Executive Assessment

The GMAC Executive Assessment (EA) is an admissions test from the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC), the organization that also administers the GMAT exam. It is designed for experienced professionals applying to Executive MBA (EMBA) programs and other graduate business programs that accept it, and it measures the higher-order reasoning, data analysis, and problem-solving skills those programs value.

The EA is short (90 minutes) and assumes that candidates are busy working professionals, but it is not an easy test: its question types are the same kinds used on GMAC's other admissions exams, and each section adapts to your performance.

• Total: 40 questions in 90 minutes (three 30-minute sections)
• Scoring: each section 0–20; equally weighted total score 100–200
• Adaptive by stage: each section is split into two modules; your performance in the first module sets the difficulty of the second (six modules in all)
• Reviewing answers: you can review and change answers only within the module you are working on
• Calculator: an on-screen calculator is available in Integrated Reasoning only, not in Quantitative Reasoning
• Administered by: Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC)
• Fee: US$350 plus applicable taxes
• Delivery: online with remote proctoring or at a test center, year-round
• No scheduled breaks: the 90 minutes run straight through

Unlike other standardized tests, the Executive Assessment is tailored for executives and mid-career professionals who already have business experience. The test evaluates:

• Analytical and critical thinking skills
• Data interpretation and problem-solving abilities
• Logical reasoning and verbal proficiency

At 90 minutes, the EA is much shorter than other graduate admissions tests, and many candidates prepare in a few weeks rather than several months. There is no extra penalty for a wrong answer beyond losing credit for that question, so you should answer every question.

The EA is accepted by many EMBA programs and a growing number of other graduate business programs. Each school sets its own testing policy and score expectations, so check the admissions page of every program you are applying to.

The EA is adaptive by stage. Each section is divided into two modules, and the questions you receive in the second module depend on how you performed in the first. Because of this, accuracy on the early questions of each section matters a great deal.

The Quantitative Reasoning section tests arithmetic, algebra, statistics, and basic geometry in business-style word problems and data sufficiency questions. There is no calculus or trigonometry, but you must work without a calculator, so clean mental arithmetic and estimation matter.

• You may take the EA up to six times in your lifetime: three times at a test center and three times online, with at least 24 hours between attempts.
• Online appointments can be rescheduled free of charge more than 24 hours before the appointment; a cancellation made at least 24 hours ahead earns a partial refund of US$250.
• There is no fee to send your results to programs, and results are valid for five years.
• Policies can change; confirm current rules on mba.com before you book.

This exam is ideal for:

• Experienced professionals and executives applying for an EMBA or specialized MBA program.
• Mid-career business professionals who need a flexible, low-preparation test.
• Busy candidates who cannot invest significant time preparing for traditional exams.
• Applicants who want to demonstrate analytical and problem-solving skills to business schools.