Your At Home Test Day

Download the ETS Secure Browser by selecting one of the links below.

• Download the Mac^® OS version
• Download the Windows^® version

Then run the file to complete the installation. Once you open the ETS Secure Browser, you’ll be brought to a welcome screen. From there, you can run the Equipment Check. Upon completion of the Equipment Check, you’ll see the status of your equipment. If any parts have failed, you’ll see a red triangle status indicator, as well as tips for how to resolve the problem.

All issues must be resolved before your appointment time.

• Close all browsers and applications not needed for the test. This can help prevent bandwidth issues while you test.
  
• Make sure any other devices in your home that use the internet are not running, including streaming devices.
• Disable any screen-sharing or remote-access software prior to the test. It must remain disabled throughout the test and should be set so that the software will not open automatically during the test.
• If you are testing on a work, public, or university network, please make sure the network allows the required test-related screen sharing with the proctor. Some networks may block this functionality, which can prevent you from testing.
• Gather the materials you'll need for your test session. (All other materials are prohibited.)
  • Passport or other acceptable ID
  • Acceptable note-taking materials, such as a whiteboard or plastic transparency sheet, that can be erased in view of the proctor
  • Cellphone or hand-held mirror for check in
• Make sure your testing area meets all environment requirements, including:
  • The room is quiet and well lit.
  • The table and surrounding area are clear.
  • Your table and chair are positioned so that the door to the room will be visible to the proctor.
  • Ensure that you are alone in the testing room. Testing while others are present is not permitted. You must conduct the test in an area where you cannot be seen by other people, and other people cannot see you while testing.
• Make sure you are dressed appropriately, with your ears and face visible to the proctor. Avoid wearing any jewelry or other accessories.
• Your ears must remain visible throughout the test, not covered by hair, a hat or other items. Religious headwear is permitted if your ears remain visible during the test. Face masks may not be worn during check in or any part of the at home testing session.

• 15 minutes before your scheduled test time, click the "At Home Check-In" link in your ETS account confirmation email to begin the check-in process. This link is the only way to check in and connect with a proctor; the ETS Secure Browser will not connect you to a proctor.
• Make sure the Secure Browser is downloaded ahead of time; you’ll be able to connect with a proctor starting 5 minutes before your scheduled test time and up to 12 minutes after.
• Once you've clicked the check-in link, you'll be guided through a process to connect with a proctor. Follow the instructions provided carefully.
• Complete the authentication steps, which include showing your ID to the proctor. The name on your ID must match the name on your account.
• The proctor will:
  • review the exam rules and request access to your computer screen for monitoring purposes.
  • ask you to use either a handheld mirror or cell phone to show your computer screen.
  • ask you to use the camera on your computer to show a 360-degree view of the room, including your tabletop surface.
  • ensure the ETS Secure Browser is downloaded and launched.
• Expect this process to take approximately 20-30 minutes.

• You may be asked to provide a voice sample before the test begins.

Your entire test session will be recorded and monitored by a human proctor, and your photo will be taken.

• During the test, the proctor will monitor you (via video camera) and your computer screen to ensure you follow all testing procedures.

• Make sure you can be seen on camera by the proctor. Suspicious movements could invalidate your test.

• If you need to contact the proctor during your test, speak to get their attention and/or use the chat function. It may take 30–60 seconds for the proctor to reply.

• If the proctor is attempting to chat with you,  there will be an audio signal from the chat function. 

• At the end of the test session, the proctor will ask you to erase the whiteboard or transparency sleeve and hold it up to the camera, showing the front and back.

• Submit the exam, and then close the ETS Secure Browser.

• Once disconnected from the chat, you have an opportunity to participate in a brief survey.

Be sure to follow all testing rules. Otherwise, your test can be canceled and your fee won't be refunded.

• Don’t use any unauthorized materials, including mobile devices, prewritten notes or textbooks.
• Personal recording devices of any kind are strictly prohibited.
• You must disable any screen-sharing or remote-access software (such as Apple Remote Desktop™, Microsoft Teams™, Skype™, TeamViewer™ and Zoom™, Grammarly and Spell Check) prior to the test. It must remain disabled throughout the test. Make sure that the software won’t open automatically during the test.
• Don’t communicate with anyone other than the proctor.
• Certain behaviors will invalidate your test and can result in score cancelation. Avoid the following behaviors:
  • Talking out loud to yourself
  • Looking away from the screen
  • Moving out of view of the camera
  • Taking a break
• There may be references to using a headset during your test. Ignore these: headsets are not allowed when taking the GRE General Test at home.
• The total testing time for the GRE General Test, is 1 hour and 58 minutes and there are no breaks. Unscheduled breaks during the at home test are not permitted.
• ETS is monitoring reuse of devices and testing locations for unauthorized purposes. Frequent, inappropriate reuse of shared testing devices and common testing locations may result in score delay and/or score cancellation and could impact your eligibility to take future ETS exams.

Score reporting options

At the end of the test, you’ll be given the option to report or cancel your scores. To learn more about canceling your scores, see the Bulletin.

If you choose to report your scores:

• You’ll be able to view unofficial Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning scores. Because of the essay scoring process, you won’t be able to view your Analytical Writing scores at the end of your test.
• You’ll be asked to designate up to four score recipients as part of your test fee and choose your ScoreSelect^® option (Most Recent or All scores). If you don't choose your score recipients on test day, you can order score reports later for a fee.

What if I fail the Equipment Check?

You must resolve all issues (shown in red) and pass the equipment check prior to checking in for your test. If your check fails and you can't resolve the issues yourself, visit Equipment Check Support for troubleshooting tips.

You must resolve all issues before your test appointment, or you won’t be able to test.

Is there anything I can do ahead of time to prevent issues?

• Run the Equipment Check from your ETS Secure Browser at the time of day you plan to test to make sure you do not have any bandwidth issues.
• Run a final equipment check shortly before your test session starts.
• Close all browsers and applications not needed for the test. This can help prevent bandwidth issues while you test.
• Make sure any other devices in your household that use internet are not running.

For additional information and troubleshooting help, reference your ETS confirmation email or your ETS account.

What if I have an issue right before my test starts?

If you have technical issues immediately before your test, use the contact information from your ETS confirmation email.

Keep in mind that your equipment will be checked again right before you test. The test proctor will tell you if there are any issues and you’ll have an opportunity to resolve those issues before the test begins.

What if I have a technical issue and my start time is extended?

Your equipment will be checked by the proctor before you begin the test. The timer for your test will not start until after your equipment is checked and you begin the test.

What if I have a technical issue during my test?

If you have a technical issue during your test, speak and wave to get the proctor's attention. If your issue prevents you from speaking to the proctor, notify the proctor via the chat function.

What if I lose internet during the test?

If you lose your internet connection momentarily, you'll automatically be reconnected to the proctor when your connection is restored. If your exam can be reopened, your proctor will do so for you.

If you are unable to reconnect to your test or the proctor, reinitiate the check-in process.