How long is the GRE General Test?

The GRE® General Test, like other standardized tests, has timed sections. Each test underwent research and trial to get the approximate time most students took to finish the questions. Test developers design tests based on the research results to ensure that all test takers reach the end of the exam. The GRE takes approximately 3 hours and 45 minutes to complete. 6 sections are included, with a 10-minute break following the third section.

What is the total testing time of the GRE?

3 hours and 45 minutes is the approximate total testing time of the GRE.

How long are the GRE exam sections timed?

30 minutes is given to all GRE test sections except for the quantitative reasoning section, which can be taken for 35 minutes.

How long is the allotted time to answer the GRE Verbal Reasoning section?

30 minutes is given to students to answer each GRE Verbal Reasoning section; there are two verbal sections.

What is the time per question in the GRE Verbal Reasoning section?

In a span of 1.5 minutes, each test question in the GRE Verbal Reasoning section must be answered.

How long is the allotted time to answer the GRE Quantitative Reasoning section?

35 minutes is provided to answer each GRE Quantitative Reasoning section; there are two quantitative sections.

What is the time per question GRE Quantitative Reasoning section?

In a span of 1.75 minutes, each test question in the GRE Quantitative Reasoning section must be answered.

How long is the allotted time to answer the GRE Analytical Writing Assessment section?

30 minutes is given to students to write each essay task in the GRE Analytical Writing section. There are two separately timed tasks: Analyze an Issue and Analyze an Argument essay task.

What is the time per essay in the GRE Analytical Writing task?

30 minutes should be allotted to draft and finalize each essay task (Analyze an Issue and Analyze an Argument) in the GRE Analytical Writing section.

How long is the allotted time to answer the GRE Research section?

There is no specific time given to take the identified/unscored research section. It is an identified section of the test that appears at the end of the test. Test takers have the freedom to answer it or not. Therefore, the GRE research section may or may not be taken, and it will not affect the test score.

How long is the allotted time to answer the GRE Experimental or Unscored section?

The time varies when answering the unscored section of the GRE. Since it is an unidentified section of the test, test takers will not know whether it is the experimental section they are answering or not. If the experimental section appears to be verbal, 30 minutes is given. But if it appears to be quantitative, 35 minutes is given.

How long is the break during the GRE?

A 10-minute break is given to GRE test takers.

How long is the allotted time to fill out the biographical information in the GRE?

Approximately 10 minutes is given to GRE test takers on the test day.

How long is the allotted time to select a school and program during the GRE test day?

5 minutes is given to select schools that will be your score recipients. The schools can be graduate schools, business schools, law schools, or other prospective universities that offer graduate programs. It is a requirement for most institutions to submit a GRE official score for postgraduate studies.

Which has the longer testing time: the computer-delivered or paper-delivered GRE test?

The computer-delivered GRE has approximately 15 minutes more testing time than the paper-delivered GRE. The computer-delivered GRE can be taken for 3 hours and 45 minutes, while the GRE paper and pencil test can be taken for 3 hours and 30 minutes.

How long is the GRE test at home?

On average, it takes three hours and 45 minutes to complete the computer-delivered test.

Read more: Home Based GRE General Test

How long is the GRE paper and pencil test?

It takes about three hours and a half to complete the paper-delivered GRE test.

How long does it take to get and send the GRE Official Score Report?

10 to 15 days after the test day is the duration when the official score reports will be sent. These are posted in the ETS account along with the reports that the score recipients would want to see for graduate school admission.

Can I send additional score reports to additional schools?

Yes, additional score reports may be sent to additional grad schools. This will only cost an additional test fee of $27 per grad school.

How long does it take to know GRE scores?

After completing the test, exam scores including verbal reasoning scores and quantitative reasoning scores can be viewed. The analytical writing scores can be viewed with the full score report since this is scored differently than the two sections. The scores viewed immediately by test takers are only unofficial scores.

How long are the GRE scores valid?

The GRE General Test scores are valid for 5 years.

Why do GRE scores expire?

Because knowledge turns over a lot in a span of five years, GRE scores expire. Therefore, the GRE score obtained five years ago might not be representative of the skills and knowledge one has in the present. Expired scores cannot be submitted by prospective students to universities.

What happens when your GRE expires?

Expired scores are deleted from the ETS database. These scores cannot be accessed by the graduate school application or the universities. So, expired scores cannot be submitted by prospective students for graduate school applications.

How long should you prepare for the GRE?

4 to 12 weeks is enough time for most to prepare for the GRE. In this time period, prospective students may answer practice tests, enrol in a prep program or prep courses, study math and reading passages, and practice writing passages. They may also look for GRE prep online guides and tips, which will surely be of big help. Aside from these, there are other important preparations that must be considered. Some of these are getting a complete list of admissions requirements, looking for a testing centre nearby, getting letters of recommendation, and taking other required standardized tests. For questions, an email may be sent to GRETestQuestionInquiries@ets.org.

Will a GRE prep course help to prepare?

Yes, a GRE prep course online can be highly beneficial for preparing for the exam. These courses offer structured study plans, expert guidance, practice materials, and simulated tests that mimic the actual GRE. They help you understand the test format, review key concepts, and develop effective test-taking strategies, boosting your confidence. However, success also depends on your dedication and consistency in following the course.

References:

  • https://www.ets.org/gre/revised_general/about/structure/
  • https://www.princetonreview.com/grad-school-advice/how-long-is-the-gre
  • https://www.mometrix.com/blog/how-long-is-the-gre-test/
  • https://magoosh.com/gre/how-long-is-the-gre/
  • https://testprepinsight.com/resources/how-long-to-get-gre-scores/#j1
  • https://www.prepscholar.com/gre/blog/how-long-are-gre-scores-good-for/
  • https://www.princetonreview.com/grad-school-advice/how-to-prepare-for-gre