Last Updated on January 17, 2024
With a new version of the GMAT, the GMAT Focus Edition, on the horizon, everyone is clamoring to find out more about when and how they can register for the exam.
In this article, we’ll review the news so far about GMAT Focus Edition registration, including:
- when registration begins
- how test-takers can register
- what the registration fees are
and more.
Here are all the topics we’ll cover:
- GMAT Focus Edition 2023 Registration Dates
- How to Register for GMAT Focus Edition Exams
- How Much Is the GMAT Focus Edition Registration Fee?
- Are There Any GMAT Focus Edition Registration Requirements?
- Am I Eligible to Register for the GMAT Focus Edition?
- Key Takeaways
- What’s Next?
To start, let’s discuss when GMAT Focus registration opens.
GMAT Focus Edition 2023 Registration Dates
GMAT Focus Edition testing began on November 7, 2023.
Registration for the GMAT Focus Edition opens August 29, 2023.
GMAC has not announced separate opening registration dates for the online and test center versions of the Focus Edition. (Yes, there will be both!) So, when registration opens at the end of August, we expect that test-takers will be able to schedule either an in-person or online GMAT Focus.
That said, GMAC has stated that Focus Edition testing will not start until Q4 2023. (Exact test dates have not yet been announced.) So, while you can currently register for the standard GMAT Online as little as 24 hours before your testing time, I wouldn’t expect to be able to log on to mba.com on August 29 and secure a GMAT Focus Online testing time on August 30.
In other words, it may be that you can register for either an in-person or online Focus Edition exam and reserve a testing time, but those testing times for either type of test administration don’t start until, say, October or November.
Now, information is limited at this time. So, these projections are subject to change. GMAC has assured the public that more specific information is coming soon. We expect some more details to trickle out before registration opens in August. So, we’ll update this blog as new information becomes available.
KEY FACT:
Registration for both in-person and online Focus Edition exams opened on August 29, 2023. Testing began on November 7, 2023.
Now, let’s discuss the registration process for the GMAT Focus Edition.
How to Register for GMAT Focus Edition Exams
The GMAT Focus Edition uses the same online registration process that the standard GMAT currently uses.
So, to register for either an in-person or at-home GMAT Focus exam, you would complete the same registration steps necessary for a standard GMAT or GMAT Online.
First, you would complete a brief sign-up process for a free mba.com account. Once that enrollment is complete, you would use the registration portal on mba.com to schedule your GMAT Focus.
The Focus Edition has already been added to the page where test-takers can link to registration for the GMAT and the EA. When you choose an exam to register for, you are then given the option to register for either a test center or online administration of that exam. You then fill out an online registration form with your contact information and some optional information about your communication preferences, education, and work history.
The entire form is just a few screens long. (Check out our standard GMAT registration guide here for a look at the screens). So, filling it out shouldn’t take more than a few minutes. Just make sure that the name, date of birth, and citizenship information you enter into the registration form EXACTLY MATCHES the information on the ID you’ll present to the test proctor on test day.
Scheduling Your GMAT Focus
Once you complete the initial registration steps in your online account, you’re taken to a screen where you can schedule your exam. If you’re taking the GMAT Focus at a test center, you’ll first see a screen where you can search for test centers in your area. You can select up to 3 test centers at a time for which to compare appointment availability.
GMAC says “the exam will be delivered at test centers around the globe.” So, test center availability for the Focus Edition is roughly on par with that for the standard GMAT.
If you’re taking the online GMAT Focus, you won’t have to worry about selecting a test center. Instead, you’ll be able to go straight to choosing a date and testing time for your exam. Online testing times are available around the clock, just as they are for the standard GMAT Online.
Once you select a test location (if necessary), date, and time, you’ll have 15 minutes to review and confirm (i.e., pay for) your appointment. If you’re not ready to set your test appointment, don’t worry. The information you entered in your registration form will be saved in your account. So, you can come back to the scheduling portion of the registration process later without having to start from scratch.
Once you’ve completed the checkout process to pay your registration fee, you’ll get a registration confirmation and be assigned a GMAT Focus registration number, which you can find in your mba.com account.
KEY FACT:
You complete your GMAT Focus Edition registration online through your mba.com account, just as you can for the standard GMAT and EA.
Can I Register for the GMAT Focus as a Test-Taker With Disabilities?
You will still have the option to register as a test-taker with disabilities if you’re taking the GMAT Focus. The registration process should be the same as it is for other GMAC tests. So, you will simply choose the “Register as a Test Taker with Disabilities” option in your online account before you start the registration process.
