Overview of GMAT Exam Format and Timing

The day you have been tirelessly preparing for is finally here. The day that you apply what you’ve learned and take the GMAT Exam. Of course, you know what material will be covered on the test, but knowing the details of the test day schedule is also imperative.

On test day, you will have about 4 hours total to complete sign in, get situated and actually complete the GMAT exam. The test is broken up into four sections: Analytical Writing Assessment, Integrated Reasoning, Quantitative, and Verbal.

Here is a quick, basic breakdown of your schedule for the test.

Check in for GMAT (25-40 minutes)

Once you arrive at the testing center, you will need sign in and most likely take a number. You’ll provide your identification card or driver’s license, which will be scanned and then you will have to put all of your belongings in a locker. At that point, you will be taken to the testing room and given erasable pads and markers, and you will be assigned to a computer. You will be required to log in to the computer and choose the schools to which you want your score sent. This process can take anywhere from 25-40 minutes, depending on how crowded it is at the testing center.

Analytic Writing Assessment – Argument Essay (30 minutes)

The first section of the GMAT is the Analytical Writing Assessment. For this section, you will have 30 minutes to complete one topic, which will be some argument analysis. You will discuss how well reasoned you believe these arguments to be, and use as much evidence as possible. So get to writing!

Integrated Reasoning Section (30 minutes)

Once you complete the Analytical Writing Section, it’s on to the 30-minute Integrated Reasoning Section. There will be 12 multiple-part questions, and you will be able to utilize an on-screen calculator for this section only.

For this part, you are expected to be familiar with multi-source reasoning, graphics interpretation, two-part analysis, and table analysis. There are a couple of important things to keep in mind while doing the Integrated Reasoning section of the test. You must answer all parts of the question correctly to receive credit. Also, once you answer a question, you cannot go back and change the answer.

First Break (8 minutes)

After the Integrated Reasoning Section, you will have the option to take your first of two breaks. You will definitely want to take this break! You will have 8 minutes to eat, use the restroom, get some fresh air, etc.; do whatever you need to clear your head. Remember to raise your hand so that you can be escorted out of the test room.

The importance of taking a quick break really can’t be stressed enough. Even if you don’t need to use the restroom, water and food are always good for the mind and body. Plus, walking around and getting some fresh air will provide more oxygen for your brain.

Quantitative Section (75 minutes)

Now that you are feeling refreshed from your quick break, it’s time to go back to the testing center. They will scan your hand, escort you back to your computer, and you will begin the Quantitative Section.

You will have 75 minutes to complete the 37 questions in this section. This section covers mostly data sufficiency and problem solving. There will be NO calculator of any kind allowed during this part.

Second Break (8 minutes)

After all that math, it’s time for your hard-earned, second 8-minute break. Once again, remember the value of these scheduled breaks. It’s always helpful to get a quick change of scenery.

Verbal Section

You’re back from your second break, and it’s time for the final section of the test; the Verbal Section. The verbal section measures your ability to understand written material, evaluate arguments, and edit incorrectly written material. This section is also 75 minutes long. You will have 41 questions to answer covering topics like reading comprehension, critical reasoning, and sentence correction.

Decide Whether to Keep Your Score or Schedule a Retest

Congratulations! You’ve completed the GMAT! Now you will raise your hand, and a proctor will escort you from the testing room. You will need to sign out, at which point you will receive an almost complete score for your test, everything except the analytical writing section will be scored. You have to decide whether to keep your score or cancel it and schedule a retest.

Congratulations! Roughly 4 hours and 20 minutes have passed and you’re done with all of the technical stuff, now you will collect your belongings and be out to door to glorious freedom.

Let’s put everything into practice. Try this GMAT practice question:

Looking for more GMAT practice?

You can find thousands of practice questions on Albert.io. Albert.io lets you customize your learning experience to target practice where you need the most help. We’ll give you challenging practice questions to help you achieve mastery of the GMAT.

Start practicing here.

Are you a teacher or administrator interested in boosting GMAT student outcomes?

Learn more about our school licenses here.