Record Examination: General Test
AcronymGRE
TypeComputer-based or paper-based standardized test
Developer / administratorEducational Testing Service
Knowledge / skills testedAnalytical writing, quantitative reasoning and verbal reasoning.
PurposeAdmissions to master's and doctoral degree programs in various universities
Year started1936; 83 years ago (1936)
DurationAbout 3 hours and 45 minutes (includes 1-minute breaks after each section and a 10-minute break after third section)
Score / grade rangeAnalytical writing: 0.0 to 6.0 (in 0.5-point increments),
Verbal reasoning: 130 to 170 (in 1-point increments),
Quantitative reasoning: 130 to 170 (in 1-point increments).
Score / grade validity5 years
OfferedComputer-based test: Multiple times a year (depends on availability of the test center)
Paper-based test: Up to 3 times a year in October, November and February
Restrictions on attemptsComputer-based test: Can be taken only once after 21 days from the day of exam in every year. Maximum of 5 times a year. (Applies even if candidate cancels scores on a test taken previously.)
Paper-based test: Can be taken as often as it is offered.
Countries / regionsAbout 1,000 test centers in more than 160 countries
(Paper-based test offered only in areas where computer-based testing is not available.)
LanguagesEnglish
Annual number of test takers584,677 (2016)
Prerequisites / eligibility criteriaNo official prerequisite. Intended for bachelor's degree graduates and undergraduate students who are about to graduate. Fluency in English assumed.
FeeUS$ 205
(Limited offers of "Fee Reduction Program" for U.S. citizens or resident aliens who demonstrate financial need, and for national programs in United States that work with underrepresented groups.)
Scores / grades used byMost graduate schools in USA, and few in other countries
Websitewww.ets.org/gre