The GMAC has certain important rules and regulations for those who are taking the test and so, one must be fully aware of what exactly to carry with them to the test center the day of the exam, so that you can take your test at the scheduled time. This way, you also avoid any unnecessary fees that you may have to pay in order to reschedule your exam or to send test scores later.
Preparing for the GMAT Exam not only includes knowing the exam format, and practicing consistently to excel at all questions, it also includes knowing important procedural details such as knowing what to carry or not to carry with you to the test center. Hence, preparing for the exam through organizations that help you throughout the entire process, such as SEICCO’s GMAT classes in Pune, makes things much easier!
4 extremely essential items:
You may not have to carry too many items to the test center but there are certain necessary items that you must ensure you carry, to be allowed to take the test on the test day. They are:
#1: A VALID PHOTO ID
It is compulsory to bring a valid, GMAT approved photo ID to be admitted to your exam. However, you must make sure that it fits the qualifications listed below, since GMAC has strict rules about what qualifies as a valid photo ID. A valid photo ID must have:
- Your name using the Roman alphabet (an important note for test-takers in countries that don’t use the Roman alphabet) that is spelled exactly the same way you provided it when you registered.
- Date of birth that exactly matches the birth date you registered with.
- A recent, recognizable photograph.
- Your signature.
If your photo ID misses one of the qualifications mentioned above or if it is expired, you will not be admitted to take the GMAT. You need to make sure that your photo ID passes all the required qualifications well before the day of the test, so that in case you have to replace it, you have enough time.
The four acceptable forms of ID for the GMAT are: international passport, government-issued driver’s license, government-issued national/state/province identity card, and military ID card. Something to keep in mind is that you must bring a passport if you’re taking the GMAT in a country outside of your country of citizenship. So, if you’re from the United States and are taking the GMAT in India, you need to bring your US passport in order to take the GMAT.
#2: LIST OF THE 5 MBA PROGRAMS YOU INTEND TO SEND YOUR SCORES TO
As part of your GMAT test day appointment, you can select up to 5 programs that you want to send your GMAT scores to, since your exam fee includes the cost of sending the scores to these schools. If you have a list ready, you can send your free scores immediately before the exam. If you do not select any schools, you can still send your scores later, but it will cost $28 per school. If you already have a list prepared, you can avoid feeling flustered or confused about having to decide which schools to send your scores to on the test day and also avoid having to spend unnecessary money sending your scores at a later date.
#3: APPOINTMENT CONFIRMATION LETTER / EMAIL
Remember to bring your appointment confirmation letter or email to the test center in case there is any confusion with your test time and date. By bringing your confirmation letter, you’ll be able to take care of any discrepancy (such as a confusion about your test date) and smooth out your check in process.
#4: DIRECTIONS TO THE GMAT TEST CENTER
Remember to have printed directions to the location of the GMAT test center or have the address pre-loaded on your phone in order to reduce any stress or tension that may be caused if you aren’t able to find your test center easily. Having printed directions will help in case your phone unexpectedly dies. Additionally, pre-loading the address into your phone can ensure that you select the fastest route to the address, one without too much traffic, to reach in time for your test.
3 Items to be comfortable during the exam:
Since the GMAT is a long, time-consuming test, you are given the option of taking 2 breaks to freshen yourself during the exam. The items mentioned below are not necessary ones, but they would definitely help you become and stay comfortable during the length of the exam.
#1: WATER
Taking a bottle of water to the test center is a guaranteed way to refresh yourself during your exam. Even though you are not allowed to bring it inside the exam room, you can get it during breaks when you feel thirsty.
#2: SNACKS
Snacks are also a definite way to refresh and re-energize yourself during your breaks. Similar to water, you are not permitted to bring snacks inside the exam room, however, you can eat them during the break. Protein bars, fruits or other snacks boost your spirits and equip you with newfound energy that you can use to answer questions easily during the rest of the exam!
#3: EXTRA LAYERS
In case the test center you are assigned to is too cold or too hot, it is beneficial to take a sweatshirt or a similar item of clothing that you can also remove easily with you. This will help you be comfortable as you answer questions in your test.
A checklist for your GMAT test day:
Worried that you’ll forget something important on your way to the GMAT? Don’t be! With our handy, downloadable GMAT exam day checklist, you’ll be able to remember exactly what to bring to GMAT test day.
Do NOT bring these to the exam room:
GMAC is very strict about what you can bring into the testing room. Leave these items at home or in your car on test day – you won’t be able to use them anyways.
#1: Electronics
You are not permitted to carry a calculator with you to the GMAT so do not bring it to the test center at all. Similarly, you will not be allowed to use your phone, tablet, laptop, pager, watch, radio or any other electronic item during your test so it is important that you leave these items in your car, otherwise you will be asked to lock up these devices inside a locker.
#2: Books and Other Print Aids
You cannot bring any books/print aids to the exam center, including dictionaries, thesauruses, idiom dictionaries, math formula sheets, or any other printed item. It is important to ensure that you do not have a sheet folded up in your pocket or anywhere on your person when you are entering the test room. If you are found with any print aids your test will automatically be voided.
#3: Weapons
Please ensure that you do not bring any weapons or any items that have any potential to be used as a weapon (including any pocket knives, nail clippers or razors) to the test room. The only weapon you should be using at the test is your finely prepared brain!