GRE General Test at Home. Complete 2026 Guide: Format, Requirements, Scoring, and How to Prepare

What is the GRE General Test at home and how is it different from a test center?

The GRE General Test at Home is the remotely supervised version of the GRE General Test. Content, scoring and format match the test-centre version. Check availability in your ETS account and your programme’s acceptance policy before booking. ETS requirements

Key facts

• Duration: 1 hour 58 minutes; five sections, no breaks
• Fee: US$249 in most locations; US$237.86 in China. India has separate local pricing. These fees took effect on 1 August 2026; confirm checkout before paying
• Scores: Verbal 130–170; Quantitative 130–170; Analytical Writing 0–6
• Score validity: five years

ETS fees ETS format

For Issue essay practice, samples and the checklist, use the GRE at Home guide.

What is the GRE at home format, timing, and how does **ScoreSelect** work?

The test has five sections. Analytical Writing comes first. The two Verbal and two Quantitative sections can follow in any order. ETS format

Analytical Writing

• One Issue essay: 30 minutes
• Score: 0–6, in half-point steps

Verbal Reasoning

• First section: 12 questions, 18 minutes
• Second section: 15 questions, 23 minutes
• Score: 130–170

Quantitative Reasoning

• First section: 12 questions, 21 minutes
• Second section: 15 questions, 26 minutes
• Score: 130–170; an on-screen calculator is available

ScoreSelect and retakes

Select eligible test dates to report, rather than combining sections from different attempts. Some programmes require all attempts. Retake once every 21 days, up to five times in a rolling 12 months, even if you cancelled a previous score. ETS score reporting ETS registration

What equipment do you need for GRE at Home?

Install the ETS Secure Browser and run its Equipment Check on the computer you will use. Fix failed checks before your appointment. ETS requirements

How do second-camera setup and identity verification work?

Second camera

Use a charged smartphone or tablet with a working camera (iOS 12+ or Android 8+). Scan the on-screen QR code, allow camera and microphone access, and position it as directed by the proctor. Keep it plugged in and keep Do Not Disturb on throughout the test. Follow reconnect instructions if it disconnects.

Identity verification

Complete IDVaaS verification at least 72 hours before testing. If you book closer to the appointment, complete it immediately. Scan the QR code in your account or email, photograph your valid ID and take the requested selfie.

Verification is required. If it fails or the app cannot verify your documents, you cannot test as scheduled. There is no promised manual fallback. Reverify if your verification or ID expires. ETS identity requirements

How do you prepare your GRE at home setup in 7 days?

Check the setup early so there is time to fix problems. If you would rather have the setup handled with you, we do that before every supported session.

1. A week before: install the ETS Secure Browser and run its Equipment Check. Contact ETS support if it fails.
2. Before test day: verify your ID, test both cameras and check your connection.
3. Before starting: disable screen sharing, remote access, messaging and spell-check software. Stop those apps from reopening.
4. Prepare the room: use a desk and standard chair in a private room. Clear unapproved materials. Position the door in view if asked. Furniture and decorations do not need to be removed.

ETS room rules ETS test-day rules

What should you do about technical problems and note-taking?

Technical problems

Contact the proctor through test chat and follow instructions. Asking to pause the timer does not guarantee extra time, a refund or a free reschedule. Contact ETS after an interrupted session.

Background software

Disable screen-sharing, remote-access, messaging and spell-check apps. Keep them disabled throughout. Check any work-device restrictions first.

Notes

Use a small desktop whiteboard or one sheet of paper inside a transparent sheet protector, with an erasable marker. Plain paper, pencils and pens are not allowed. Erase notes and show the proctor at the end. ETS test-day rules ETS note-taking rules

What is the GRE at home check-in process and what behavioral rules can get your score cancelled?

Be ready at your scheduled check-in time. Allow time for the proctor’s checks.

1. Open the appointment in your GRE account.
2. Launch the ETS Secure Browser and pass equipment checks.
3. Follow identity, camera and room checks.
4. Accept the terms and start when instructed.

During the test

• There are no breaks. Stay in camera view.
• Do not talk aloud to yourself or communicate with anyone except the proctor.
• Use no unapproved notes, devices or software.
• Follow the proctor’s instructions if a connection fails; extra time is not guaranteed.
• Erase your permitted notes at the end.

ETS does not publish a three-second face-out-of-frame threshold. ETS test-day rules

What are the most common GRE at home mistakes and does your university still accept it?

Avoid these mistakes

• Leaving equipment or identity checks until the appointment
• Wearing headphones or earphones
• Allowing someone to enter
• Using a phone except for authorised check-in/second-camera setup
• Taking notes on plain paper
• Assuming interruptions guarantee refunds or reschedules

ETS rules

Programme acceptance

Fisher’s graduate programme table excludes GRE at-home tests taken on or after 1 October 2024; valid earlier at-home scores remain eligible. This is not a rule for every Ohio State department. Fisher graduate policy

Check your exact programme before paying. Ask admissions if its page does not specify at-home acceptance.

How to get a high GRE at home score with expert support

The GRE measures academic reasoning and analytical writing skills, which take time to develop. Preparation time depends on your starting score and target. Use official practice to assess the gap.

Programmes set their own requirements. Check published minimums and recent class profiles.

At Linguistic Academy, we work with you during your actual test session to help you perform at your best. Tell us your target score and deadline and we assess your case within 24 hours. We do not replace preparation. We bridge the gap between where you are and where you need to be.

We focus on what matters for your target score. For Analytical Writing, that means Issue essay structure, clear positioning, and the reasoning depth that moves a score from 4 to 5. For Verbal Reasoning, it is text completion strategies, reading comprehension technique, and sentence equivalence patterns. For Quantitative Reasoning, it is data interpretation, quantitative comparison, and algebra based problem solving.

Our approach is built around your target score and timeline. If you need 325+ for a competitive program, we plan for that from day one. We assess where you currently stand and build a focused strategy.

If you also need to choose an English test, compare Duolingo vs IELTS Online. Check each requirement separately with admissions.

How the exam help process works

Frequently asked questions