{"id":32348,"date":"2021-05-17T15:34:00","date_gmt":"2021-05-17T15:34:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.kaptest.com\/blog\/prep\/?p=32348"},"modified":"2025-05-06T16:23:05","modified_gmt":"2025-05-06T16:23:05","slug":"taking-the-at-home-gre","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wpapp.kaptest.com\/study\/gre\/taking-the-at-home-gre\/","title":{"rendered":"Taking the At-Home GRE"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The <\/span>GRE\u00ae General Test at Home<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> offers students a flexible alternative to taking the exam at a physical test center. This online version of the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.kaptest.com\/study\/gre\/whats-tested-on-the-gre\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">GRE is identical in format<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, 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.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you\u2019re 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 <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ets.org\/s\/cv\/gre\/the-americas\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ETS GRE website<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<div  style='height:10px' class='hr hr-invisible   avia-builder-el-0  el_before_av_heading  avia-builder-el-first '><span class='hr-inner ' ><span class='hr-inner-style'><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<div  style='padding-bottom:10px; ' class='av-special-heading av-special-heading-h2    avia-builder-el-1  el_after_av_hr  el_before_av_heading  '><h2 class='av-special-heading-tag '  itemprop=\"headline\"  ><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Can you take the GRE at home?<\/span><\/h2><div class='special-heading-border'><div class='special-heading-inner-border' ><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This option gives you the same official GRE exam you\u2019d take at a testing center, but from your own space. You\u2019ll follow the same timing, structure, and scoring process as in-person test-takers, ensuring your results are fully valid and accepted. Here\u2019s what you should know:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Remote Supervision<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: The entire exam is monitored by a live human proctor using video and screen-sharing tools to ensure test integrity.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Anytime Scheduling<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: You can choose an exam time that fits your schedule, with appointments available 24\/7.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Global Access<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: The at-home GRE is available to test-takers in most countries where the GRE is typically offered.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Tech and Space Requirements<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Before test day, make sure your computer, internet, software, and testing room meet ETS\u2019s setup requirements.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b style=\"font-size: inherit;\">Registration Process<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Sign up for your test online through the <\/span><a style=\"font-size: inherit;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ets.org\/gre.html\">ET<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div  style='padding-bottom:10px; ' class='av-special-heading av-special-heading-h2    avia-builder-el-2  el_after_av_heading  el_before_av_promobox  '><h2 class='av-special-heading-tag '  itemprop=\"headline\"  ><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What accommodations and setup do you need for the at-home GRE?<\/span><\/h2><div class='special-heading-border'><div class='special-heading-inner-border' ><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you qualify for testing accommodations, you can still access them when taking the GRE from home. ETS offers a range of approved accommodations\u2013including extra testing time, additional breaks, screen magnification, and selectable color contrasts\u2013to support students with documented needs. You can request these adjustments directly through your ETS account or by reaching out to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ets.org\/disabilities.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ETS Disability Services<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Beyond accommodations, you\u2019ll need to meet strict equipment and environment standards to ensure your at-home GRE runs smoothly. Here\u2019s what\u2019s required:<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Required equipment<\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Computer<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: A desktop or laptop is mandatory; tablets and smartphones are not allowed.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Web Browser<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: You must use Chrome or Firefox to launch the testing platform.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Microphone and Speakers<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Only built-in or external microphones and speakers are permitted\u2013no headphones or earbuds.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Camera<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: A built-in or external webcam is required, and you must be able to move it to show the proctor your surroundings.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Approved testing space<\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Private Room<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: You must be alone in a private space\u2013public areas like libraries or coffee shops are not allowed.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Desk Setup: You need to sit at a desk or table with a clean, uncluttered surface. Food, drinks, and unauthorized materials are prohibited.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Writing Surface<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: 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.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Dress Code<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: 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.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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.<\/span><\/p>\n\t<div  style='background:#ffffff;color:#444444;border-color:#7825ff;' class='av_promobox  avia-button-no   avia-builder-el-3  el_after_av_heading  el_before_av_heading '>\t\t<div class='avia-promocontent'><p>For help prepping for a specific GRE test date, check out our GRE study guides:<br \/><a href=\"https:\/\/www.kaptest.com\/study\/gre\/how-to-study-for-the-gre-in-a-month\/\">1-Month GRE Study Guide<\/a>\u00a0 \u00a0\u2022\u00a0 \u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.kaptest.com\/study\/gre\/how-to-study-for-the-gre-in-two-months\/\">2-Month GRE Study Guide<\/a>\u00a0 \u00a0\u2022\u00a0 \u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.kaptest.com\/study\/gre\/how-to-study-for-the-gre-in-3-months\/\">3-Month GRE Study Guide<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<div  style='padding-bottom:10px; ' class='av-special-heading av-special-heading-h2    avia-builder-el-4  el_after_av_promobox  el_before_av_heading  '><h2 class='av-special-heading-tag '  itemprop=\"headline\"  ><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Should you take the GRE at home or at a test center?