If you're ready to register for the GMAT®, the process itself is straightforward. You go to mba.com, create an account, pick a date, and pay the fee.
But there are a few details that trip people up.
The name on your account has to match your ID exactly. The format you choose (test center vs. online) affects what you need to prepare. And the timing of when you schedule can affect which dates are available.
Here's a step-by-step walkthrough of the entire registration process, from creating your mba.com account to showing up on test day.
What You Need Before You Start
Before you head to mba.com, gather a few things:
A valid government-issued photo ID — usually a passport or driver's license. The name on this ID is the name you'll use on your mba.com account. If the names don't match, you may not be allowed to test, and you probably won't get a refund.
A credit or debit card for the registration fee. The GMAT® costs $275 at a test center or $300 online (US pricing). Pricing in other regions may vary.
A quiet room if you're taking the online exam. The online format has strict room requirements — no other people, no phones, no study materials on the desk, no dual monitors. You'll want to check the current policies on mba.com before you commit to that format.
Roughly 15 minutes to complete the registration. It's not a long process, but you don't want to rush through the profile section and get details wrong.
Step 1: Create Your mba.com Account
Go to mba.com and click "Create Account."
This is the portal GMAC uses for everything GMAT®-related — registration, score reports, practice exams, and account management. You'll use this same account throughout your entire GMAT® journey, so keep your login somewhere safe.
Enter your legal name exactly as it appears on your government-issued ID. This is the part that trips people up. If your ID says "Jonathan David Smith" but you register as "Jon Smith," the test center may turn you away. Match the ID, not the nickname.
You'll also enter your email address, create a password, and fill in some basic profile information — nationality, date of birth, address. GMAC asks whether you'd like to receive additional information about MBA programs and services. You can opt in or out — it doesn't affect your registration.
Step 2: Start the Registration Process
Once your account is set up, navigate to "Register for the GMAT® Exam" (or similar wording on the site — the exact button text changes from time to time).
You'll be asked to verify some profile details and confirm your eligibility. The GMAT® doesn't have strict eligibility requirements — there's no minimum age, no required degree, no nationality restriction. Anyone can register.
You'll also see information about exam policies: the 16-day waiting period between attempts, the five-per-12-months limit on retakes, and the cancellation/rescheduling rules. Read through these so you know what you're agreeing to.
Step 3: Choose Your Exam Format
You'll select between two options:
Test center: You go to a physical testing facility. A proctor checks you in, scans your palm veins, and monitors the room. The testing center provides a laminated scratch pad and marker. Cost: $275 (US).
Online (at-home): You take the exam from your own computer at home or in a private office. A remote proctor monitors you through your webcam and screen-sharing. You provide your own physical whiteboard (no digital whiteboards). Cost: $300 (US).
Both formats deliver the same exam, the same questions, and the same scoring. Schools receive identical score reports regardless of which format you used.
The $25 difference covers the remote proctoring system for the online format. Some people prefer the test center for the controlled environment and lower tech-failure risk. Others prefer online for the convenience and comfort of home.
If you're up against an application deadline, the test center format tends to be more reliable from a technology standpoint. The online format has more potential points of failure — your internet, your computer, the proctoring software — so it carries a slightly higher risk of technical issues on test day.
Step 4: Pick Your Date and Location
If you chose the test center format, you'll search for available test centers near you and select a date and time.
Schedule in-person exams at least three weeks in advance for the best selection of dates. Test centers have limited seats, and popular times fill up fast — especially around Round 2 MBA application deadlines.
If you're in a tight spot and the dates you need aren't available, check back daily. People cancel and reschedule all the time, and new slots open up more often than you'd expect.
If you chose the online format, you'll select from available appointment times. Online exams have more scheduling flexibility since there's no physical seat limit, but you still need to book in advance — especially for weekend slots.
Either way, pick a date that gives you enough prep time. If you're just starting to study, you probably want a date at least two to three months out. If you've been studying for a while and your practice test scores are where you want them, you can schedule closer in.
Step 5: Pay the Registration Fee
After selecting your date and time, you'll proceed to payment.
The fee is $275 for test center or $300 for online (US pricing). You can pay by credit card, debit card, or through other payment methods depending on your region.
What's included in the fee:
Your official score report
Score sends to up to 5 MBA programs at no extra cost, if you select those schools within 48 hours of receiving your official score
Detailed performance insights that appear alongside your official score
That 48-hour window is worth paying attention to. If you miss it, sending scores to each additional school costs $35 per recipient. Picking your five schools before the window closes is one of the easiest ways to avoid unnecessary fees.
If you need accommodations (extended time, breaks, a reader, etc.), you'll apply for those separately through your mba.com account before scheduling your exam. The accommodations process can take a few weeks, so apply early — ideally at the start of your prep, not the week before you want to test.
Step 6: Confirm and Prepare
After payment, you'll receive a confirmation email with your appointment details — date, time, location (or online login instructions), and a summary of what to bring.
For test center exams: bring your government-issued photo ID (the one that matches your mba.com account name). No phone, no calculator, no study materials, no watch. The test center provides the scratch pad, the marker, earplugs if you want them, and a locker for your belongings.
