MBA aspirants looking to take either GRE or GMAT during the pandemic can do so thanks to the “at-home” versions of the tests. Both ETS and GMAC began offering their home-based tests shortly after the pandemic broke out last year. Due to test center shutdowns, students couldn’t take the regular tests.

As far as format and content are concerned, both tests are identical to their test-center versions. However, GMAC has omitted the AWA section on GMAT online, whereas GRE has no such omissions. Skipping the AWA section from GMAT has made it 30 mins shorter as compared to the regular test. Other than this, GMAT online is identical to the standard test.

This article will go over some of the significant differences and similarities between the two home-based tests to help you choose one or the other.

How are both the tests delivered?

GRE and GMAT both are delivered through the internet on either a laptop or a desktop computer. GRE uses “Proctor U” software, and GMAT uses “OnVUE. The idea behind both of the software is the same. A human proctor will monitor you from start to finish via a webcam. The proctor will be able to see your screen and will be able to cancel the test at any time if you don’t abide by the rules.

As far as requirements are concerned, both tests have similar equipment requirements:

• Either a laptop or desktop computer (Windows or Mac)
• Must have a microphone (built-in or external)
• Must have a camera (built-in or external)
• Must have speakers (No earphones or headphones allowed)

As for the seating arrangement and testing space, GRE and GMAT both have the same requirements.

• You can only use a desk and a chair—no sitting on the floor or bed.
• Your desk must be empty. You can only have your computer, keyboard, mouse, and whiteboard for note-taking on the desk.
• You will wear appropriate clothes that do not cover your ears.
• You are not allowed to have anyone else in the room besides yourself.
• You must show the human proctor your desk and the surrounding area via webcam before the test starts.
• You cannot have any electronic items other than those already mentioned above – no smartphones, tablets, headsets, calculators, etc.

Differences between GMAT online and GRE at-home

Cost, availability, and duration

GMAT online costs $250, and GRE costs $205. GRE home-based test is available in all the countries that the general test is open except for mainland China and Iran. GMAT is also available globally except for mainland China, Iran, Sudan, Cuba, and North Korea.

As far as duration is concerned, the GMAT test is approximately 3 hours long, and GRE is about 3 hours and 45 minutes long.

Availability of Scores

GRE official scores can take up to 15 days to arrive. GMAT official scores will be available within a week after the test. However, do keep in mind that you will not see your unofficial score on GMAT at the end of the test like you can on GRE. Once you are done with the GRE test, your unofficial score for quant and verbal is shown to you.

Differences in content as compared to standard test

GRE at-home is identical to the general version, both in structure and content. However, GMAT online is different from the typical GMAT in that it lacks the AWA section entirely. It is believed that GMAC omitted the AWA section from GMAT online to attract potential GRE test-takers. Moreover, you cannot cancel your score on GMAT if you are not happy with it. However, GRE allows you to review your score at the end of the test and cancel it if you want.

Note-taking differences

You are allowed to take notes on both tests. However, for security reasons, you cannot use simple paper and pencil. Instead, for GRE, you will either use a small whiteboard with an erasable marker or a transparent sheet protector with an erasable marker.

For GMAT, you have the option to use either its online whiteboard or a physical whiteboard with an erasable marker.

Break duration

You will be given one optional break of 5 minutes during GMAT online. However, GRE at-home has an optional 10-minute break midway plus a one-minute gap between the remaining sections. Do keep in mind that you cannot leave your seat while taking a break on both tests.

Food and drinks

You cannot have any food or drinks during your GRE test, whereas you can have drinking water in a transparent container for GMAT but no food.

Which test should you choose?

If you are applying to business school and wondering which test is right for you, check out my detailed article on the subject here. However, if you want to choose based on the differences between the two tests’ home-based versions, you need to consider the following.

Lack of AWA on GMAT and shorter duration

Unlike GRE at-home, GMAT online is not identical to its standard version in that is it doesn’t have an AWA section. This can be an attractive feature for those who are not particularly happy about writing essays for 45 minutes. The GRE, on the other hand, is identical to the general test, and you will have to complete all the sections.

If you are not good at essay writing, you may want to consider this and decide accordingly.

GMAT costs more

This will not be a factor for most people, but GMAT online is $45 more expensive than GRE. GMAT online costs $250, whereas GRE at-home costs $205.

Also, keep in mind that GMAT has a cancellation fee of $100 and a rescheduling fee of $20.

GMAT available in fewer countries as compared to GRE

GRE is available globally in all the countries that the general GRE is available, except Iran and Mainland China. However, in addition to Iran and mainland China, GMAT is also unavailable in Sudan, Cuba, and Slovenia.

GRE takes twice as long as GMAT to deliver official scores

If you have deadline issues, then GMAT might be better for you. GMAT takes up to a week to report official scores, whereas GRE can take up to 15 days. However, do keep in mind that you will not see your unofficial score at the GMAT end, but you can on GRE.