Hey Ashim,

Good question - they won't let you bring in any of your own equipment for the test, so you'll have to leave your own pens in your locker during the test, but rest assured that they'll give you a new pen if you need it. I've also heard from at least a few students recently that they were provided with two pens at the beginning of the exam, so that's a possibility (not sure if that's official or just a friendly proctor's doing here in Southern California, but it may be worth asking about if you don't receive two to start).

Brian@VeritasPrep wrote:Hey Ashim,

Good question - they won't let you bring in any of your own equipment for the test, so you'll have to leave your own pens in your locker during the test, but rest assured that they'll give you a new pen if you need it. I've also heard from at least a few students recently that they were provided with two pens at the beginning of the exam, so that's a possibility (not sure if that's official or just a friendly proctor's doing here in Southern California, but it may be worth asking about if you don't receive two to start).

Ah, that's good to know that that is being done in socal, I'm also in socal, and will be testing in Gardena.

I was just worried because I know it takes at least a few minutes to replace pens, etc. Do you know how old the computer hardware is usually?

Hey Ashim,

Sounds good! Regarding the computers, you can find a list of the technical requirements for Pearson/VUE testing centers at: https://www.pearsonvue.com/pvtc/technical_reqs.pdf. These should at least let you know the minimum level of modernity that they'd accept today...

Probably more important than the specs is the fact that GMAC takes this stuff very seriously - I've talked to a few people that are in charge of the organization and they work extremely hard to make sure that everyone is assessed and scored fairly, so you can rest assured that it's their goal for your test to come down to how well you answer the questions, and not to be affected by problems with pens, computer terminals, etc.

Best of luck as you continue your preparation for the exam! I've heard some positive vibes coming from the Gardena test center recently...

I am one of those individuals that experienced more or less a horror story when it comes to the pens they give you at the test site. My pen ran out of ink and I couldn't find a proctor--for what seemed to be an eternity.

Anyways, the GMAC refunded my first test given the pen problem I mentioned above combined with an even more serious administrative error that you can read about on another thread. I've taken the GMAT 3 times since then, and ever since my first experience, the proctors have given all test-takers TWO pens when entering the testing center. It was definitely a nice surprise when I went back to take the test a second time. I attribute this change in practice to all of the hell I raised with the GMAC in regards to that testing site

But in regards to all testing sites, I can assure you that they definitely will not let you bring in your own pen. I also wouldn't try to sneak one in given all of the security cameras. However, I would definitely ask for one when they give you the testing material.

It's also worthwhile to note...
After my first test experience, I sent GMAC an e-mail and asked if it's acceptable for a test taker to take in two pens at the beginning of the test. They replied NO

But many test facilities obviously don't seem to follow that rule...