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The GRE® General Test

One test for graduate, business and law school

 

Your At Home Testing

The GRE General Test at home is a safe and convenient option for test takers who prefer to take their test at home rather than at a test center. It's offered everywhere that the test is normally available, based on the country of your account address.

The at home test is identical to a test taken at a test center and taken on your own computer at home or another secure location. All at home tests are monitored by a human proctor. At home testing is available around the clock, 7 days a week.

Equipment and environment requirements

To take a test at home, your computer and testing room must meet the requirements outlined below. If you don’t meet these requirements on test day, you won't be able to test and you won't receive a refund or a free reschedule.

Individuals in Mainland China planning to take the test at home must visit takethegre.cn for specific information, policies and procedures related to registration and test day.

 

Ready to Register?

Already determined that your computer and testing room meet the equipment and environment requirements?

Schedule Your Test

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

Then run the file to complete the installation. While in the browser, click the Equipment Check button to confirm that your equipment is ready for test day.

View the screenshots below to learn what you can expect when running the ETS Secure Browser.

 

Screenshot of a website welcome page showing confirmation that the ETS Secure Browser has been successfully installed. Includes a prominent call-to-action button inviting users to run an Equipment Check for optimal performance.

Once you open the ETS Secure Browser, you’ll be brought to this welcome screen. From here, you can run the Equipment Check.

 

Screenshot showing the results of the Equipment Check when some part of the equipment has failed. One or more icons representing a webcam, microphone, system, network, and software will include a red triangle. Tips for troubleshooting the problem can be found below

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.

The equipment check includes a bandwidth check. Since bandwidth differs depending on time of day and network usage, run the equipment check at several different times to see which time works best. Additionally, you should run the check on the same day of the week and the same time of day as your test. That way, you're checking your bandwidth in an environment similar to what you would experience when you test.

 

Screenshot showing the results of the Equipment Check when all equipment has passed the requirements check. Icons representing a webcam, microphone, system, network, and software all include a green checkmark

When you have successfully passed the equipment check, you’ll arrive at the Congratulations page.

If your check fails and you can't resolve the issues yourself, visit Equipment Check Support for troubleshooting tips.

Equipment requirements

  • Desktop or laptop computer; you cannot use a tablet, Chromebook™ or mobile device. Microsoft Surface Pro devices are not permitted.
  • Dual screens or multiple monitors are not allowed. If using a device with a built-in screen, like a laptop, you must use its built-in monitor.
  • Multiple keyboards are not permitted. If using a device with a built-in keyboard, like a laptop, you must use its built-in keyboard.
  • Approved operating system, which must be licensed. Unlicensed or test-mode versions are not permitted.
    • PC: Windows® operating system, version 11 or higher recommended
    • MAC®: Mac OS X® 11 or higher
  • Chrome™ browser.

  • Use an internal or external speaker to hear the proctor.
  • Headsets or earphones are not allowed.

  • Use an internal or external microphone that is not part of a headset to communicate with the proctor.

  • Can be a camera built into the computer or a separate webcam.
  • Camera must be able to be moved to show a 360-degree view of the room, including your tabletop surface, before the test.

What You’ll Need

  • A fully charged smartphone or tablet with a working camera (iOS 12+/Android 8+)
  • A stable internet connection
  • A sturdy, heavy object or stand to support your device

How to Set It Up

Once you start the test on your computer, a QR code will appear on-screen. Open your smartphone or tablet, scan the code, and follow the prompts. The app will request camera and microphone access—be sure to allow both.

Positioning Your Device

After connecting, position your phone so it shows a clear, stable view of your testing area from a different angle than your main webcam.

Expert tip: placing the device about an arm’s length to your left or right works well. Make sure the view includes your computer, keyboard, mouse, hands, and side profile. On test day, the proctor will guide you to the ideal setup.

If Something Goes Wrong

Don't panic if your second camera disconnects. You will be prompted to rescan the QR code using your mobile device. The proctor will temporarily stop your exam and give you instructions on how to reconnect your mobile device.

Prevention Tips

  • Keep your cell phone plugged in during the test
  • Make sure “Do Not Disturb” is turned on throughout the entirety of your test session.

You can view a short video explaining how to set up the GRE second-camera feature by visiting here.

Environment and testing space requirements

  • You must be alone in a room with no one else entering during the test.
  • Testing in public spaces like parks, internet cafes, or restaurants is not allowed. Your testing space must ensure privacy, with no visibility to or from others. Glass-walled rooms are not permitted.
  • You must close all doors, and ensure blinds or curtains are closed before starting the test.

  • Your computer and keyboard must be on a desk or other tabletop surface.
  • Position your table and chair so the door to the room will be visible to the proctor. The proctor may require you to do this at check in.
  • The tabletop and surrounding area must be clear of all items not approved for use during the test, including cell phones (except when used for check in), cameras, notes and study materials. The furniture and décor in the room do not need to be removed.
  • You must sit in a standard chair; you may not sit or lie on a bed, couch or overstuffed chair.
  • Food and drink are not allowed during the test.

  • 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.
  • You must be dressed appropriately for your test. You will be monitored via camera by the proctor, and your photo will be shared with institutions that receive your scores.
  • Avoid wearing jewelry, tie clips, cuff links, ornate clips, combs, barrettes, headbands and other hair accessories.

  • For security purposes, you may not take notes on regular paper.
  • You may use one of the following to take notes:
    • one small desktop white board with erasable marker
    • one sheet of paper inside a transparent sheet protector, with an erasable marker. Pencils and pens are not permitted.
  • At the end of the test, you will need to show the proctor that all notes have been erased.