Taking the At-Home GRE

The GRE® General Test at Home offers students a flexible alternative to taking the exam at a physical test center. This online version of the GRE is identical in format, content, scoring, and on-screen experience to the in-person exam, allowing you to earn official GRE scores from the comfort of your own home.

If you’re considering the at-home GRE, this guide will help answer common questions, explain key requirements, and provide tips to help you prepare confidently. For the latest details and official updates, always refer to the ETS GRE website.

Yes, you have the option to take the GRE online from home unless you are taking the test from Iran or Mainland China. The GRE General Test at Home is a flexible solution offered by ETS for students who want to test remotely.

This option gives you the same official GRE exam you’d take at a testing center, but from your own space. You’ll follow the same timing, structure, and scoring process as in-person test-takers, ensuring your results are fully valid and accepted. Here’s what you should know:

• Remote Supervision: The entire exam is monitored by a live human proctor using video and screen-sharing tools to ensure test integrity.
• Anytime Scheduling: You can choose an exam time that fits your schedule, with appointments available 24/7.
• Global Access: The at-home GRE is available to test-takers in most countries where the GRE is typically offered. 
• Tech and Space Requirements: Before test day, make sure your computer, internet, software, and testing room meet ETS’s setup requirements.
• Registration Process: Sign up for your test online through the ET.

If you qualify for testing accommodations, you can still access them when taking the GRE from home. ETS offers a range of approved accommodations–including extra testing time, additional breaks, screen magnification, and selectable color contrasts–to support students with documented needs. You can request these adjustments directly through your ETS account or by reaching out to ETS Disability Services. 

Beyond accommodations, you’ll need to meet strict equipment and environment standards to ensure your at-home GRE runs smoothly. Here’s what’s required:

Required equipment

• Computer: A desktop or laptop is mandatory; tablets and smartphones are not allowed. 
• Web Browser: You must use Chrome or Firefox to launch the testing platform.
• Microphone and Speakers: Only built-in or external microphones and speakers are permitted–no headphones or earbuds.
• Camera: A built-in or external webcam is required, and you must be able to move it to show the proctor your surroundings. 

Approved testing space

• Private Room: You must be alone in a private space–public areas like libraries or coffee shops are not allowed.
• Desk Setup: You need to sit at a desk or table with a clean, uncluttered surface. Food, drinks, and unauthorized materials are prohibited.
• Writing Surface: You may only use approved erasable tools, such as a small whiteboard or a transparent sheet protector with a dry-erase marker. Regular paper is not allowed, and you must fully erase all notes at the end of the test.
• Dress Code: Your ears must remain visible at all times for monitoring, and a photo will be taken before the test, which will be shared with score recipients. 

Preparing your equipment and space ahead of time is essential to avoid delays or disqualification on test day. For a smooth experience, follow all ETS guidelines carefully.

When deciding whether to take the GRE at home or at a testing center, it’s important to know that both options deliver the same official exam. Your score report will not indicate where you tested, and schools will not know whether you completed the GRE online or in person. 

While the format, content, timing, and scoring are identical, the best choice for you depends on your personal preferences, setup, and needs. Here’s a breakdown to help you decide:

Benefits of taking the GRE at a test center

• Minimal Setup Required: Prometric test centers handle all the technical setup, including computers, internet, note-taking materials, and secure testing environments.
• Fewer Distractions: You won’t have to worry about internet outages, home interruptions, or creating a distraction-free space on your own. 
• Traditional Experience: If you’ve been preparing with the expectation of an in-person exam, the structured environment may feel more familiar and help you focus.

Benefits of taking the GRE at home

• Flexible Scheduling: You can book your GRE for any day or time that fits your schedule, including nights and weekends, often with only 24 hours’ notice.
• Comfortable Setting: Testing in your own space and on your own device can ease test-day nerves, especially if you’ve been using the same setup for practice. 
• Convenience: Skip the commute–no need to travel to a test center or worry about transportation, weather, or logistics.

Studying for the GRE at home offers a unique opportunity: you can tailor your prep experience to the exact environment where you’ll take the official test. This means you’re not just preparing for test content–you’re also preparing for the feel of the exam day itself.

Here’s how to make the most of at-home GRE prep:

• Simulate the Test Environment: Practice taking full-length GRE practice exams in the same room, at the same desk, and on the same computer you plan to use on test day. This helps you get comfortable with your surroundings and reduces anxiety.
• Refine Your Timing: Focus on pacing strategies to ensure you stay within section time limits. Use online practice tests that closely mimic the GRE’s digital interface so you can build speed and familiarity. 
• Train With Your Tools: If you’re using a whiteboard or transparent sheet for note-taking, incorporate these tools into your practice sessions. Get used to jotting down quick notes, sketches, or calculations in a way that feels natural and efficient. 
• Customize Your Study Plan: Build a prep schedule that fits your daily routine and energy levels. Since you’re preparing at home, you have more flexibility–use it to your advantage by setting study blocks during your most focused hours.