How to Take the GRE Online the Right Way

If you are wondering how to take the GRE online, the process is straightforward but strict. The GRE General Test is available both at a test center and as a fully monitored at-home GRE test. The content, scoring, and difficulty level are identical in both formats. The difference is where and how you complete the test.

The GRE at home allows test takers in the United States and many other countries to complete the GRE General Test from their own home instead of traveling to a test center. However, the at-home test comes with technical requirements, equipment checks, and environment rules that must be followed exactly.

This guide explains everything you need to know about the GRE online, including registration, equipment, proctoring, test day rules, and how to prepare so your entire test session runs smoothly.

I. What Is the GRE Online Test?

The GRE online, often called the GRE at home or at home GRE test, is the same GRE General Test administered remotely. It is not a different GRE exam. It is the same GRE test used for graduate admissions across disciplines, including graduate business and law programs.

The GRE exam content, scoring scale, and score report format are identical whether you test at home or at a test center. Schools receive official scores without any indication of test location. Test takers complete the at-home test on their own computer while a live proctor monitors the entire test session through a video camera and screen monitoring software. The test begins only after identity verification and the check in process are complete.

The GRE at home is available in the United States and many other countries, but it is not available in Mainland China. Availability may vary by region, so confirm on the ETS website before selecting a test date.

II. Who Is Eligible to Take the GRE Online?

Most test takers in the United States and selected United States territories can choose either a test center or GRE at home option. The GRE online is also available in many international locations except Mainland China.

You should consider the home test if you:

• Have a quiet, private room in your own home
• Have a stable internet connection
• Meet all technical requirements

You may prefer an in-person test at a test center if:

• You do not have a private room
• Your internet connection is unstable
• You are uncomfortable with remote monitoring

Both the in-person GRE and at home GRE are accepted equally for graduate business and law school and other programs. Check out GRE at Home vs Test Center Pros and Cons for an in-depth comparison of the two formats.

III. Equipment and Technical Requirements for the GRE Online

The at-home test requires strict compliance with ETS technical requirements. Before scheduling your preferred date, you must complete the ETS equipment check.

Computer, Camera, and Microphone Requirements

To take the test at home, you must use:

• A desktop or laptop computer
• Your own computer with administrative access
• A functioning video camera and microphone
• A single computer screen only

Mobile devices and tablets cannot be used as your primary computer. An external speaker or other accessories are not allowed. You may not connect multiple monitors. You must also position a second camera device during the test session as required by ETS policy updates. This ensures the proctor can see your computer screen, keyboard, and table area.

Internet and Browser Requirements

You need:

• A stable high-speed internet connection
• Chrome or Firefox browser installed
• The ETS secure test browser

Technical issues during the test session can cause cancellation. If technical issues immediately interrupt the test, contact the proctor at once.

IV. GRE Online Testing Environment Rules

Your room must meet strict guidelines. On test day, the proctor will ask you to rotate your camera and show the entire room and table.

Requirements include:

• A private enclosed room
• A desk or table and chair
• A clear table surface
• No study materials, math formulas, or paper inside drawers

Public spaces are not allowed. You may not use a cell phone during the test session except for the required secondary camera setup. Face masks are generally not required unless specified by local rules, but avoid wearing hats or other accessories unless approved. If someone enters your room during the entire test session, the proctor may terminate the test.

V. How to Register for the GRE Online

The registration process is handled through your ETS account.

Steps:

1. Create or log into your ETS account
2. Select the GRE General Test
3. Choose the GRE at home option
4. Select your preferred date and appointment time
5. Review registration information
6. Pay the test fee

The test fee for the GRE General Test is typically $205 in the United States. After completing registration, you will receive confirmation details and instructions for the check-in process. See How to Register for GRE in 2026 for a full breakdown.

VI. How the Online GRE Is Proctored

The GRE at-home test is monitored through a live proctor provided via ProctorU. You must create a ProctorU account linked to your ETS account before test day.

During the check-in process:

• Identity is verified
• The room is inspected
• The equipment check is confirmed

Throughout the entire test session, the proctor monitors:

• Your computer screen
• Your video camera feed
• Audio from your microphone

Communication may occur through a chat window if the proctor needs your attention. If you need assistance, you must notify the proctor immediately.

VII. Can You Use a Calculator, Paper, or Notes on the GRE Online?

Scratch paper is not allowed during the at-home test. Instead, you must use:

• A physical whiteboard with an erasable marker or
• One sheet inside a transparent sheet protector with an erasable marker

All notes must be erased in view of the proctor before the test session ends. An on-screen calculator is provided for Quantitative Reasoning. You may not bring your own calculator. For more on this, check out Can You Use a Calculator on the GRE?

How Long Is the GRE Online Test?

The GRE General Test takes just under two hours. It includes:

• Analytical Writing
• Quantitative Reasoning
• Verbal Reasoning

There is one scheduled break. The structure is identical to the test center version.

VIII. How to Prepare for the GRE Online

Preparation for the GRE at home should mirror real test conditions. 

Best practices:

• Take full length practice test sessions at home
• Practice writing on your whiteboard
• Simulate test day timing
• Remove all study materials before you take the test

Practice test performance helps predict verbal scores and total scores. Many test takers prepare for 8 to 12 weeks, though some begin earlier depending on their target scores and getting into school timeline. Lastly, use official study materials from ETS whenever possible

IX. Common Problems When Taking the GRE Online and How to Avoid Them

Common issues include:

• Internet connection drops
• Software conflicts
• Room interruptions
• Technical issues

To avoid problems:

• Complete the equipment check several days before your scheduled time
• Restart your computer before the test begins
• Clear your table and room completely
• Confirm your internet connection is stable

If serious technical issues immediately disrupt the test session, contact ETS support. In some cases, you may qualify for a partial refund or reschedule.

X. Is the GRE Online Accepted by Graduate Schools?

Yes. GRE scores from the at home test are accepted the same way as scores from a test center or in-person GRE. Programs in graduate business and law and other fields treat the GRE test equally regardless of format.

After you complete the test, you may send scores to institutions through your ETS account. You can select score recipients on test day and send scores later for an additional fee. Your official scores and score report are available in your ETS account approximately 8 to 10 days after your test date.

XI. GRE Online vs Test Center Which One Should You Choose?

Choose a test center if:

• You prefer an in-person test environment
• You do not have a compliant room

Choose the home test if:

• You want flexibility
• You test better in your own home
• You cannot easily travel to a test center

Both formats are the same GRE exam. The content, scoring, and difficulty level do not change.

XII. Final Checklist Before Taking the GRE Online

Before test day, confirm that you:

• Completed the equipment check
• Verified technical requirements
• Installed the test browser
• Cleared your room and table
• Tested your internet connection
• Prepared your whiteboard or transparent sheet protector
• Logged into your ETS account
• Know your scheduled time
• Have ID ready for the check-in process

A smooth test session depends on preparation. For more tips on how to avoid test day mishaps, see How to Avoid Tech Issues When Taking the GRE at Home.

XIII. FAQ

Q: How do you take the GRE online?

A: Create an ETS account, complete the registration process, schedule your test at home, pass the equipment check, and complete the entire test session under live proctor monitoring.

Q: Is the GRE online harder than the test center version?

A: No. The GRE exam content and scoring are identical. The difference is environment, not difficulty level.

Q: What equipment do I need to take the GRE online?

A: You need a desktop or laptop computer, a video camera, a microphone, a stable internet connection, and a private room.

Q: Can you take the GRE online anywhere?

A: You must be in an eligible location in the United States or another approved region.