<\/span><\/h2><div class='special-heading-border'><div class='special-heading-inner-border' ><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When deciding whether to take the GRE at home or at a testing center, it\u2019s 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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While the format, content, timing, and scoring are identical, the best choice for you depends on your personal preferences, setup, and needs. Here\u2019s a breakdown to help you decide:<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Benefits of taking the GRE at a test center<\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Minimal Setup Required<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Prometric test centers handle all the technical setup, including computers, internet, note-taking materials, and secure testing environments.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Fewer Distractions<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: You won\u2019t have to worry about internet outages, home interruptions, or creating a distraction-free space on your own.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Traditional Experience<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: If you\u2019ve been preparing with the expectation of an in-person exam, the structured environment may feel more familiar and help you focus.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Benefits of taking the GRE at home<\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Flexible Scheduling<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: You can book your GRE for any day or time that fits your schedule, including nights and weekends, often with only 24 hours\u2019 notice.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Comfortable Setting<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Testing in your own space and on your own device can ease test-day nerves, especially if you\u2019ve been using the same setup for practice.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Convenience<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Skip the commute\u2013no need to travel to a test center or worry about transportation, weather, or logistics.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div  style='padding-bottom:10px; ' class='av-special-heading av-special-heading-h2    avia-builder-el-5  el_after_av_heading  el_before_av_promobox  '><h2 class='av-special-heading-tag '  itemprop=\"headline\"  ><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How to prepare for the at-home GRE<\/span><\/h2><div class='special-heading-border'><div class='special-heading-inner-border' ><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Studying for the GRE at home offers a unique opportunity: you can tailor your prep experience to the exact environment where you\u2019ll take the official test. This means you\u2019re not just preparing for test content\u2013you\u2019re also preparing for the feel of the exam day itself.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here\u2019s how to make the most of at-home GRE prep:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Simulate the Test Environment<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: 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.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Refine Your Timing<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Focus on pacing strategies to ensure you stay within section time limits. Use online practice tests that closely mimic the GRE\u2019s digital interface so you can build speed and familiarity.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Train With Your Tools<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: If you\u2019re 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.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Customize Your Study Plan<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Build a prep schedule that fits your daily routine and energy levels. Since you\u2019re preparing at home, you have more flexibility\u2013use it to your advantage by setting study blocks during your most focused hours.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>\t<div  style='background:#ffffff;color:#444444;border-color:#7825ff;' class='av_promobox  avia-button-yes   avia-builder-el-6  el_after_av_heading  el_before_av_sidebar '>\t\t<div class='avia-promocontent'><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">No matter when or where you decide to take the GRE, being sufficiently prepared is important. Graduate schools will want to see competitive scores regardless of outside stressors. Kaplan has you covered with free GRE strategies, study plans, practice questions, and more.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><div  class='avia-button-wrap avia-button-right ' ><a href='https:\/\/www.kaptest.com\/study\/gre\/'  class='avia-button  avia-color-theme-color   avia-icon_select-no avia-size-large avia-position-right '   ><span class='avia_iconbox_title' >GRE Study Resources<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div><br \/><div  class='avia-builder-widget-area clearfix  avia-builder-el-7  el_after_av_promobox  avia-builder-el-last '><div id=\"text-70\" class=\"widget clearfix widget_text\">\t\t\t<div class=\"textwidget\"><p><span data-sumome-listbuilder-embed-id=\"a78fe19e226d385662749ccaadcdccd7ecdcab651c77e3b874bfcb76a80605a7\"><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div><div id=\"text-71\" class=\"widget clearfix widget_text\">\t\t\t<div class=\"textwidget\"><p><span data-sumome-listbuilder-embed-id=\"185e834399a9fdd414ded52f3f51a4735f464b8c612f006f44ffba835a649b4f\"><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div><\/div><\/p>\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The GRE\u00ae 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\u2019re [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":32351,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[68],"tags":[163,69,164,165],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/wpapp.kaptest.com\/study\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/32348"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/wpapp.kaptest.com\/study\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/wpapp.kaptest.com\/study\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wpapp.kaptest.com\/study\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wpapp.kaptest.com\/study\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=32348"}],"version-history":[{"count":7,"href":"https:\/\/wpapp.kaptest.com\/study\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/32348\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":48375,"href":"https:\/\/wpapp.kaptest.com\/study\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/32348\/revisions\/48375"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wpapp.kaptest.com\/study\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/32351"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/wpapp.kaptest.com\/study\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=32348"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wpapp.kaptest.com\/study\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=32348"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wpapp.kaptest.com\/study\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=32348"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}