Importantly, you must wait to register for your exam until after GMAC has approved your accommodations request. You won’t be able to change a non-accommodated test appointment to one with accommodations. Moreover, you won’t be able to complete the registration process for an accommodated test without the information in your approval letter.
(Don’t worry, GMAC also provides registration instructions once your accommodations are approved.)
You can learn more about the types of accommodations GMAC offers here and apply for GMAT Focus accommodations here.
TTP PRO TIP:
Wait to register for an accommodated GMAT Focus exam until after GMAC has approved your accommodations request.
Do I Have to Register Online for the GMAT Focus Edition?
Online registration is generally quickest for test-takers looking to schedule a GMAT exam. That said, if you don’t have access to the internet or are unable to complete online registration, you have other options. You can also register by phone, mail, or fax.
If you need any kind of registration support or have questions about scheduling or paying for your exam, you can find country-specific customer service contact information here.
Now, let’s discuss the GMAT Focus Edition registration cost.
How Much Is the GMAT Focus Edition Registration Fee?
GMAT Focus registration fees are the same as standard GMAT registration fees.
So, currently, the fee to register for the GMAT Focus in the U.S. is set at $275 for an in-person exam and $300 for an online exam.
Other GMAT Focus fees also are on par with standard GMAT exam fees. So, for example, the fees for rescheduling or canceling an exam are the same.
In general, GMAC accepts payments made with a credit card, debit card, personal check, money order, or cashier’s check. However, restrictions may vary by country. So, check GMAC’s payment information page if you’re unsure how to pay your registration fee.
Also, if you have a GMAT voucher or fee waiver for the standard version of the exam, you CAN use it for the GMAT Focus Edition.
KEY FACT:
Currently, the fee to register for the GMAT Focus in the U.S. is set at $275 for an in-person exam and $300 for an online exam.
Now that we know how to register for the GMAT Focus Edition and how much registration costs, let’s review some basic registration requirements.
Are There Any GMAT Focus Edition Registration Requirements?
The registration requirements for the GMAT Focus are the same as those for the standard GMAT and are pretty basic.
You’ll need to provide information such as name and address that EXACTLY MATCHES the information on the ID you’ll use on test day. So, I recommend using that same ID to register for your exam, so there is no chance of a mix-up.
Accepted forms of ID for U.S. test-takers include:
- Government-issued driver’s license
- Passport
- Green card for non-citizen residents
- Government-issued national/state/province identification card
- Military ID
Note that expired IDs are NOT acceptable. Also, a passport is always required if you’re taking the GMAT outside your country of citizenship.
Additionally, you’ll of course need an accepted method of payment to schedule your test appointment. But beyond those items, nothing else is required to complete the registration process.
Just don’t forget: if you need to take the GMAT Focus with accommodations, you’ll need your approval letter from GMAC in order to register for your test.
TTP PRO TIP:
Register for your GMAT Focus using the same ID you’ll present on test day.
Am I Eligible to Register for the GMAT Focus Edition?
Registration eligibility for the GMAT Focus Edition is, as far as we know, no stricter than eligibility for the standard GMAT — which is to say, not very strict!
You must be at least 13 years old to take the exam. If you are younger than 18, you need written permission from a parent or guardian. Additionally, you’ll have to take the exam at a test center.
If you’re 18 or over, you can take the exam either at a test center or online, depending on availability in your location. Note that if you are located in Mainland China, Cuba, Iran, Syria, Sudan, or North Korea, online exams are not currently available to you.
There are no degree or professional requirements to take the GMAT Focus.
So, as long as you meet the age requirement and you can access either an in-person or online test in your area, the only restriction on your registration eligibility would be your 12-month or lifetime limit on GMAT attempts. You can learn more about how many times you can take the GMAT here.
KEY FACT:
There are minimal restrictions on registration eligibility for the GMAT Focus.
Key Takeaways
Keep in mind the following about registering for the GMAT Focus Edition:
- Registration opens August 29, 2023.
- GMAT Focus registration fees are currently $275 for in-person and $300 for online tests in the U.S.
- Test-takers will be able to register on mba.com or by phone, mail, or fax.
- Registration for test-takers with disabilities will be available and must be completed after the test-taker receives an accommodations approval letter.
- All test-takers must register using the exact same information that appears on the ID they’ll present on test day.
- GMAT Focus rescheduling and cancellation fees are the same as standard GMAT fees.
What’s Next?
Want to learn more about the GMAT Focus Edition. Check out our complete guide to the GMAT Focus to get all your questions answered.
Wondering what types of GMAT scores will make your MBA applications stand out? Check out our MBA blog to see what scores are competitive for admissions at various programs, including at M7 and other top schools.
