How to Register for GRE in 2025

I. When Should You Register for the GRE?

Ideally, register for the GRE test 2-3 months in advance of when you take the GRE. Your preferred test center may fill up, especially if in a popular location, or if you’re planning to take the GRE during the busy season. When you register for the GRE ahead of time, you have the best chance of securing your preferred test center and your time and date of choice. Furthermore, knowing your test date in advance allows you to create a manageable study schedule. If you want the option to retake the GRE test before your program’s application deadline, early registration lets you schedule additional attempts. To find the best test day for you, click here: GRE Test Dates 2025.

II. Where to Register for the GRE Exam

GRE registration is usually completed using the official ETS (Educational Testing Service) website through your ETS account, whether you are registering for a subject test or general test. Registering by phone for the GRE general test is an option in certain regions. Depending on location, with the general test you will register online for either the computer-based GRE (the most common format and available either at a test center or at home year-round) or the paper-based GRE (administered on select dates and offered in regions where computer-based testing is unavailable for test takers). The subject test is always paper-based. To learn more about the GRE, click here: What Is the GRE and Why It Matters for Grad School.

III. How to Create an ETS Account

To create an ETS account, follow these steps:

• Go to www.ets.org/mygre
• Beneath “create my account,” enter your email and click “get started.”
• Have a valid, government-issued ID ready—the name you enter next must match the ID you'll use on test day.
• Provide your personal details: full name, birthdate, email, mailing address, and phone number. 
• Select a username and password, agree to the terms and conditions, then submit your information.

IV. Step-by-Step GRE Registration Process

• Log in to your ETS account at www.ets.org/mygre.
• Click "Register for a Test" on your dashboard.
• Choose "GRE General Test" (or GRE Subject Test, if applicable).
• Choose your test format: computer-based or paper-based (your choice will depend on the format available in your area).
• Search for a test center or at-home option and select your preferred test date and location.
• Confirm your test details and review ETS’ policies, including ID requirements.
• Add accommodations if needed (these will require approval in advance of your test date).
• Pay your test fee.
• Submit your registration once you have checked that all of your information is correct.
• Wait to receive a confirmation email from ETS with your test date, time, location (or at-home instructions), and any other relevant details.
• Remember to save your confirmation email to retain your test details. 

V.  How Much Does It Cost to Register for the GRE?

In most countries, it costs 220 USD to register for the GRE general test. In China, it costs 231.30 USD. The global fee for any GRE subject test is US $150.

VI. What You Need Before Registering for the GRE

The documents you should prepare before registering for the GRE general test or subject test are as follows: 

• A valid, government-issued ID: the name you use to register for the GRE must be exactly the same as the name on this document. Government-issued IDs can include a driver’s license or passport, but requirements may vary by country. 
• An ETS account—this is required when you register for either the GRE general test or a subject test.
• A payment method such as credit, debit, or PayPal. Accepted methods may vary by region. 
• A list of the programs you wish to apply for—when registering for the GRE general test or subject test, you can choose up to 4 schools to have your scores sent to on test day.

VII. Common GRE Registration Mistakes to Avoid

There are several mistakes to avoid when registering for the GRE general test or subject test. Avoiding these mistakes will ensure both a smoother registration and testing experience. 

• Avoid mismatched names - the name you input during registration must match the ID you use on test day, or you will not be allowed to take the general GRE exam or subject test. 
• Do not delay registration - popular test dates and locations are often booked quickly, especially during the busy season for GRE test takers. Register 2-3 months in advance of your test date to secure your preferred time and location.
• Do not forget to choose your score recipients - during registration, you can select 4 schools to send your GRE scores to on test day for free. Once you have completed your exam on test day, you will have the option to send the scores from this exam to the 4 schools you selected during registration, or you can send all of your GRE general test scores from the past 5 years to these schools. After test day, you can still send score reports for a fee, these being either your most recent scores, all scores from the past five years, or any score you received in the past 5 years.

VIII. How to Register for GRE with Accommodations

• To register for accommodations for the GRE general test or a GRE subject test, visit www.ets.org/disabilities.
• Under “I am a test taker,” click “learn more.” 
• Click on “common testing accommodations” to determine available accommodations.
• Return to the previous page and click on “how to request accommodations.” You will see a list of instructions for how to register for gre exam with accommodations.
• Do not register for the GRE general test or GRE subject test until you submit your request for accommodations and they have been approved, which can take upwards of 6 weeks. 
• Documents needed for accommodation requests include a completed accommodation request form, documentation of your disability from a qualified professional, and a description of your requested accommodations.
• Accommodation request forms can be sent to: stassd@ets.org

IX. FAQ

Q: Can I register for the GRE by phone?

A: Yes, you can register by phone, although this method is not available in all regions and is restricted to the GRE general test. In the US, US territories, and Canada, call 1-443-751-4820 or 1-800-473-2255. You will need to call at least two business days before you take the test. If requesting accommodations, you cannot register by phone until these have been approved. The information provided over the phone needs to match the ID you bring on test day, and you will need a payment method ready.

Q: How early should I register for the GRE?

A: Ideally, register 2-3 months in advance of when you take the GRE general test or subject test. This ensures you can secure your preferred test time and location, and it gives you ample study time.

Q: What documents do I need to register for the GRE?

A: To register, you should have on hand the valid government ID you will present on test day, because the name on this document needs to match the information you input during registration. You will need a valid payment method, and you may wish to have a list of the university programs you’re applying to, as during registration you will be presented with the option to select four schools to send your scores to on test day.

Q: Can I reschedule my GRE after registering?

A: Yes, you can reschedule your GRE after registering. In most locations, you must reschedule at least four calendar days before your original test date, or your entire test fee will be forfeited.

Q: Is there a late registration option for the GRE?

A: No, ETS does not offer late registration. You can register up to four calendar days before your chosen test date, but beyond that, registration will no longer be available.