Last month, we announced several changes to the GMAT® exam, most notably that the test is now 30 minutes shorter.
Continuous improvement is part of our process and our commitment to you and your candidates. When our market feedback indicated an opportunity to shorten the exam--without impacting scoring—we moved forward with this change.
The table below illustrates the total time for each section of the new GMAT exam and for comparison, the current data available on the GRE.
Changes to Quantitative and Verbal Reasoning Sections
The most significant change in the new test is the reduction in the number of questions in the Quantitative and Verbal Reasoning sections.
This change does not affect GMAT exam scoring as the number of scored questions has not changed. The scoring algorithm is the same. The Total Score and individual Quantitative and Verbal section scores are comparable to the exams taken prior to this change. There is no action or change required on your part.
In addition, it’s important to note that there were no changes to the exam content, question types or the average time per question.
We have also made some of the tutorial screens previously presented only in the Testing Center available prior to test day. Our research shows that candidates often felt rushed through these screens, so providing access in advance will help reduce stress and build confidence. (View our online tutorial)
Candidates will also still have the same number and length of time for their breaks during the exam.
“The revised GMAT exam was designed to more accurately measure candidate’s true potential by streamlining the experience and minimizing the irrelevant test constructs, thereby increasing candidate confidence.”
- Kyung (Chris) T. Han, Senior Director, Psychometric Research
Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC)
These changes, along with other improvements to the products and services we offer to you and prospective candidates are always made with one goal in mind—to provide you with the same high quality, reliable scores and to provide candidates with the best experience through the testing, search and application process as they begin their graduate management education journey.
