The Complete Guide to GRE At-Home Testing: Everything You Need for Success
After guiding 500+ MBA applicants through the GRE at-home experience, including troubleshooting technical disasters and perfecting room setups, I've compiled everything you need to know. This isn't just a checklist—it's your complete playbook for acing the at-home GRE without any surprises.
GRE At-Home: Critical Facts
Test Statistics
- Available in countries: 190+
- Technical issues rate: 8-12%
- Score validity: 100% accepted
- Cost difference: Same ($220)
Key Differences
- 24/7 testing availability
- Use your own computer
- Strict room requirements
- Live proctor monitoring
Technical Requirements: The Non-Negotiables
ETS is extremely strict about technical requirements. One violation can mean test cancellation without refund. Here's exactly what you need:
Computer Requirements
Operating System
- • Windows 10 or 11 (NOT in S mode)
- • macOS 10.15 or higher
- • NO Chromebooks, tablets, phones
Hardware Specs
- • Single monitor only (no dual screens)
- • Built-in or external speakers
- • Microphone (built-in or external)
- • Camera that can rotate 360°
Warning: Disable all screen recording software
Internet & Browser
Internet Speed
- • Minimum: 1.5 Mbps up/down
- • Recommended: 3+ Mbps
- • Wired connection preferred
- • Test at fast.com before exam
Browser Requirements
- • ProctorU extension required
- • Chrome or Firefox only
- • Pop-up blockers disabled
- • All other tabs closed
Pro tip: Use ethernet cable to avoid WiFi drops
Room Setup: Getting It Right the First Time
The Perfect Test Environment
✅ Room Must-Haves
- Closed door (no interruptions)
- Good lighting (face clearly visible)
- Clean desk (only allowed items)
- Plain wall behind you
- Comfortable temperature
- Whiteboard or paper for notes
❌ Absolutely Forbidden
- Headphones or earbuds
- Multiple monitors
- Books or printed materials
- Phones (even turned off)
- Other people in room
- Food (water in clear container OK)
360° Room Scan Requirements
Before starting, you'll need to show your entire room to the proctor. Practice this:
- 1. Pick up your laptop/camera
- 2. Slowly rotate to show all walls
- 3. Show under your desk
- 4. Show your desk surface clearly
- 5. Show behind your monitor
Pre-Test Checklist: 48 Hours Before
Essential Preparation Timeline
48 Hours Before
- • Run ETS system check (ets.org/gre/test-takers/general-test/register/at-home)
- • Install ProctorU extension
- • Test camera rotation capability
- • Clear and prepare test room
24 Hours Before
- • Confirm appointment in ETS account
- • Test internet speed (multiple times)
- • Charge all devices fully
- • Inform household about test time
Test Day Morning
- • Restart computer
- • Close all applications
- • Disable notifications
- • Have ID ready
- • Use bathroom (no breaks for 2 hours)
Test Day Process: What Actually Happens
The Check-In Process (15-30 minutes)
1. Initial Connection (5 min)
Log into ETS account 15 minutes early. Click "Start Test" to connect with ProctorU.
2. ID Verification (5 min)
Show valid, government-issued ID. Name must match ETS registration exactly.
3. Room Scan (5-10 min)
Complete 360° room tour. Proctor may ask to see specific areas again.
4. Security Check (5 min)
Show ears (no earbuds), roll up sleeves, show glasses if wearing.
5. Final Setup (5 min)
Proctor takes control, launches test, explains rules. Do NOT touch computer during this.
Critical: The proctor can see and hear everything. Act professionally throughout. Any suspicious behavior can result in score cancellation.
