Is there an MBA entrance exam?

There is no exam called "the MBA". You apply to an MBA programme and, as part of that application, sit an admissions test - usually the GMAT or GRE. The MBA itself is a degree you study for after you are admitted.

GMAT or GRE for an MBA?

Most MBA programmes accept both and state no preference. The GMAT is purpose-built for business school and is well recognised in finance and consulting; the GRE is accepted far more widely across all graduate programmes, so it keeps non-MBA options open. Take a practice section of each and choose the one you score better on.

What is the Executive Assessment?

A shorter admissions test from GMAC, designed for Executive MBA and similar programmes. It assumes years of work experience and needs less heavy preparation than the full GMAT, but fewer programmes accept it, so confirm with your target schools.

How long are the scores valid?

GMAT, GRE and Executive Assessment scores are all valid for five years, so you can take the test well before you apply.

Graduate & Business School Admissions

Graduate & Business School Admissions certifications

Standardised admissions tests for MBA, business and graduate school - the GMAT, GRE and Executive Assessment - compared on format, scoring and which programmes accept them.

There is no single "MBA exam". To get into an MBA or graduate programme you sit an admissions test - most often the GMAT or the GRE - and the school uses your score as one part of the application. This hub covers those tests, not the degrees themselves.

The GMAT (from GMAC) is built specifically for business school; the GRE (from ETS) is accepted by most MBA programmes and almost all other graduate schools, so it keeps your options open; the Executive Assessment (also from GMAC) is a shorter test designed for Executive MBA candidates with years of work experience. Which one to take depends on the programmes you target and how your strengths line up with each test.

3 exams in this field

Where to start

Confirm what your target schools accept

Almost all MBA programmes now take the GMAT or GRE; check each school. EMBA programmes often prefer or accept the Executive Assessment.
Pick the test that suits your strengths

The GMAT leans on data and quant reasoning under tight time; the GRE has a vocabulary-heavy verbal section and a separate essay. Take a free official practice test of each before deciding.
Plan around score validity

GMAT, GRE and Executive Assessment scores are valid for five years, so you can test before you are ready to apply.
Prepare with official material first

GMAC (mba.com) and ETS (ets.org) both publish free official practice tests and questions - start there before paying for courses.

Certification pathway

Associate / core

Executive Assessment GRE

Advanced / expert

GMAT

A rough progression by level, not a strict order - start where your experience fits.

All Graduate & Business School Admissions exams

Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC)

Executive Assessment

The Executive Assessment: the three sections, the 100-200 score, cost, validity, and whether this shorter GMAC test fits your EMBA application.

intermediate

Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC)

GMAT Focus Edition

GMAT Focus Edition: the 3 sections (Quant, Verbal, Data Insights), the 205-805 score scale, cost, validity, and whether the GMAT or GRE fits your MBA plan.

advanced

ETS (Educational Testing Service)

GRE General Test

The GRE General Test: the shorter format (about 1h 58m), the three measures, 130-170 scoring, percentiles, cost, and whether the GRE is worth taking.

intermediate

Compare these certifications

Related career paths

How to become a management consultant (no exam required)

Frequently asked questions

Is there an MBA entrance exam?: There is no exam called "the MBA". You apply to an MBA programme and, as part of that application, sit an admissions test - usually the GMAT or GRE. The MBA itself is a degree you study for after you are admitted.
GMAT or GRE for an MBA?: Most MBA programmes accept both and state no preference. The GMAT is purpose-built for business school and is well recognised in finance and consulting; the GRE is accepted far more widely across all graduate programmes, so it keeps non-MBA options open. Take a practice section of each and choose the one you score better on.
What is the Executive Assessment?: A shorter admissions test from GMAC, designed for Executive MBA and similar programmes. It assumes years of work experience and needs less heavy preparation than the full GMAT, but fewer programmes accept it, so confirm with your target schools.
How long are the scores valid?: GMAT, GRE and Executive Assessment scores are all valid for five years, so you can take the test well before you apply.