Executive Assessment Format: All You Need to Know
If you’re an experienced business professional who is interested in Executive MBA programs, you may be considering taking the Executive Assessment (EA). An increasing number of business schools around the world accept Executive Assessment scores for admission to not only their EMBA programs, but also select part-time MBA and specialized master’s programs. So, if you think this exam may be right for you, this is your primer on the Executive Assessment format — everything from how the test is administered to how the test sections and various question types are structured.
First let’s discuss the two ways the Executive Assessment is administered: in person and online.
Executive Assessment Test Administration
The Executive Assessment is a computer-administered, standardized test designed by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC), the same organization that designs that other widely used test for business program admissions, the GMAT.
EA test-takers have two options for how they can sit for the exam. They can take the exam at one of the 600 test centers around the world where the EA is administered year-round or they can take the exam at home. (Note that because of local regulations, the online test is not available in Mainland China, Iran, North Korea, Cuba, Sudan, and South Sudan.)
Whether you take the in-person exam or the online version, the Executive Assessment test format is the same. So, both versions feature the same sections, topics, question types, number of questions per section, and section times. Additionally, they both use the exact same scoring algorithm and score scales. Thus, EA Online scores and in-person EA scores should be considered no differently by business schools, since the two tests are identical in structure, content, and scoring.
Of course, if you take your exam at home, your proctor will oversee your exam remotely and you will complete a virtual check-in instead of an in-person one. The only other difference between the online and in-person formats is the note-taking implements permitted. Let’s quickly review those before we dive into the structure of the exam.
Note-Taking During the Exam
If you sit for your exam at a test center, the exam proctor will provide you with a noteboard and marker for note-taking during your exam.
If you take the EA online, you’ll have the option to take notes using a virtual whiteboard on your computer, a physical whiteboard that you must purchase, or both. The physical whiteboard must be an erasable whiteboard no larger than 12 inches by 20 inches, and you can use 1 dry-erase marker and 1 eraser with it.
One thing to keep in mind is that although you don’t have to purchase your own note-taking implements for the in-person exam, it’s important to practice your note-taking techniques in a realistic way before test day. For instance, when you take practice Executive Assessment tests, you should use note-taking implements that are just like the ones you’ll use on test day.
Trust me, you don’t want the actual exam clock ticking while you’re getting the hang of quickly and neatly taking notes with a marker. So, regardless of whether you sit for the EA at home or at a test center, purchase the appropriate note-taking implements beforehand, so you can get your technique down. Luckily, you can find these supplies easily through retailers such as Staples and Amazon.
Now that we’ve covered the basics of how the exam is administered, let’s delve into the Executive Assessment format, starting with the overall test structure.
Executive Assessment Test Format
Compared to other entrance exams, the Executive Assessment is relatively short, featuring only 40 questions and taking just 90 minutes to complete. However, since the EA is a relatively quick exam, there are no optional breaks. So, if for some reason you need to leave your desk during the exam, the exam clock will keep ticking!
Now, let’s take a look at how your time will be divided on the exam.
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