. | A minimum download speed of 0.768Mbps and upload speed of 0.384Mbps is required. Recommended download and upload speeds are 1.5 Mbps and 1Mbps, respectively. |
| Sound & Microphone | Verify the audio and microphone are not set on mute in Windows Mac users may need to allow OnVUE within their ‘System Preferences: Security & Privacy: Privacy’ settings for Microphone, Camera, Automation, and Input Monitoring. | Internal and external speakers can be used to hear the proctor. Headsets or earphones are not allowed. You can use an external or internal microphone that is not a headset to communicate with the proctor. |
| Browser Settings | Internet Cookies must be enabled. Any Pop-Up blocking setting(s) must be disabled. | Download and install the ETS Secure Test Browser on the computer you will use for the test. To fully install the browser, run the file after downloading it. Download Windows version and Mac Version here. |
| Webcam | A minimum resolution of 640×480 @ 10fps is required. Webcam may be internal or external and connected to the computer. Mac users may need to allow OnVUE within their ‘System Preferences: Security & Privacy: Privacy’ settings for Microphone, Camera, Automation, and Input Monitoring. | A minimum resolution of 640×480 is required. The recommended is 1280×720. You can use a built-in-camera or a separate webcam. Note: Camera must be able to be moved to show a 360-degree view of the room, including your tabletop surface |
| External devices | Prohibited. Any External, connected devices such as an extended keyboard, writing tablets, monitor, stylus, or any other on-screen writing devices are not allowed | Internal or external speaker, not part of the headset. Internal or external microphone, not part of the headset. |
Source for GMAT Online system specification
Source for GRE at-home system specification
GMAT Online vs. GRE at-home Exam – How is it Similar?
Although there are a lot of differences between GMAT Online and GRE at-home exam, here are some similarities between them:
- For both the exams, appointment times are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Candidates can even schedule their exam appointment up to 24 hours before an available testing window.
- Both the exam have Accommodations for disabilities. Here is the link – GRE at-home and GMAT Online
- Both the tests are valid for five years and can be taken till 31st December 2020
- You can send your GMAT and GRE scores to unlimited colleges and schools.
Now that you know the difference between GMAT vs. GRE at-home exam. Have a look at the difference between GMAT and GRE syllabus. The syllabus for GMAT and GRE at-home remains the same compared to their in-center exam.
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FAQs – GMAT vs. GRE at-home exam
Both exams are similar when it comes to the overall difficulty level of GMAT and GRE. The correct question to ask at this point is which section of both the tests (Quant and Verbal) is relatively difficult. As GRE verbal tests challenging vocabulary, GMAT verbal tends to be slightly easier. On the other hand, GMAT Quant is considered to be harder than GRE Quant as it tests your problem-solving skills.
Yes. Both the exams are accepted by graduate schools. Generally, there is a notion that you choose GMAT if you only want to apply to a business school and choose GRE if you’re still undecided about the type of graduate program. However, choosing between GMAT and GRE takes a little more effort. Learn the difference between the two tests and decide which one should you take.
GRE is a standardized test that you can take to get accepted for a plethora of graduate programs. There are six sections in the GRE and you can score between 130 and 170 in 1-point increment. Learn what is a good GRE score for MBA and scholarship.
GMAT is a standardized test that you can take to get accepted for graduate and MBA programs. GMAT has four sections and you can score between 200 and 800 in 10-point increments. Learn all about the GMAT exam 2020.
The total duration for GRE at-home is 3 hours 45 minutes, whereas, for GMAT online it is 3 hours, including breaks.
