The GMAT guide.
The test, the score, and leading schools.

The GMAT is an admissions test for MBA and management master’s programs. It assesses quantitative and verbal reasoning and data analysis across 64 questions, with a total score from 205 to 805. Our directory lists 159 MBA, Executive MBA, and master’s programs, with their admissions requirements and sources. Test rules come from GMAC; application requirements vary by program.

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13 sources GMAC · verified between September 17, 2026 and September 23, 2026 · free, no account needed

What is the GMAT?

The GMAT is an admissions test used by MBA and management master’s programs. Published by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC), it assesses quantitative reasoning, the understanding and analysis of arguments, and data interpretation. Each program sets its own admissions requirements.

The test has three sections—Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Data Insights—with 64 questions in 2 hours 15 minutes. You can take one optional 10-minute break after either the first or second section. You also choose the order in which to take the three sections.

The “Question Review & Edit” feature lets you flag questions during a section. After answering every question in that section, you can review them and change up to three answers if time remains. An unfinished section carries a penalty based on the number of unanswered questions; GMAC recommends answering every question within the time allowed.

Before following an old tip

What has changed

  • Since February 1, 2024 There is now one version of the test, first called the “GMAT Focus Edition”: three sections, 64 questions, 2 hours 15 minutes, and no writing task. Before returning to an old study plan, check that it covers Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Data Insights. An older exercise may still build a useful skill, but its place and timing should match the current test. January 31, 2024 announcement  (opens in a new tab)
  • A different scale The total score ranges from 205 to 805; the previous version ranged from 200 to 800. Scores from the two versions are not directly comparable. Score scales  (opens in a new tab)
  • Since July 1, 2024 The “Focus” name has been dropped: GMAC now calls it the “GMAT Exam” again. About the GMAT  (opens in a new tab)
  • Since August 12, 2026 If you have multiple eligible attempts, the report you send automatically includes a Superscore based on your highest section scores. Expired and canceled scores are excluded. The GMAT Superscore  (opens in a new tab)

What are the three sections?

For each one: its format, method, and a worked example.

  1. Quantitative Reasoning

    In the order you choose 21 questions · 45 min

  2. Verbal Reasoning

    In the order you choose 23 questions · 45 min

  3. Data Insights

    In the order you choose 20 questions · 45 min

How is the GMAT scored?

The total score ranges from 205 to 805, with each of the three sections contributing equally. The calculation considers the characteristics of questions answered correctly, incorrectly, or left unanswered, so the number of correct answers alone cannot predict your score.

  1. Quantitative Reasoning

    Quantitative Reasoning

    21 questions · 45 minutes · scored from 60 to 90

  2. Verbal Reasoning

    Verbal Reasoning

    23 questions · 45 minutes · scored from 60 to 90

  3. Data Insights

    Data Insights

    20 questions · 45 minutes · scored from 60 to 90

Total score from 205 to 805 in 10-point increments, always ending in 5. The three sections contribute equally.

The official pages cited explain the factors used in scoring, but do not provide a formula for converting your answers into a score yourself.

How scores are calculated

GMAC reports a standard error of measurement of 30 to 40 points for the total score and 3 points per section. These values describe measurement uncertainty; they do not set a threshold below which two scores are equivalent. GMAC recommends caution when directly comparing two candidates.

Scores remain valid for five years. After multiple eligible attempts, GMAC automatically calculates a Superscore from your highest section scores, excluding expired or canceled scores.

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Which leading schools and programs accept the GMAT?

Explore MBA, Executive MBA, and master’s programs at leading international and regional schools across Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Asia, Oceania, and the Americas.. Our selection details 159 programs on the Schools page, each based on its official admissions page.

  • 159programs, across 6 continents 100 schools in this selection Europe 68 · North America 40 · South America 7 · Asia 31 · Oceania 5 · Africa 8
Schools that accept the GMAT

A non-exhaustive selection based on admissions pages reviewed on October 5, 2026. One dot may represent several nearby schools and programs; the Schools page lists each program and its requirements.

How do you take the GMAT?

Register
At mba.com: create an account, choose a test-center or online appointment, complete your profile, and book a time. Register  (opens in a new tab)
Where
At a test center or online from a private location that meets GMAC requirements: the structure and scoring scale are the same. Check that your program accepts your chosen format. Where and when to take the test  (opens in a new tab)
Price
Most recent fee check for France, September 23, 2026: €275 at a test center and €300 online. Check the current fee at mba.com before paying. Pricing  (opens in a new tab)
Sessions
Year-round at test centers, subject to availability; online, 24/7 in many regions. Where and when to take the test  (opens in a new tab)
Passages
Up to five times in any rolling 12-month period, combining test-center and online attempts, with at least 16 days between attempts. After a perfect score of 805, you must wait five years before retaking the test. Test policies  (opens in a new tab)
Results
Official report within 3 to 5 days, and sometimes up to 20; unofficial scores appear as soon as the test ends. Official score reports  (opens in a new tab)
Validity
Five years. A score more than five but less than ten years old can be sent on request if you have not taken the GMAT in the past five years. Score validity and reporting  (opens in a new tab)
Sending scores to schools
Send your score to up to five programs for free within 48 hours after your official score becomes available. Sending scores after that window or to more than five programs costs extra. If eligible, your Superscore and the section scores behind it are included. Send your score  (opens in a new tab)
Cancel a score
You choose whether to send your score after viewing it. A program cannot access your score unless you send it. Score reports cannot be recalled and include your Superscore if you are eligible. Official score reports  (opens in a new tab)

Test and score-reporting rules checked against GMAC pages on October 15, 2026. France fee amounts were checked on September 23, 2026; verify current prices before registering.

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