If you’re planning to pursue an MBA or a business-related graduate program, GMAT exam registration is your first critical step. The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is the gold standard for admission to top-tier business schools worldwide. Whether you’re applying to schools in the U.S., Canada, Europe, or Asia, the GMAT is often a non-negotiable requirement.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about GMAT exam registration in 2025. From registration steps to costs, scheduling, preparation tips, and high CPC keywords like “GMAT registration fee,” “MBA admissions 2025,” and “GMAT Focus Edition,” we’ve got you covered.
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Contents
- 1 What is the GMAT?
- 2 Why Is GMAT Important?
- 3 Key Things to Know Before GMAT Exam Registration
- 4 How to Register for the GMAT Exam (Step-by-Step Guide)
- 5 GMAT Registration Fee Breakdown (By Country)
- 6 When Should You Register for the GMAT?
- 7 Choosing Between GMAT Online vs Test Center
- 8 Rescheduling or Cancelling GMAT Registration
- 9 GMAT Preparation After Registration
- 10 Sending Your GMAT Scores to Schools
- 11 GMAT Exam Structure (Focus Edition – 2025)
- 12 GMAT Customer Support
- 13 Final GMAT Registration Checklist
- 14 Conclusion
- 15 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the GMAT?
The GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) is a standardised, computer-adaptive exam that evaluates analytical writing, quantitative reasoning, verbal reasoning, and integrated reasoning skills. It is designed specifically for applicants to business schools and is administered by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC).
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Why Is GMAT Important?
- Accepted by over 7,700 programs at more than 2,400 universities globally.
- Preferred for MBA, Master’s in Finance, Business Analytics, and Management programs.
- Provides a common benchmark for assessing applicants from diverse academic and professional backgrounds.
Key Things to Know Before GMAT Exam Registration
Before diving into the GMAT registration process, consider these key points:
| Element | Details |
|---|---|
| Test Type | GMAT Focus Edition (launched 2023) |
| Registration Fee | $275 (USA); varies by country |
| Test Format | Online or Test Centre |
| Frequency | Year-round availability |
| Score Validity | 5 years |
How to Register for the GMAT Exam (Step-by-Step Guide)
Here’s a streamlined step-by-step process to complete your GMAT exam registration on MBA.com:
1. Create an MBA.com Account
Visit MBA.com and sign up using a valid email. You’ll need to provide:
- Full legal name (must match your ID)
- Email address
- Country of residence
- Communication preferences
2. Start the GMAT Registration Process
After account creation:
- Navigate to “Register for the GMAT”.
- Choose between GMAT Focus Edition (new format) or older versions (if available).
- Select test delivery method: online or test centre.
3. Choose Your Test Center or Online Slot
- For in-person exams, select your country, state/province, and city.
- For online exams, pick your preferred date and time zone.
4. Review Test Policies
Agree to test-taker rules and policies, including:
- Rescheduling/cancellation terms
- ID verification
- Prohibited items (phones, notes, etc.)
5. Pay the Registration Fee
- Use a credit/debit card or PayPal.
- Cost: $275 (U.S.), CAD 320 (Canada), INR 22,300 (India), varies by region.
6. Receive Confirmation Email
Once payment is successful, you’ll receive a confirmation email with test details, preparation resources, and a link to reschedule/cancel if needed.
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GMAT Registration Fee Breakdown (By Country)
| Country | Fee (Approximate) |
|---|---|
| United States | $275 USD |
| Canada | CAD 320 |
| India | INR 22,300 |
| Nigeria | ₦210,000 |
| UK | £225 |
| UAE | AED 1,050 |
When Should You Register for the GMAT?
The GMAT is available year-round, and appointments can be booked up to 6 months in advance. Ideally, register at least 2 months before your intended business school deadline.
Popular GMAT Registration Windows:
- Fall Intake (Aug–Oct): Register by May–July
- Spring Intake (Jan–Mar): Register by October–December
Choosing Between GMAT Online vs Test Center
| Criteria | Online GMAT | Test Center GMAT |
|---|---|---|
| Environment | Home | Secure center |
| Availability | 24/7 worldwide | Fixed slots |
| Score Validity | 5 years | 5 years |
| Retakes | 5 per year | 5 per year |
| Scratch Work | Online whiteboard | Physical notebook |
If you’re someone who prefers a quiet environment at home, the GMAT Online is ideal. For those who want fewer distractions, the Test Center might be better.
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Rescheduling or Cancelling GMAT Registration
Life happens! You can reschedule or cancel your GMAT exam, but fees apply:
| Timeline Before Exam | Reschedule Fee | Cancellation Refund |
|---|---|---|
| >60 days | $0 | Full refund minus $25 |
| 15–60 days | $55 | 50% refund |
| <14 days | $110 | 25% refund |
| <24 hours | Not allowed | No refund |
GMAT Preparation After Registration
Once you register, start preparing using official and third-party resources. Here’s what to consider:
Official GMAT Prep Tools
- GMAT Official Starter Kit + Practice Exams 1 & 2 – Free
- GMAT Focus Official Prep – Paid ($99+)
- GMAT Focus Exam Flashcards
Best GMAT Prep Platforms
- The Princeton Review (Live online courses)
- Manhattan Prep
- Kaplan GMAT
- Magoosh GMAT
- GMAT Club (Free Resources)
Pro Tip: Aim for a study plan of 8–12 weeks and simulate real test environments during practice.
Sending Your GMAT Scores to Schools
Your GMAT exam registration includes five free score reports sent to schools. Additional reports cost $35 each.
- For online exams, you choose schools after the test.
- For test center exams, you choose before the test.
You’ll receive unofficial scores immediately after completing the exam, and official scores within 3–5 days.
GMAT Exam Structure (Focus Edition – 2025)
The updated GMAT Focus Edition includes:
| Section | Time | Number of Questions |
|---|---|---|
| Quantitative Reasoning | 45 mins | 21 questions |
| Verbal Reasoning | 45 mins | 23 questions |
| Data Insights | 45 mins | 20 questions |
Total Duration: 2 hours 15 minutes, with one 10-minute break.
GMAT Customer Support
If you encounter any issues during registration, contact GMAT customer service via:
- Email: customercare@gmac.com
- Phone: Varies by region (listed on MBA.com)
- Live Chat: Available for quick queries
Final GMAT Registration Checklist
✔ Create an MBA.com account
✔ Choose GMAT Focus Edition or traditional GMAT
✔ Select test format (Online or Test Center)
✔ Pick your preferred date and time
✔ Review policies and terms
✔ Pay the fee
✔ Begin preparation
✔ Track test day reminders
Conclusion
GMAT exam registration is your gateway to a life-changing academic journey. Whether your dream is Harvard, INSEAD, or Lagos Business School, starting with the GMAT positions you for competitive MBA admissions.
Register early, prepare smart, and use every tool available to perform your best. Don’t let missed deadlines or confusion slow you down.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the cost of GMAT in Nigeria?
It is approximately ₦210,000, subject to exchange rate fluctuations.
2. Can I take the GMAT from home?
Yes, the GMAT Online version allows remote testing with proctoring.
3. How long does GMAT registration take?
The process takes 15–30 minutes if all documents are ready.
4. How many times can I take the GMAT?
Up to 5 times in 12 months and 8 times in a lifetime.
Aremu Lukman Umor is an SEO writer and journalist with over eight years of experience. His opinion articles have appeared in most Nigerian mainstream media, including PUNCH, Vanguard, Tribune, Daily Trust, This Day, Guardian and others.
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