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The GRE® General Test

One test for graduate, business and law school

Select a step to learn more about your GRE® General Test journey.

 

At Home Testing

The GRE General Test at home is a safe and convenient option for test takers who prefer to take their test at home rather than at a test center. It's offered everywhere that the test is normally available, based on the country of your account address.

The at home test is identical to a test taken at a test center and taken on your own computer at home or another secure location. All at home tests are monitored by a human proctor online through ProctorU®. At home testing is available around the clock, 7 days a week.

 

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Here's how it works

Watch our GRE General Test at home video for a preview of the entire testing from home process, including:

  • equipment and environment requirements
  • registration process
  • what to expect on test day
  • after the test

View Transcript

Equipment and environment requirements

To take a test at home, your computer and testing room must meet the requirements outlined below. If they don’t, you won't be able to test and you won't receive a refund or a free reschedule.

Individuals in Mainland China planning to take the test at home must visit takethegre.cn for specific information, policies and procedures related to registration and test day.

 

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Already determined that your computer and testing room meet the equipment and environment requirements?

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Equipment requirements

  • Desktop or laptop computer; you cannot use a tablet, Chromebook™ or mobile device.
  • Approved operating system, which must be licensed. Unlicensed or test-mode versions are not permitted.
    • PC: Windows® operating system, versions 10 or 8.
    • MAC®: Mac OS X® 10.5 or higher (10.13 High Sierra is recommended).
  • Chrome™ or Firefox® browser.
  • Multiple monitors or dual screens are not permitted.

 

Helpful Tip

Be sure to review the ProctorU minimum and recommended technical requirements.

  • Download and install the ETS Secure Test Browser on the computer you will use for the test. To fully install the browser, run the file after downloading it. Close the browser once you see the following message: "Success! You have installed the ETS secure test browser."
  • Run the ProctorU Equipment Check from the computer you will use for the test. If you fail the equipment check, you must fix any issues before test day. Live ProctorU representatives are available to help.
  • Computer firewalls and security applications can interfere with the test delivery software. If you experience this issue, you may need to disable or reconfigure your applications prior to the test.

 

Helpful Tip

The equipment check includes a bandwidth check. Since bandwidth differs depending on time of day and network usage, run the equipment check at a few different times to see which time works best. Additionally, be sure to run it at a time and in an environment similar to what you would experience when you test (e.g., your entire family is home and on their phones, other devices, etc.).

  • Use an internal or external speaker to hear the proctor
  • Headsets or earphones are not allowed

  • Use an internal or external microphone that is not part of a headset to communicate with the proctor

  • Can be a built-in camera in the computer or a separate webcam
  • Camera must be able to be moved to show a 360-degree view of the room, including your tabletop surface, before the test

Environment and testing space requirements

  • You must be alone in a room with no one else entering during the test.
  • You cannot take the test in a public space such as a park, internet cafe or restaurant.
  • You must close all doors in the room before beginning the test.

  • Your computer and keyboard must be on a desk or other tabletop surface.
  • Position your table and chair so the door to the room will be visible to the proctor. The proctor may require you to do this at check in.
  • The tabletop and surrounding area must be clear of all items not approved for use during the test, including cell phones (except when used for check in), cameras, notes and study materials. The furniture and décor in the room do not need to be removed.
  • You must sit in a standard chair; you may not sit or lie on a bed, couch or overstuffed chair.
  • Food and drink are not allowed during the test.

  • Your ears must remain visible throughout the test, not covered by hair, a hat or other items. Religious headwear is permitted if your ears remain visible during the test.
  • Face masks may not be worn during check in or any part of the at home testing session.
  • You must be dressed appropriately for your test. You will be monitored via camera by the proctor, and your photo will be shared with institutions that receive your scores.
  • Avoid wearing such items as jewelry, tie clips, cuff links, ornate clips, combs, barrettes, headbands and other hair accessories.

  • You may not take notes on regular paper, for security purposes.
  • You may use one of the following:
    • One small desktop white board with erasable marker
    • One sheet of paper inside a transparent sheet protector, with an erasable marker. Pencils and pens are not permitted.
  • At the end of the test, you will need to show the proctor that all notes have been erased.