For online exams: prepare your room according to the current mba.com policies. No items on the desk except water and your computer. No external or dual monitors. No other people in the room. Have your ID ready for the proctor to check.
Either way, do a dry run before test day. For in-person, that means knowing your route to the test center and arriving 30 minutes early. For online, that means testing your computer, webcam, internet connection, and room setup with whatever system check mba.com provides.
After Registration: What Comes Next
Once you're registered, the countdown begins. Here's what to focus on:
Build your study plan around your test date. If you haven't already taken a baseline practice test, do that now — mba.com offers two free practice exams through their Official Starter Kit. Your baseline score tells you where you're starting and how far you need to go.
Use the Official Starter Kit and official practice exams from mba.com. They use the real scoring algorithm, so they give you the most accurate picture of where you stand. The first two are free; four more are available for purchase.
If you need to reschedule, do it as early as possible. Rescheduling fees increase as you get closer to your appointment date: $55 (test center) / $60 (online) if you're more than 60 days out, with higher fees as the date approaches. The earlier you act, the less it costs.
If you need to cancel, you can do so through your mba.com account. Cancellation refunds are partial and depend on how far in advance you cancel. The closer to the exam date, the smaller the refund.
Common Registration Mistakes to Avoid
Name mismatch: One of the most common reasons people get turned away from the test center. Your mba.com account name must match your ID exactly. Double-check this before you submit.
Waiting too long to schedule: Test center seats are limited. If you wait until the last minute, you may not get a date that works with your application timeline. Book early.
Forgetting the 48-hour score send window: You get five free score sends, but only if you select schools within 48 hours of receiving your official score. Set a reminder for yourself.
Not checking room requirements for online: The online exam has strict room policies, and they can change. Review the current requirements on mba.com before you register for the online format — not the night before your exam.
Skipping the accommodations application: If you have a history of learning differences or extended testing time, apply for accommodations early. The process goes through mba.com, and it can take a few weeks. Don't wait until you're ready to test to start the application.
FAQ
How do I register for the GMAT®?
Go to mba.com, create an account with your legal name (matching your government-issued ID), select "Register for the GMAT® Exam," choose your format (test center or online), pick a date and time, and pay the registration fee. The whole process takes about 15 minutes.
How much does it cost to register for the GMAT®?
The registration fee is $275 for a test center exam or $300 for the online exam (US pricing). Both formats include the same exam and the same scoring. Pricing in other regions may vary — check mba.com for your local fee.
Do I need an mba.com account to register?
Yes. mba.com is the official site for GMAT® registration, score reports, and official practice exams. You'll use the same account for everything GMAT®-related throughout your prep and testing process.
What ID do I need to register for the GMAT®?
You need a valid government-issued photo ID — usually a passport or driver's license. The name on your mba.com account must match the name on your ID exactly. If the names don't match, you may not be allowed to test and probably won't receive a refund.
Can I register for the GMAT® online?
Yes. The online (at-home) GMAT® is one of two format options when you register. You take the exam from your own computer in a private room with a remote proctor. The online format costs $300 (US) and has specific room and equipment requirements.
How far in advance should I schedule my GMAT®?
For test center exams, schedule at least three weeks in advance for the best selection of dates. For online exams, you have more flexibility, but you should still book early — especially for weekend slots. If you're just starting to study, pick a date two to three months out.
Can I reschedule my GMAT® after registering?
Yes. You can reschedule through your mba.com account. The fee depends on how close you are to your original appointment: $55 (test center) / $60 (online) if you're more than 60 days out, with higher fees as the date gets closer. The earlier you reschedule, the less it costs.
Can I cancel my GMAT® registration?
Yes. You can cancel through your mba.com account. Cancellation refunds are partial and depend on how far in advance you cancel. The closer to the exam date, the smaller the refund.
What's included with the GMAT® registration fee?
The fee includes your official score report, score sends to up to 5 MBA programs (if you select schools within 48 hours of receiving your official score), and detailed performance insights. Additional score reports cost $35 per school after the 48-hour window.
Do I need to apply for accommodations before registering?
You can start the accommodations application through your mba.com account before or after you register, but you'll want to apply early. The process can take a few weeks, and you'll want to know your approved accommodations before you start practicing with them. If you have a history of learning differences, apply at the start of your prep — not the week before your exam.
Want to learn even more?
If you're putting together your full study plan, here are some related posts that can help:
- GMAT® Test Dates 2026-2027 — when to schedule your exam
- GMAT® Cost and Fees — the full cost breakdown beyond just the registration fee
- What to Bring to the GMAT® — test day checklist for both formats
- GMAT® Online vs. Test Center — which format is right for you
- How Many Times Can You Take the GMAT®? — retake rules and limits
- How to Send GMAT® Scores to Schools — score sending process and timing
- GMAT® Accommodations: How to Apply — extended time and other support
- How to Start Your GMAT® Studies in 2026 — what to do after you register
- How to Study for the GMAT®: A Complete Guide — the full study methodology
- GMAT® Practice Test Strategy — how many practice tests to take and when
For more strategy, tactics, and honest advice on every part of GMAT® prep, listen to our podcast series on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube. You can also browse all episodes on our podcast page.