The GMAT is unlike the SAT, ACT or any other standardized exam you took in high school. Instead of sitting in a classroom with 25 other students all going through exactly the same experience, you will be on your own. After weeks and months of preparation, the last thing you should worry about on the day of your GMAT is the testing environment. While there may be slight differences from test center to test center, the basic sequence of events will be the same.

Here are some tips about what to expect from the testing environment from arrival to departure. Get comfortable with the procedures so that, on test day, you can avoid distractions and concentrate solely on your performance.

Arrival:

Try to arrive at the test center 15-30 minutes early because of the sign-in process. First, you’ll need to show proper photo identification and tell the administrator which exam you’re there to take. Don’t be surprised that others in the center may be taking different graduate exams.

You will then be asked to sign the GMAT Examination Testing Rules & Agreement. Once this is completed, the administrator will ask you to provide a digital fingerprint or palm-vein pattern. The palm sensor will soon replace the fingerprints as the only digital identification system. For the palm system, you will place each of your hands over a sensor. The administrator will demonstrate the procedure of ensuring that certain knobs on the machine fit your fingers to get a proper pattern. He or she will then take your photograph.

Once all of these administrative procedures are completed, you will choose a locker in which to place all of your belongings. Wear layers in case the room is cold. All you are allowed are your locker key and photo identification because the administrator will check it before you enter the testing room.

The Testing Room:

Before you enter the test room, you will need to provide your photo identification as well as your fingerprint or palm-vein pattern. Additionally, the administrator will give you booklet of noteboards and a dry-erase marker to be used during the quantitative section. It is against the rules to erase your markings, so if you need another booklet during the exam, you will need to raise your hand to inform the administrator.

With your noteboards and dry erase pen in hand, the administrator will escort you into the testing room. There probably will be people already in the room, in the middle of their respective exams. You will be seated at a station with a computer and likely some soundproof headphones, in case mouse clicks or keyboard keys bother you.

Breaks:

There are two optional, 10-minute breaks during the exam. Don’t feel obligated to take them if you’re in the zone and want to stay focused. However, these are great opportunities to leave the room and reorient yourself if you are a bit rattled, or if you want a restroom or snack break.

You cannot leave without signaling the test administrator. Once you signal, the administrator will enter the room and escort you out. Once you leave the room, you will have to digitally sign-out, meaning you will have to verify either your digital fingerprint or palm-vein pattern. You can then access your locker and drink some water or snack on something small.

When you re-enter the room, you will have to provide your fingerprint or palm-vein pattern yet again before being escorted back to your station. Even though the breaks are technically 10 minutes long, once the procedures of signing out and signing back in are included, the time you have for yourself is probably more like 8 ½ to 9 minutes. Don’t forget that exceeding the 10 minutes allotted for the break takes time out of your next test section, so be careful. Again, don’t forget that the breaks are optional.

Score and Departure:

You’re done. Almost four hours after entering the center, you’ve completed the test. You will be given the option of viewing your scores or canceling them. Once you view your score, you will not be able to cancel it. Whatever you decide, you will need to raise your hand once again so that the administrator will know to escort you from the room. Again, you will need to provide either your fingerprint or palm pattern to sign out of the room.

If you chose to view your score, an administrator will print out your unofficial score report. Be sure to keep this because there will be an authorization number that you will need to view your official score. Then all you need to do is take your belongings out of your locker, return the key and leave with your report.

Good luck!