GRE
introduced September 2023
The GRE General Test is ETS's graduate-admissions exam, accepted by thousands of master's, MBA, and doctoral programs. The shorter GRE (introduced September 2023) is under two hours and has three measures: Analytical Writing, Verbal Reasoning, and Quantitative Reasoning.
EXAM AT A GLANCE
Questions
27
Testing time
58
minutes
Sections
3
Delivery
Prometric test center or GRE at home (online proctored)
Passing score
No pass/fail cut score
Cost
$249 USD in most locations (fee increased August 1, 2026; confirm on ETS for your country)
Your GRE Community
Connect with other people preparing for the GRE.
What the exam covers
Analytical Writing (Analyze an Issue)
Verbal Reasoning
Quantitative Reasoning
About the GRE exam
Verbal and Quant are section-level adaptive: how you do on the first section of each measure sets the difficulty of the second.
Who it’s for
Applicants to graduate and professional programs that accept the GRE.
- Testing time
- 1 hour 58 minutes
- Passing score
- Verbal and Quant each 130–170; Analytical Writing 0–6 in half-point increments.
- Validity
- Scores are reportable for 5 years
- Prerequisites
- None
Official exam page· Details verified August 2026
Exam details can change. Always confirm current requirements, fees, and exam policies with the certification provider before registering.
How to prepare
01
Take an official ETS PowerPrep test to set a baseline.
02
Build Verbal with vocabulary-in-context and dense reading; Quant with algebra, arithmetic, and data analysis.
03
Practice the single Issue essay under a 30-minute clock.
04
Learn the section-adaptive format so a tough second section doesn't rattle you.
05
Send scores only after you have a sitting you're willing to report (ScoreSelect).
FAQ
How long is the GRE now?
About 1 hour 58 minutes — roughly half the pre-2023 test — with one essay instead of two.
GRE or GMAT for business school?
Many MBA programs accept both. The GMAT Focus Edition is built for business-school skills (including Data Insights); the GRE is more widely accepted across graduate fields. Check each school's preference.
Turn your exam date into a GRE study plan
Tell us when you're taking the GRE and when you're available to study. We'll build a personalized schedule you can add to your calendar.
Build My GRE Study Plan