Format and Content
The GMAT is designed to assess basic verbal, math and analysis skills, NOT the test taker’s business knowledge, job skills, or subjective qualities such as interpersonal skills or motivation. It is important to note, however, that the focus of the exam is on logic and reasoning abilities, and is driven by business subject matter.
The GMAT is divided into 3 parts: Analytical Writing Assessment, Quantitative Section, and Verbal Section. The exam lasts for approximately 4 hours (with an optional 10-minute break between each section), and is administered via a computer-adaptive format. Basic computer skills are required. The exam is structured as follows:
- Analytical Writing Assessment
- 2 analytical essays (Analysis of Issue & Analysis of Argument)
- 30 minutes each
- Quantitative Section
- 37 multiple choice questions (Data Sufficiency & Problem Solving)
- 75 minutes total
- Verbal Section
- 41 multiple choice questions
- Reading Comprehension – 350-word passages covering social sciences, physical/biological sciences, and business
- Critical Reasoning – argument construction and planning skills
- Sentence Corrections – effective and grammatically correct expression of ideas
- 75 minutes total
Accomodations:
For those with special needs, some accommodations can be made at the discretion of the GMAT administrators. Though no alternative is offered in place of the exam’s computer format, other options to assist special needs test takers include the following:
- Additional testing time (all tests are timed)
- Additional or extended rest breaks
- Allowance of a medical device in the testing rooms
- A trackball mouse
- A reader who can read the test items to the test taker and record test taker responses
- A recorder to record test taker responses
- Enlarged font on the PC monitor
- A sign language interpreter
Registration
If you are interested in taking the GMAT, there are four ways to register: online, by telephone, by fax, or via mail. Test dates are offered year-round and in a wide variety of convenient locations. The GMAT costs $250 (plus taxes in some countries); for accepted methods of payment, please reference this link: (http://www.mba.com/mba/TaketheGMAT/RegisterfortheGMAT/LearnabouttheGMAT/PayfortheTestin2006.htm).
The fastest form of registration is to access the MBA website. (http://www.mba.com/mba/TaketheGMAT/RegisterfortheGMAT/GMATAppointments/ScheduleGMATAppointmentin2006.htm). You may browse through test centers and dates before officially registering.
You may also call the toll-free Customer Service line at 1-800-717-GMAT [4628] or the company line at 1-952-681-3680. Both numbers are available Monday through Friday, from 7am to 7pm (CST). In order to mail or fax registration, you must download and fill out the Registration Form from the MBA website (http://www.mba.com/mba/TaketheGMAT/Tools/2006AppointmentScheduleForm.htm). Please keep in mind that this form of registration can take up to 8 weeks to process.
To fax a registration form or request paperwork, use 1-952-681-3681.
To mail in a registration form, send to:
Pearson VUE
Attention: GMAT® Program
PO Box 581907
Minneapolis, MN 55458-1907
USA