10 Things Not to Do at the Test Center

Question

10 Things NOT to Do at the Test Center

This past week we had a member who was asked to leave after  looking at their notes  during the break and another member last month had their score canceled for  turning their cell phone on . These are very painful moments for everyone but these are GMAC's rules and it is important to know them and not to break them as the test administrator has their job to do. Make sure you know these.

Be Careful! 
  Bring the right ID! If you take GMAT outside of your country of residence, you MUST bring your passport.  Location-specific regulations are here .

Testing aids, such as calculators, notes, or study guides, blank sheets of paper, stop watches, etc are not allowed at any time in the test center. This means - you cannot even bring them to the test center!

Personal items, such as cell phones, backpacks, wallets, purses, or handbags are not permitted in the testing room

Access to Telephones, cellular (mobile) phones, or other communication devices, Notes, Scratch paper, Calculators or watch calculators, Watches, stop watches, or watch alarms, Personal data assistants (PDAs), Beepers or pagers, Photographic devices, Stereos or radios, Any other electronic devices that could aid testing, Books or pamphlets, Dictionaries, translators, or thesauri, Pens or any other writing utensils, Rulers or any other measuring devices will not be permitted at any time while you are in the test center, during the test session or during breaks. I read this that you can use them before or after the exam but not after you check in and before you check out.

You will  not  be permitted to leave the testing room without the test administrator’s permission

Your Exam will start immediately after you come back from your break. You will  not  be permitted to sit/rest at the workstation if you come from your break early

You will  not  be allowed to eat or drink while in the testing room, but may do so during scheduled breaks. No tobacco products during the entire test.

You are  not  allowed to go outside of the testing area. In the past, you were allowed to leave, but no longer an option.

You must arrive at the Test Center at least 30 minutes prior to your scheduled GMAT appointment. GMAC no longer provides exact amount of time you can be late to the appointment (used to be up to 15 mins late was OK)

And finally, just in case :wink: Weapons, including but not limited to firearms, knives, or any object that could be used as a weapon, are prohibited from the test center. These items are not allowed on the premises and may not be stored in the provided lockers. This policy includes off-duty law enforcement officers and persons with conceal and carry permits

GMAT Horror Stories: 
   770 score canceled due to a water bottle in the test room   
   A paper banknote (ie. dollar bill) left in passport triggered a cancellation of 710 (appeal was accepted and score was restored)   
   Removed from the test center during break for touching one's phone   
   Left a post-it with test center address in passport --> test canceled   
   Phone was in the same bag with lunch --> test interrupted and score canceled  
   Test canceled for leaving the test center during the test/break (strange one)  
   Consultant Opinion:  Will a testing violation hurt my chances?

Tips & Recommendations: 
   To block out the most noise, try using ear plugs + headset  
  You will be given 5 sheets of laminated paper + dry erase markers,  like these  - you can draw grids or ABCDE tables during the time you are "reading" instructions.  Manhattan Prep's Stacey  has a great article about it.  
  Take the night off the day before and try to relax 
  Give yourself plenty of time to get to the test center 
  Don't do anything unusual (don't work out more, eat what you usually eat) 
  Dress in layers (all test centers are air-conditioned with a few exceptions)

Related Links:       Physical Environment of the Test Center  
   GMAT Test Center Reviews  
   Official GMAT Administration Rules  
   Cancellation of Scores due to Misconduct  
   GMAT Handbook Jan 16, 2018 edition  
   Plan for the Test Day by GMAC  
   GMAT ID Requirements - Video

Interested in seeing the check in process on the Test Day?  
 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1kK-QuuZeuw

Dreya · Answer

Can u wear ear plugs during the test?

otherwise try taking some mocks in not ideal conditions, like a coffee shop or somthing, to make urself strong against noise etc

I have the same issue. I'm okay with office noise, or something constant, but things like chair pulling, hammering on and off, people whispering etc. really put me off. I even sleep with  ear plugs  and have multiple kinds for multiple occasions lol  Are they allowed in the test center?  I tried working in not ideal conditions (actually, they are never ideal haha), but as I mentioned, I'm just too used to ear plugs at this point...

Edit: they give you ear plugs in the test centre before the exam, but don't forget to request them! Highly recommended!!!

Dreya · Answer

I was also wondering today whether day have water in the test room

I'm fine not bringing my own water inside, but I pretty much always have some on me. If not, then I can't help, but feel thirsty, or start hiccuping...

Marshy · Answer

You will find a water dispenser in the common area, right outside the test room. No food or drinks are allowed in the test room.

yukidaruma · Answer

Something I found frustrating that people should probably keep in mind: Palm vein scanning sometimes takes a few tries.. At my latest test, the scanner had some issues and it took about 2 min longer than usual. Since this wasn't an issue when I took my first test, I was in the common room taking my break up until the 6min mark of the break, not expecting the scanner to act up at that time. Since the vein scanning took so much time, I ended up having a few minutes deducted from one of my sections...

