Your questions on the GRE at home test answered

In view of the COVID-19 situation, the Educational Testing Services (ETS), who are the makers of the test have announced that they are now allowing some students to take the GRE general test from home. Here are more details of the GRE general test at home.

 

Who can take the GRE at-home test?

From April 2020, the GRE at-home test is available at places where the computer-delivered GRE is offered except for the countries of mainland China and Iran.

 

What are the requirements to take the GRE at-home test?

• Desktop or laptop- You can now use either an operating system for Windows or iOS. You are not permitted to use a laptop or other handheld devices.
• Chrome or Firefox web browser.
• Private space- You can't do the test in public places (e.g., a park or coffee shop) because there can be nobody else in the room.
• Desk and chair, or table. You can't take the test that is lying in bed or on a sofa.
• Webcam- To show the proctor a 360-degree view of your room including your desk or table, you'll need to be able to move it around.
• Speaker and microphone-You need to speak to a proctor about this. You can't use headphones, earbuds or anything else that will cover your ears, however.

Restrictions include no food or drink during the test and no accessories, such as tie clips, cufflinks, jewelry etc.

 

 What are the rules about use of whiteboard and scratch paper?

There is one big difference between taking the general GRE test at home and at a test center: you cannot use regular scratch paper. To erase all notes in view of the proctor, you would need to use a whiteboard with a dry erase marker or paper with a transparent surface protector and erasable marker.

 

What are the other rules to be followed?

They will record your face (via webcam) and your screen and they will be able to see all the acts and there will be a live proctor there.

 

You cannot communicate with anybody.

 

To show your screen to the proctor you will need to use a handheld mirror or phone.

 

No unauthorized products, including mobile devices, pre-written documents, or textbooks can be used.

 

Any form of suspect action or movement may make your test invalid.

 

Do you get breaks during the GRE test?

You get a ten-minute break after the third segment, during which you can leave your seat. When you do not return on time, though, the exam will be canceled and the fee won't be refunded. You'll get a one-minute break after all the other parts so you need to sit in your seat. No unscheduled breaks are permitted by ETS.

 

Is the GRE general test at home right for you?

If you are unsure about this, the ETS provides two free practice tests, so consider using the very same setup as you would use for the actual exam to take one at home. Implement the correct breaks and food and drink rules, and see if they work for you. You could even turn on a Zoom or Google Meet and share your screen with a friend to simulate the sensation of being monitored.