Last Updated on August 24, 2023
If you’re thinking about taking the GRE General Test, you might be wondering if there are specific GRE eligibility criteria that you must meet to take the exam. The good news is that there really are not many specific eligibility requirements that could prevent you from taking the GRE. Let’s review some common questions that are asked by potential test-takers regarding eligibility for the GRE.
- Is there an age limit for taking the GRE?
- What level of education is necessary to take the GRE?
- Are there any country-related restrictions on taking the GRE?
- May I take the GRE more than once?
1. Is there an age limit for taking the GRE?
Although you might assume that you have to be a certain age to take the GRE, you actually do not. ETS (the test-maker) does not specify a minimum or maximum age for taking the exam. However, while you can take the GRE at virtually any age, keep in mind that there may be age restrictions for graduate schools and MBA programs.
KEY FACT:
There are no age restrictions for taking the GRE.
2. What level of education is necessary to take the GRE?
There is no academic qualification necessary to take the GRE exam. However, it’s again important to realize that the purpose of the GRE is to help gain acceptance to graduate school, business school, or law school, and most programs do have degree requirements associated with the application process. If you are wondering what those degree requirements are, be sure to visit the websites of your desired schools and programs to learn more.
KEY FACT:
There are no educational attainment criteria for taking the GRE. However, many graduate programs may have degree requirements.
3. Are there any country-related restrictions on taking the GRE?
The GRE is open to people of all nationalities. However, the GRE is not offered in every country, so if you want to take the GRE in person, check here to see whether there is a test center near you. If your country does not have a test center, you can still take the GRE in person in another country where a test center is located. Alternatively, unless you live in Iran, you can take the at-home GRE.
Keep in mind that in order to take the GRE, you need a valid ID, and depending on your country of origin, you may need to adhere to specific identification requirements. For example, if you are an Indian citizen, you will have to present a valid passport, whereas if you are a U.S. citizen, you can present a valid driver’s license.
TTP PRO TIP:
Whether you take the GRE at home or in person, know the test-day identification requirements.
4. May I take the GRE more than once?
The timing of your test attempts and the number of times you’ve taken the GRE can affect your GRE eligibility. Keep the following policies in mind:
- The GRE (both in person and at home) can be taken no more than five times in a 365-day period. However, there is no lifetime limit on the total number of attempts. In other words, you can take the GRE an unlimited number of times in your lifetime.
- You must wait 21 days between GRE attempts. So, if for example you attempt the GRE on October 1, the soonest you can retake your GRE is October 22.
KEY FACT:
You must wait at least 21 days between GRE attempts, and you may take the GRE no more than five times in a 365-day period.
As you can now see, beyond some restrictions on how often you can take the GRE, there is not too much holding anyone back from being eligible to take the exam. The next step, then, is registering for the GRE.
How Do I Register for the GRE If I’m Eligible?
Congrats! You are qualified to sit for the GRE. Let’s go over some of the processes you’ll need to follow to create your online GRE account and complete your GRE registration.
1. Sign up for an account at ets.org.
First, you need to go to the main ETS webpage to sign up for your free ETS account. When registering, you will have to enter some personal information. Be certain that the information you enter matches your identification exactly, so that you do not have any issues on test day. If for any reason your registration info and your ID do not match, you will not be able to take your exam and you will not receive a refund.
TTP PRO TIP:
While creating your GRE account, be sure to provide correct information that matches your identification documents.
2. Make an appointment to take your GRE (optional).
Once you’ve created your account, you are ready to register for the exam. Log into your ETS account, and halfway down your account page, you’ll find a box labeled “Register, Find Test Centers, Dates.” After clicking on that box, you will be brought to a new page where you will find a dropdown labeled “Select a test.” From there, click the dropdown and select “GRE general test,” and then you will be presented with the option of taking the at-home or in-person GRE.
For the at-home GRE, you will be able to select your preferred exam date. If you select the in-person option, you will first provide your location, and then, once you select your preferred test date, you will be given a list of test centers near you that can accommodate you on your desired test date. From there, you can register at the test center of your choosing.
3. Pay for your GRE.
The final step is to make payment for your GRE. ETS accepts a few forms of payment, including credit cards and Paypal. After successfully making your payment, you will receive an email confirmation that you can print to keep on file in case you ever need to reference it. Once payment is complete, your test will be scheduled.
KEY FACT:
You can register for the GRE and pay the exam fee on the ETS website.
Now that you know whether you’re eligible to sit for the GRE exam, check out this article to see whether you’re eligible for an exam fee reduction.
