BREAKING: Target Test Prep releases Brand New 2026 On Demand GMAT prep course

Redeem

When Does the Clock Start to Run for Breaks?

Post your questions about customer service issues, GMAT exam policies, and GMAT exam structure. Get an official answer from GMAC, the organization behind the GMAT test!
This topic has expert replies
Post new topic Post Reply
Previous Topic Next Topic
Newbie | Next Rank: 10 Posts
Posts: 4
Joined: Wed Jun 01, 2011 1:23 pm

When Does the Clock Start to Run for Breaks?

by amylamendola » Tue Oct 02, 2012 9:04 am
Greetings:

I am about three weeks away from taking my exam and am very worried about the timing for breaks. I know the breaks are 8 minutes long, but when does the clock start to count down for your breaks? Does it start to run once the computer monitor asks you if you want to take a break? Or can you wait until you raise your hand and the proctor comes to click on the yes button? In short, should you wait to click the yes button until the proctor comes to allow you to go on break, or does the 8 minutes start to run from the time the monitor asks you if you want to take a break regardless of when you click on the yes button?

Sorry if this is a stupid question, but I want to be sure I do not take too long on my breaks.

If any one could give me any info on this, it would be greatly appreciate it.

Thanks so much.

Sincerely,

Amy
Top
Source: — Ask the Test Maker |
User avatar
MBA Admissions Consultant
Posts: 2279
Joined: Fri Nov 11, 2011 7:51 am
Location: New York
Thanked: 660 times
Followed by:266 members
GMAT Score:770

by Jim@StratusPrep » Wed Oct 03, 2012 9:00 am
It starts once you submit your answer to the last question. So, if you have time left in a section and want more time to relax - just hang out until you are ready to get up.
GMAT Answers provides a world class adaptive learning platform.
-- Push button course navigation to simplify planning
-- Daily assignments to fit your exam timeline
-- Organized review that is tailored based on your abiility
-- 1,000s of unique GMAT questions
-- 100s of handwritten 'digital flip books' for OG questions
-- 100% Free Trial and less than $20 per month after.
-- Free GMAT Quantitative Review

Image
Top
User avatar
Official Company Rep
Posts: 669
Joined: Tue Jun 12, 2012 9:06 pm
Location: Washington DC
Thanked: 143 times
Followed by:270 members
GMAT Score:800

by OfficialGMAT » Wed Oct 03, 2012 11:04 am
Hello, Amy. It starts counting down as soon as the message about the break appears, as Jim noted. Thanks!
Leah
Official GMAC Representative

Have a question about customer service issues, GMAT exam policies, or GMAT exam structure? Post your question in our Ask the Test Maker forum!
Top
Newbie | Next Rank: 10 Posts
Posts: 4
Joined: Wed Jun 01, 2011 1:23 pm

by amylamendola » Wed Oct 03, 2012 2:06 pm
Thanks so much for your replies Jim and Rebecca! The info is greatly appreciated and helpful!

Amy
Top
Junior | Next Rank: 30 Posts
Posts: 15
Joined: Thu May 24, 2012 9:30 am

by amvins » Fri Oct 19, 2012 8:53 am
One key observation is that the checkout process time is not factored into the 8 min, meaning it comes out of 8 min. Checkout process invovles following steps performed by test supervisor
1. escorting out of the candidate
2. Verifying your ID document
3. Palm scanning

The same process is repeated when you come back into the test room after the break. This time there is one addition which is to show your sleeves and pockets to the test supervisor and let him/her ensure that you are not carrying any material.

The process makes sense as it ensures a safe and fair test, but the time comes out of the already small 8 min break. With multiple people taking breaks around the same time, there can be a short wait time at the test supervisor's desk. It will be good if the clock starts after the check out process is complete.
Top
User avatar
Official Company Rep
Posts: 669
Joined: Tue Jun 12, 2012 9:06 pm
Location: Washington DC
Thanked: 143 times
Followed by:270 members
GMAT Score:800

by OfficialGMAT » Fri Oct 19, 2012 11:49 am
Thanks for your note, Amvins, and I will share it with our program team.

Rebecca
Leah
Official GMAC Representative

Have a question about customer service issues, GMAT exam policies, or GMAT exam structure? Post your question in our Ask the Test Maker forum!
Top
Newbie | Next Rank: 10 Posts
Posts: 2
Joined: Mon Dec 03, 2012 6:54 am

by ANDREAR2 » Mon Dec 03, 2012 12:32 pm
I agree. I found myself spending 1-2 minutes just waiting for the proctor to come check me out.....ridiculous!
Top
Post new topic Post Reply
• Page 1 of 1