GMAT Online Proctored Exam vs In-Person Test

The GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) is a standardized exam used by business schools to assess the skills of applicants. Traditionally, the GMAT was administered in-person at test centers. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, an online proctored version of the exam was introduced to allow test-takers to complete the test from the comfort of their own homes.

1. Exam Format and Sections:
- The online proctored GMAT consists of the same four sections as the in-person test: Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA), Integrated Reasoning (IR), Quantitative Reasoning (QR), and Verbal Reasoning (VR).
- The AWA and IR sections are unchanged in both formats.
- In the online proctored exam, the QR and VR sections are shorter. The QR section has 31 questions instead of 37, and the VR section has 36 questions instead of 41.

2. Exam Timing:
- The total exam time for the in-person test is 3 hours and 23 minutes, including breaks.
- The online proctored exam has a reduced total exam time of 2 hours and 45 minutes, including breaks.

3. Exam Delivery:
- The in-person test is administered at designated test centers under controlled conditions.
- The online proctored exam is taken remotely from the test-taker's own computer, with a live human proctor monitoring via a webcam.

4. Technical Requirements for the Online Proctored Exam:
- A Windows or Mac computer with a compatible operating system (Windows 8 or 10, macOS 10.13 or later).
- A reliable internet connection with a minimum download speed of 3 Mbps and upload speed of 1 Mbps.
- A webcam and microphone for live proctoring and identification purposes.
- A private, well-lit, and quiet testing environment.
- Installation of the GMAT Online Exam App, which provides a secure browser and test delivery platform.
- A compatible web browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari) for launching the exam app.
- A valid government-issued photo ID for identity verification.

Conclusion:
While the online proctored GMAT exam maintains the same content and structure as the in-person test, there are some differences in the format, timing, and delivery method. It is important for test-takers to meet the technical requirements to ensure a smooth testing experience.