Raising your hand to take a break

Each center will probably have its own intricacies, but as a general rule, you need to be escorted in and out of the testing room. That means raising your hand - do not just get up and walk out on your own.

BTW, as soon as you click the button to go on break at the end of a section, your 10 mins start. Raise your hand before you get to that part, and click the button as the attendant is standing next to you.

Also, to add to the above comment, keep in mind that you ONLY have 10 minutes for the breaks - this means that if you exceed the 10 minutes, the next section will still start, even if you aren't there!

Ummm, I'm pretty sure it is a 10 min break.

Yes it is a 10 minute break. And when i took the GMAT i raised my hand for the break and the test administrator who was watching from a glass window waived and signaled me to come out. You will need to scan your figure print while leaving and while returning. So basically you are left with app. 6 minutes of break.

thanks everyone!

In my case I think the computer prompted me to raise my hand when I selected that I wanted a break.

You essentially have enough time to get up, have some water, maybe a snack (I would ask the proctor if its ok to go into your locker, just so they know you arent looking at notes) and maybe use the bathroom if it is nearby.

I think I took 2 minutes for my first break and hopped back in. I didn't take the second break and regretted it because I got a little thirsty and cramped.

Whatever you do, do not take a break DURING the AWA, Quant, or verbal sections. I personally limited my liquid consumption. Wear Depends if you have to!