My advice: Aim to take breaks under 5 min if you don't want to lose time on the 2nd and 3rd sections of the exam.

Dreya · Answer

Yes, I had the exact same problem. When I arrived, the whole process needed to be repeated (scans, photo, signature), and on my 2nd break (it was a bit longer than the 1st one as I got really hungry lol) the scanner acted up and I lost some time from my 3rd section. It was not even about that extra 1, or 2 minutes, but on top of that you can expect that your marker will not write properly right away, and also, you're just starting it in a stressed and nervous state of mind, which is very detrimental.

yukidaruma · Answer

THIS. Even something so small can feel really stressful on test day. Also, my pen did run out of ink in the middle of my Quant section... Which caused more stress and time deduction

sreds · Answer

I know it's silly but remember to always check your passport for any stray paper before entering the test center. I have once carried paper currency in my passport, unknowingly of course, to the test center. It's presence was discovered by moderator during the last break to which I responded casually by handing over currency note (read singular) to the moderator.

I was handed the currency note as I came out of the testing center. All good until now.

Fast forward to 10 days, I received a mail from Pearson security that my score was forfeited as I have carried currency (Read charts on pages 17 and 18 of the GMAT Handbook) into the test center. 2 hours of brain fade followed after which I have advocated my innocence in a letter to Pearson security clearly explaining the circumstances while pointing towards video evidence of my actions during the exam.

A week later, I received the news. Common sense prevailed. The good guys at GMAC responded positively to my appeal although they could cancel my scores by simply reiterating Terms & Conditions of the exam. My score was reinstated.

PS: This was my 2nd attempt at GMAT. Scored 710 after a poor 560 during my 1st attempt.

TLDR: Passport and clothes. Nothing else into the test center.

zimou13 · Answer

The GRE General Test includes an optional 10-minute break after the third section and one-minute breaks between the remaining sections of the test. These break times cannot be exceeded. You are required to remain in the test center building or in the immediate area. You are not permitted to go outside the test center building unless it is to use the restroom during the test administration, including breaks.

ColumbiaEMBA · Answer

Just took the exam and after scoring well on all my practice exams, got a bloody 570

very sad and frustrated. Did learn a lesson though: the lesser the number of pockets, the better. I had a shirt pocket and multiple pant pockets and just going through and emptying them out every time took so much valuable time away. Posted from my mobile device

maayo · Answer

what is "scoring well"? in my experience, a +/- of about 30 points seems normal

i agree with you about the pockets. i had a lot of pockets i didn't even realize i had until i got my pat down

ColumbiaEMBA · Answer

700+. My practice exams range from 720-770 so a 200 point drop isn’t normal.

mohit93 · Answer

can anyone please tell me how is Rotman (toronto university) for Mba, i have been average student throughout my career so the scores like 730-750 i aint even expecting them so anyone who could please tell me whether rotman is a decent place to study?

udaypratapsingh99 · Answer

bb  you're doing a great work for our help. Thanks for maintaining quality at Club.

If my post was helpful, press Kudos. If not, then just press Kudos !!!

DebbieChats · Answer

On Rule 2
Testing aids, such as calculators, notes, or study guides, blank sheets of paper, stop watches, etc are not allowed at any time in the test center. This means - you cannot even bring them to the test center!

Are you allowed a watch in the test room. My computer clock definitely malfunctioned and stop watches are not allowed, but is a normal wrist watch allowed so that I know when I am starting and ending?

Also - If I do or do not take the 8 minutes break, am I allowed to sit at the console during that time and not get up?

spoorti1509 · Answer

Thanks, I didn't know most of the points you mentioned.
Also, Can anyone suggest me good and average MBA in Digital Marketing college in Toronto

mgutten · Answer

Thanks, this is super helpful. I hadn't considered these sorts of things for the day of the test -- very useful.

TheNightKing · Answer

Quick (may be stupid) Question: is it okay to wear shorts and tshirts? (Obviously decent enough)

Just want to be comfortable.

Navu · Answer

Also in winters you should wear a cardigan or a sweater as you have to remove your jackets at the center.

Also, try not to drink caffeinated drinks that is the energy drinks as they can somewhat afftect your judegement.

Do not carry a full meal instead carry a fruit juice, a chocolate bar and a sandwich.

Make sure you are comfortable and if you need something with you at the time of gmat make sure you carry the required paper work for the same

Posted from my mobile device

tanyasahni25 · Answer

Make sure you check your writing pens multiple times. I had issues with mine and wasted valuable 10-12 mins

Posted from my mobile device

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