You may have heard that there’s a new mini GMAT on the scene. The Executive Assessment launched in March 2016 and is designed for working professionals applying to Executive MBA programs. GMAC (the makers of the GMAT) says that this new exam tests real-world skills like critical thinking and analysis and will give EMBA programs a true snapshot of your strengths.

Executive Assessment Test

Our expert research team is monitoring this test closely, so that we can keep you up-to-date. Here’s everything you need to know about the Executive Assessment.

1. Who should take the Executive Assessment?

This new test is intended for working professionals applying to Executive MBA programs. Only a handful of schools currently accept this test, so make sure you check the admission requirements for all b-school programs you are considering. Some schools on your list may require the GMAT or even the GRE.

2. What’s on the Executive Assessment?

This speedy 90-minute exam includes 3 sections with 40 questions total. Here’s a quick rundown of the sections and question types you can expect.

SectionOverviewScore Range
Integrated Reasoning
  • Interpreting and evaluating info presented in graphs, charts, and sortable tables
  • 12 questions (variety of multiple-choice, True/False, and pull-down menu answer choices)
  • 30 minutes
  • Calculator provided
 0-20
Verbal Reasoning
  • Tests reading comprehension, critical reasoning, and editing skills
  • 14 multiple-choice questions
  • 30 minutes
 0-20
Quantitative Reasoning
  • Measures ability to analyze data and draw conclusions (using arithmetic and algebra)
  • 14 multiple-choice questions
  • 30 minutes
  • No calculator
 0-20
TOTAL
  • 40 questions
  • 90 minutes
 100–200

3. Executive Assessment vs GMAT

There’s no essay (Analytical Writing Assessment) on the Executive Assessment. It shares sections and question types with the GMAT, though it’s a much shorter exam (only 90 minutes compared to the GMAT’s 3.5 hours).

You should also know that the Executive Assessment test is “multi-stage” computer adaptive. This means that groups of questions are selected for you depending on your answer to the previous question. The GMAT releases one question at a time depending on whether you got the previous question right or wrong.

Read More: Guide to Your MBA Application

4. Registration and fees?

Create an online account with GMAC, so you can schedule your test date. Like the GMAT, the Executive Assessment is given year-round in most locations around the world. It costs $350.

5. What does this new test mean for me?

Depending on where you plan to apply, you may not need to take the Executive Assessment as part of the application process to business school. If you do decide to register for the test, GMAC says that the Executive Assessment is supposed to evaluate on-the-job skills like critical thinking and problem-solving, and that extensive prep is not necessary. You can check out sample questions from each section on the GMAC website.

In the meantime, be sure to research the admission requirements for the b-school programs on your list. You can find acceptance rates, average GMAT scores, and more in our business school profiles.

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