What to Bring to GMAT Test Day
Test day is almost here! Hopefully, you’re excited to finally put all of the knowledge and skills you’ve gained during your GMAT preparation to the test. Of course, you may have been so focused on learning GMAT content and techniques that, until now, you haven’t given much thought to the practical matter of what to bring to GMAT exams in order to ensure game day goes smoothly.
Not to worry. We’ve got a checklist of the items you need to bring with you to the GMAT test center, and the items you’ll want to bring to have your best test experience possible.
A Note About Your Locker
Although you won’t be able to bring personal items such as a cellphone, purse, wallet, or backpack into the GMAT exam room with you, you will have the option of storing those and other personal items in a locker outside of the exam room that you can access during your breaks. Keep in mind, though, that locker space at test centers is not endless, and there are many items, such as a cellphone or notebook, that you’re not allowed to use during your breaks even if you store them in your locker. So, don’t go crazy packing everything under the sun into the bag you take to the test center. Test day is definitely a time to “travel light”!
Before we go over the items that you should bring to your GMAT, let’s quickly review some items that you definitely should not bring with you to a GMAT test center.
What Not to Bring
First off, let’s reiterate the value of bringing only those items you really need on test day. As you’ll see in this article, there are very few items you’re allowed to bring into the actual exam room with you, so anything else you carry into the test center will have to be stored in your locker. Cellphones, watches, sunglasses, hats, lip balm, tissues, ear plugs, water bottles — the list goes on — none of these items are permitted in the exam room.
Furthermore, as we already mentioned, many items that you technically can store in your locker at the test center, such as pens and pencils, calculators, and books, you are not allowed to actually access during your breaks. So, bring only what you absolutely need, and if you’re driving to the test center, leave as many items as you can in your car.
Importantly, there are some items that are completely prohibited at test centers — not just in the exam room, but anywhere on the premises. Those items include weapons such as firearms (regardless of permit) and knives (including Swiss army knives) and anything that could be used as a weapon. That means that some items that may fall under the category of “school supplies,” such as scissors and box cutters, should be left at home.
Make sure to empty your pockets and clean out any backpack or purse you’ll be bringing to the test center, so that you don’t inadvertently carry a prohibited item into the building and get denied entry to your GMAT. You would also be wise to review GMAC’s test center rules and the rules for your specific test center before your exam date, so you can plan ahead.
Now that we know what not to bring to GMAT test centers, let’s take a look at the items you’ll need and want to have with you on test day.
What to Bring
A Face Mask
Right now, a global pandemic is affecting every aspect of our lives, and the GMAT is no exception. In fact, many GMAT test centers are still closed due to COVID-19. However, some test centers have reopened or will be reopening soon, and there are some new safety measures that those locations have in place in order to maintain a hygienic environment for test-takers.
You’ll want to check the guidelines of your test center, because public health measures vary depending on location, but you may be required to wear a face mask for the duration of your GMAT. If a face mask is required, make sure to bring one that you know will be comfortable for you to wear for several hours straight, so it doesn’t become a distraction (or fog up your eyeglasses) during your test.
Hand-sanitizing liquid or wipes should be provided at the test center, but you can always give your test center a call if you’re concerned.
A Valid Form of ID
Consider this your ticket for entry into the GMAT test center. For obvious reasons, GMAT test centers take security pretty seriously, so at the start of the GMAT check-in process, you’ll need to present a valid and acceptable form of identification. Valid forms of ID include an international travel passport, a government-issued driver’s license, a government-issued identity card (national/state/province or European ID card), or a military ID card.
Importantly, the name, date of birth, and country of origin (if applicable) on your identification must exactly match the information you provided to register for the GMAT. If they don’t, you won’t be allowed to take your exam. Additionally, be sure that your name appears on your ID using the Roman alphabet, and that your ID contains your signature and a photograph that is recognizably you. If you don’t have one form of identification that covers all these bases, bring a second ID to fill in any gaps.
Remember to arrive at the test center about 30 minutes before the start of your exam, so you’ll have plenty of time to check in. If you get to the test center even earlier than that, find a seat at a nearby coffee shop where you can pregame with some important notes or a few practice questions (we’ll talk more about that later).
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