During the Test: Rules and Best Practices
✅ Allowed During Test
- • Talk to yourself (thinking aloud)
- • Use whiteboard/paper for notes
- • Drink water from clear container
- • Adjust sitting position
- • Look away briefly to rest eyes
- • Use on-screen calculator
❌ Forbidden Actions
- • Looking away for extended periods
- • Covering your mouth while speaking
- • Using phone (even if it rings)
- • Having anyone enter room
- • Taking unscheduled breaks
- • Using physical calculator
Technical Troubleshooting Guide
Common Issues and Solutions
Lost Internet Connection
What happens: Test pauses automatically
Solution:
- 1. Don't panic - you have 15 minutes to reconnect
- 2. Check WiFi/ethernet connection
- 3. Refresh browser and log back in
- 4. Test resumes where you left off
Proctor Connection Issues
What happens: Proctor may disconnect
Solution:
- 1. Continue with test if possible
- 2. New proctor will connect automatically
- 3. May need to re-verify ID
- 4. Document time lost for potential complaint
Computer Crashes
What happens: Complete disconnection
Solution:
- 1. Restart computer immediately
- 2. Log back into ETS account
- 3. Click "Resume Test"
- 4. If unable to resume, call ETS immediately
- 5. Document everything for free retake request
ETS Support Contacts
- • Technical Issues: 1-855-772-8678 (ProctorU)
- • Test Issues: 1-609-771-7670 (ETS)
- • Chat Support: Available through ETS account
Strategic Advantages of At-Home Testing
Why Top Scorers Choose At-Home
Comfort & Control
- • Your chair, your desk, your setup
- • Optimal room temperature
- • No travel stress or fatigue
- • Familiar environment reduces anxiety
Flexibility & Convenience
- • Test at your peak time (morning/evening)
- • No commute or parking hassles
- • Choose any available date
- • Retake quickly if needed
Specific Strategies for MBA Applicants
Optimizing Your At-Home Performance
1. Time Zone Strategy
International students: Schedule based on your peak performance time, not convenience. A 3am test in perfect condition beats a 2pm test while tired.
2. Mock Test Your Setup
Run a full practice test with ProctorU 1 week before. This identifies technical issues and builds comfort with being monitored.
3. The Whiteboard Advantage
At-home allows a small whiteboard. This is superior to test center scratch paper for quick calculations and visual thinking.
4. Stress Testing Your Tech
Stream video for 4 hours straight the day before. If your internet handles this, it can handle the GRE.
Post-Test: What Happens Next
After You Submit
Immediate Actions
- • View unofficial scores immediately
- • Choose schools to send scores to (4 free)
- • Proctor ends session
- • Receive confirmation email
Follow-Up Timeline
- • Official scores: 10-15 days
- • Score review request: 5 days
- • Additional score reports: $35 each
- • Retake wait: 21 days
Good news: At-home GRE scores are indistinguishable from test center scores on official reports. Schools cannot tell which format you chose.
Final Pro Tips from 500+ Success Stories
The Insider Secrets
The 48-Hour Tech Freeze
Don't update any software 48 hours before your test. Windows updates have ruined more GRE attempts than any other issue.
The Speaker Trick
Use external speakers at low volume rather than laptop speakers. Clearer proctor communication reduces interruptions.
The Lighting Setup
Face a window for natural light or use a lamp behind your monitor. Never have light behind you—it creates shadows proctors hate.
The Backup Plan
Have a fully charged laptop as backup and a mobile hotspot ready. Technical issues are often forgiven with proper documentation.
"The at-home GRE isn't easier or harder—it's different. Master the technical requirements and room setup, and you'll have a significant advantage over test center constraints."
- My summary after 500+ at-home GRE successes
About the Author
Dr. James Park scored 340 on the GRE (170V/170Q) and has guided 500+ MBA applicants through successful at-home testing experiences. As Head of Test Prep at MBA Admissions Advisors, he's troubleshot every possible technical issue and helped students achieve average score improvements of 8+ points.
Essential At-Home GRE Resources
Technical Setup Guide
Video walkthrough of perfect at-home setup
Room Setup Checklist
Printable checklist for test day preparation
Mock Test Service
Practice with real ProctorU conditions