To promote healthy distance and avoid contagion, many GRE test centers around the world have suspended activities. This has caused hundreds of candidates to be left without the possibility of taking their official GRE and therefore delay their admission processes. If you are in this case, we recommend that you review the entry we wrote about the changes that universities are carrying out to address the emergency. In addition, ETS, the company in charge of designing and offering the GRE, as an emergency measure, is starting a pilot program to present the official GRE from home because you cannot attend the Test Centers.
The test is identical in content, format, and screen experience to the GRE general test conducted in a Test Center. The difference is, you do it on your own computer at home and are supervised by a person online through ProctorU.
How do you know if you are eligible for this test?
The option to take a general GRE test at home is available to those who meet the following criteria:
- As of April 4, 2020, the home test is available in all countries except mainland China and Iran.
- You must have a computer that meets the requirements for the test.
- You must have a room that provides an acceptable environment for the test. Below, you will find information on what we mean by acceptable.
- You must follow a series of steps in order that are mentioned below, in order to ensure that you meet the requirements and can correctly register for the test.
Computer and environment
Before registering for the GRE® Online General Exam, make sure you meet the following requirements.
Equipment
Computer
- It must be a desktop or laptop, not a tablet or mobile device
- It cannot be a Mac® computer or use an iOS® operating system
- You must use the Windows® operating system, versions 10, 8 or 7
Speaker
- You must use an internal or external speaker to hear the supervisor
- Headphones and wireless headphones are not allowed.
Microphone
- You must use an internal or external microphone that is not part of a headset to communicate with the supervisor
Camera
- It can be a camera built into the computer or a separate webcam
- The camera should be moved to show the supervisor a 360-degree view of the room, including the table surface, prior to testing.
Environment and test space
Privacy
- You must be alone in a room without anyone else entering during the test.
- Testing is not allowed in a public space such as a park, internet cafe, or restaurant.
Table and seats
- Your computer and keyboard should be on a desk or other table surface.
- The table and the surrounding area must be clear
- You must sit in a standard chair; You cannot sit or lie down on a bed or sofa.
- No food or drinks are allowed during the test.
Clothing and appearance
- Your ears must remain visible throughout the test, not covered.
- You must be dressed appropriately for your exam. The supervisor will review it through the camera and your photo will be shared with the institutions that receive your scores.
- Avoid wearing items such as jewelry, tie clips, barrettes, headbands, and other hair accessories.
Note taking materials
You can only take notes using one of the following options:
- Whiteboard with erasable marker
- Paper with clear sheet protector and erasable marker
- You will be asked to delete all notes in the Proctor’s view at the end of the test.
Install the ETS test browser
- Download and install the STD test browser on the computer you will use
- Follow the onscreen installation instructions.
- If the installation is successful, you will see a screen like the one below:
Verify the system for ProctorU monitoring
- You will need to have the link to ProctorU System Check from the computer you will be using for the test.
- Follow the instructions on the screen and if the verification is successful you will see a screen like the one shown.
If all of these criteria are met, you can sign up for your home test appointment.
2.- Start your registration with ETS
If you wish to exchange a GRE appointment at a test center for a GRE appointment at home, you must contact GRE Services. The instructions below are for new appointments only.
Follow the steps mentioned to start your registration:
- Have your passport ready, as this will be the official identification that you must present. If you don’t have a passport, you should check the Identification Requirements area to see what other forms of identification are accepted.
- If you don’t have an ETS account for the GRE general test, please create an account. Make sure the name you register matches your Primary ID.
- Log into your account, select Register and search for test centers.
- In the Search Test Center and dates area, select the option for the home test and choose the date and time of your test.
- Follow the instructions to continue with your registration and pay for your exam.
- When you finish, you will receive an email with the confirmation of your payment and a link with the temporary password to access your account.
If you already have a ProctorU account, you will need to open a new one for the GRE test.
If you want to reschedule an appointment
Here are some of the options you have if you need to reschedule a GRE exam with the home mode.
- Log in to your ProctorU account and select the Reschedule button, you can do it at any time before the date and time of your appointment.
- You can use the live chat option or call ProctorU at 1-855-772-8678. Support is available 24/7.
- You can also contact ProctorU by email at [email protected].
If you want to cancel an appointment
If you need to cancel a GRE test that you had scheduled to take at home, we mention the options you have.
- Get in touch with ETS Test Taker Servicesvia live chat. Support is available 24/7.
- Contact ETS Test Taker Services by phoneat 1-609-771-7670 or 1-866-473-4373.
- You must cancel at least four days before your exam date to receive a partial refund.
3.- After the test
Most of the post- GRE procedures you do at home are the same as for tests at a Test Center.
Scores
Your official scores will be available in your ETS account and will be sent to the institutions you have chosen, approximately 10-15 days after the date of your exam. Additionally you can request reports of the score of your ETS account.
https://www.ets.org/s/cv/gre/at-home/
Faced with this epidemiological situation, Scholastica reminds you that the test from home will have the same validity as an exam taken in a test center. In a later post we will mention strategies and recommendations for these exams from your home.
Finally, keep in mind the health measures for the prevention and containment of this disease, so that you, your family and society remain safe. Among them, highlights the healthy distance and leaving the house only for essential issues. If you are already preparing for the GRE or GMAT exam, our activities continue normal, as we have done for a decade.