ETS began its “GRE General at Home” testing service early last year due to the pandemic. The home-based test is identical to the GRE in format and content. However, the rules for the kind of stationery you can use for note-taking differs from the usual GRE.
The home-based test is administered through “Proctor U” software, and because of security concerns, there are special guidelines in place to ensure that nothing related to the content of the test leaves the room.
What stationary items are allowed in the “GRE General Test at Home”?
In a test-center based GRE test, you are provided sharpened pencils and an eraser while the scratch paper is given to you in the test center. However, when you take the test at home, you cannot use paper and pencil to take notes. Instead, you can either use a small whiteboard with an erasable marker or a transparent sheet protector.
Transparent Sheet of Paper
White board with erasable marker
The idea is that test-takers should not write anything down permanently that may give away details regarding any of the questions. Once the test is finished, test-takers will be required to erase everything they have written down by holding the whiteboard or transparent sheet protector up to the camera and then erasing it in front of the proctor monitoring the test.
Since most students would find taking notes on a whiteboard a bit odd, I suggest that you try both options before the test day and see which one suits you best. If you are confused about what a transparent sheet protector is, then it is a rectangular plastic cover in the shape of a standard A4 paper that can fit a sheet of paper inside. You use the plastic sheet to write down your notes with an erasable marker while the sheet of paper inside acts as a backdrop.
Moreover, once you decide what you will use for taking down notes, I suggest that you stick to your choice during the actual test. Don’t make any last-minute changes, as it may throw you off.
Which pencil and paper can you use on the test-center based GRE?
On the normal GRE, you will be supplied standard No. 2 or HB pencils, a pencil sharpener and a good quality eraser. However, the scratch paper will be provided to you for note-taking.
HB Pencil
Eraser and Sharpener
Moreover, ETS specifically mentions that you are not allowed to bring your own stationary to the test center.
Also, be advised that if you are caught with any sort of paper in your pocket that you brought with you from outside, you will be held responsible and might even be expelled from the test if the paper contains any helpful material such as a math formula. So make sure that you empty your pockets beforehand.