Last Updated on January 17, 2024
A new version of the GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test), the GMAT Focus Edition, is coming soon! As a result, many MBA hopefuls are eager to find out when testing will start.
So, in this article, we’ll review the latest news about GMAT Focus Edition test dates. We’ll also answer a bunch of common questions about GMAT registration, test preparation, and more related to the Focus Edition.
Here are the topics we’ll cover:
- GMAT Focus Edition: What’s Changing and What’s Staying the Same
- When Are the GMAT Focus Edition Test Dates for 2023?
- When Does Registration Open for the Focus Edition?
- When Will the Official Guide for GMAT Focus Be Available?
- How Long Should I Study Before Taking the New GMAT Focus Edition Exam?
- Key Takeaways
- What’s Next?
Before we discuss GMAT Focus Edition testing dates, let’s quickly review what’s changing and what’s staying the same with the new GMAT.
GMAT Focus Edition: What’s Changing and What’s Staying the Same?
Like the current GMAT, the GMAT Focus Edition is a computer-adaptive test designed to assess the skills and readiness of applicants to MBA programs and other business school programs. So, the GMAT Focus Edition will be just as important a factor in business school admissions as the current GMAT.
To that end, the Focus Edition represents an “update” to the GMAT that emphasizes the critical thinking, analytical, and data literacy skills that professionals need to excel in today’s business world. Thus, the GMAT exam pattern is changing somewhat with the Focus Edition.
- The new GMAT syllabus no longer includes Sentence Correction in the Verbal section, nor is there an Analytical Writing Assessment.
- The Integrated Reasoning section is becoming the Data Insights section. This new section includes Data Sufficiency questions, which are in the Quantitative section on the current GMAT.
So, there are only 3 sections on the GMAT Focus. Each section clocks in at 45 minutes and makes up a third of the total testing time. Thus, the GMAT Focus is about an hour shorter than the current GMAT.
Moreover, each section contributes equally to your GMAT Focus Total Score. And GMAT scores for the Focus Edition look different. Check out the new score scales below:
You can learn more about the GMAT Focus scoring system here, including new policies related to score reporting.
One thing that isn’t changing is the GMAT score validity period, which is still 5 years whether you take the GMAT Focus or the current GMAT.
Likewise, the GMAT retake policy and GMAT exam fees remain the same. And, good news: if you have a GMAT voucher or fee waiver for the current version of the exam, you can use it for the GMAT Focus.
Now, let’s discuss GMAT Focus test dates.
When Are the GMAT Focus Edition Test Dates for 2023?
Update: GMAT Focus Edition exams were first administered on November 7, 2023.
As far as exact GMAT Focus test dates, 2023 dates have not yet been announced. GMAC (Graduate Management Admission Council) has said only that Focus testing will start in Q4 of this year. So, test dates will become available sometime between October 1 and December 31.
This announcement has led people to speculate that test-takers will be able to sit for the GMAT Focus starting in November, right in the middle of that range. However, at this point, it’s probably best to take test date predictions with a grain of salt. My guess is that GMAC probably wants to have a bit of wiggle room right now to ensure a smooth rollout. Hence the range.
KEY FACT:
GMAT Focus Edition testing began on November 7, 2023.
Luckily, we won’t have to wait too long to find out exactly what the GMAT Focus test dates are. Let’s discuss.
When Does Registration Open for the Focus Edition?
Registration for the Focus Edition opens August 29, 2023. So, at the latest, we will know some GMAT Focus test dates by then, since GMAT registration involves scheduling an exam.
However, we could find out when Focus testing will start before registration opens. GMAC says that more Focus Edition announcements are coming over the next few months. Of course, we can’t predict what those announcements will relate to. But, GMAC surely knows that test-takers will want to plan their study schedules and ensure that they complete the business school application process in a timely manner.
So, it won’t be too surprising if GMAC makes an announcement about when Focus testing will start before registration opens.
KEY FACT:
Registration for the GMAT Focus Edition opens August 29, 2023.
Will There Be an Online GMAT Focus Edition?
Focus Edition test-takers will have the option to take either online GMAT Focus exams or exams at test centers. And you can bet that test-day procedures for both types of Focus test administration will be the same as procedures for the current GMAT. So, I wouldn’t expect check-in processes, ID requirements, etc., to change with the GMAT Focus.
Also, because the GMAT Focus Edition will eventually replace the current GMAT, which will be available only through January 31, 2024, I would expect that test center availability for the Focus will be on par with availability for the current GMAT.
KEY FACT:
Test-takers registering for the Focus Edition can take the exam either online or at a test center.
