On March 21, ETS updated its test information and announced a new testing option:
GRE General Test at home!
Due to the global pandemic, ETS has decided to offer an at-home testing option. The test will be remotely proctored by ProctorU in real time.
Registration and Test Dates
Starting March 23 (13:00 UTC), students in select countries/regions can register for the at-home GRE General Test, which begins on March 27.
Who Can Take the At-Home GRE
Currently, students in the United States, Canada, Colombia, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Hong Kong (China), and Macau (China) can register for the at-home test.
Additionally, students must have a computer and room that meet the requirements.
Equipment Requirements
Computer:
- Must be a desktop or laptop computer; tablets or mobile devices are not allowed
- Mac computers or iOS operating systems are not allowed
- Must use Windows operating system, version 10, 8, 7, Vista™ or XP
- Must use a QWERTY keyboard
Speakers:
- Must use internal or external speakers to hear the proctor
- Headphones or wireless earphones are not allowed
Microphone:
- Must use a built-in or external microphone; headsets are not allowed
Camera:
- Can be a built-in computer camera or an external webcam
- Before the test, you must use the camera to show the proctor a 360-degree view of the room, including the desktop
Environment and Testing Space Requirements
Privacy:
- You must be alone in a room; no one else may be present
- Testing in public places such as parks, internet cafes, or restaurants is prohibited
Desktop and Seating:
- The desktop must be clear, with only test-permitted items
- You must sit in a chair; sitting or lying on a bed or couch is not allowed
- Eating is not allowed during the test
Dress and Appearance:
- Ears must remain visible throughout the test
- You must dress appropriately; the proctor will monitor via camera
Note-taking Materials:
- Regular paper is not allowed
- You may use: a whiteboard with an erasable marker, or a transparent sheet protector with paper and an erasable marker
- At the end of the test, erase all notes while the proctor watches
For the at-home test, you also need to download and install the ETS Secure Browser, and complete the ProctorU system check.
Registration Process
- Before registering an account, prepare your ID; a passport is preferred
- After registering, log in to your account. On the My GRE Home page, select Register/Find Test Centers
- Under Find Test Centers and Dates, select GRE General Test at home. You will select your test date and time later through ProctorU
- Follow the instructions to complete registration and payment
- After receiving a confirmation email for payment, you will also receive an email from ProctorU with a link and password. Then log in to ProctorU to select your test date and time.
Other Important Notes
- Your test session will be recorded and photographed throughout
- GRE scores will be available 10-15 days after the test
- You can register for the at-home GRE again, with a minimum 21-day gap between tests. You can take it up to 5 times within a 12-month period, including canceled scores.
For more details, visit the ETS official website:
https://www.ets.org/s/cv/gre/at-home/
Rescheduling Fees Waived for GRE
During this period, ETS is waiving all rescheduling fees!
If your test has been postponed, you will receive an email, and your test will be rescheduled in your account.
Please check your ETS account and email promptly!
If your test has not been postponed but you want to reschedule for health or safety reasons, ETS provides specific contact methods for rescheduling.
Note: Rescheduling through your ETS account may incur fees. To have the fee waived, use the direct contact methods provided on the ETS website.
We can see that ETS is actively seeking solutions for students whose testing has been affected during this period.
Students in North America, Europe, and Hong Kong/Macau who have registered or plan to test soon may consider the upcoming at-home testing option. Please read the official requirements carefully and prepare thoroughly.
The at-home testing option is currently not available in mainland China, but more regions may be added in the future.
Additionally, with the cancellations in the first half of the year, the second half is expected to be even more crowded as testing peaks. To avoid a shortage of test seats, we recommend confirming your test plans as soon as possible and registering to secure a spot.
Finally, we wish everyone health during this special time, and encourage you to maintain a positive mindset, continue diligent preparation, and adapt proactively to new testing policies.
Source: ETS Official Website