Can I Get GMAT Accommodations for the Focus Edition?
If you’re a test-taker who needs GMAT accommodations, don’t worry: accommodations are available for the Focus Edition.
Just as with the current GMAT, Focus Edition test-takers can apply for additional testing time, additional breaks, medical device use in the testing room, and a range of other accommodations that help ensure equal access to the exam.
You can apply for GMAT Focus accommodations here.
KEY FACT:
A range of GMAT accommodations are available for Focus Edition test-takers.
Can I Change My Test Dates If I’m Scheduled to Take the Current GMAT?
The GMAT rescheduling and cancellation processes should be the same regardless of whether you’re taking the current GMAT or the Focus Edition. After all, the registration process for both exams will be the same. So, you’ll be able to reschedule or cancel a scheduled GMAT Focus Edition through your mba.com account, just as you can a standard GMAT.
Here’s the catch: according to GMAC, you cannot switch your registration from the classic GMAT to the GMAT Focus Edition.
In other words, to switch from one test type to the other, the only option is to cancel your existing test appointment. Then, you would schedule a new appointment for the other GMAT type.
Of course, if you have an existing test appointment for the current GMAT, you wouldn’t be able to reschedule it to a Focus Edition appointment until August 29, when Focus registration opens, anyway. After all, there are no GMAT test dates for the Focus Edition currently available for you to reschedule to.
That said, if you’re sure that you would rather take the GMAT Focus later this year, you could cancel your current GMAT appointment now in order to reap a larger refund on your exam fee than you would closer to your GMAT test day. Just make sure that taking the GMAT Focus possibly at the end of this year won’t put you in an untenable time crunch in the business school application process.
KEY FACT:
Test-takers will be able to reschedule or cancel a scheduled GMAT Focus Edition exam through their mba.com account.
When Will the Official Guide for GMAT Focus Be Available?
Starting June 6, 2023, official GMAT prep resources became available on mba.com. Those materials include the Official Guide for GMAT Focus and official, full-length GMAT Focus practice tests.
As with the current GMAT, there are free Focus prep materials available there as well. For instance, there are 2 free practice tests in addition to the paid ones.
KEY FACT:
The Official Guide for GMAT Focus and official GMAT Focus practice tests became available on mba.com starting June 6, 2023.
How Long Should I Study Before Taking the New GMAT Focus Edition Exam?
Many GMAT students are wondering whether a shorter, more “streamlined” GMAT translates to a shorter study schedule for the GMAT Focus.
It’s true you’ll no longer have to study Sentence Correction — a more tedious aspect of GMAT prep for many students. And you won’t have to worry about preparing for the Analytical Writing Assessment. (However, let’s be honest, it’s questionable how much time most students put into AWA study.)
Nevertheless, given the increased importance of Data Insights, GMAT Focus test-takers will probably want to devote more time and effort to preparing for that section than current GMAT test-takers typically devote to studying for the Integrated Reasoning section.
What’s more, as this article on the GMAT Focus percentile rankings explains, there is reason to believe that the GMAT Focus may be tougher in some respects than the current GMAT. So, if you need a high score for your desired MBA programs, I wouldn’t plan on an abbreviated study schedule just yet.
Remember, the Focus Edition is still a standardized test used for business school admissions. So, it is still a rigorous, challenging exam. (Check out this video for a quick rundown on whether the GMAT Focus is easier than the current GMAT.)
For some GMAT students, their test preparation may take roughly the same amount of time and effort whether they’re studying for the current GMAT or the Focus Edition. The difference will simply be in how they spend some of that study time.
If you’re interested in learning how to figure out how long you’ll need to prepare for the GMAT, check out our article on creating a realistic study timeline.
KEY FACT:
A shorter GMAT does not necessarily translate to a shorter test preparation timeline.
Key Takeaways
If you’re hoping to take the new GMAT Focus Edition, keep the following key dates in mind:
- June 6, 2023: Official GMAT prep resources for the Focus Edition are available.
- August 29, 2023: GMAT Focus Edition registration opens.
- November 7, 2023: GMAT Focus Edition testing begins.
We’ll update this article as GMAC releases more information about GMAT Focus test dates. So, check back to stay in the know!
What’s Next?
Looking for test-taking strategies to take your GMAT score to the next level? Check out TTP Head of GMAT Instruction Jeff Miller’s top 10 GMAT Quant study tips and 800-scorer Marty Murray’s top 10 Verbal tips.
You can also try our 5-star rated GMAT course for 5 days for just $1.
Happy studying!
