Do you need to take the GMAT to get into business school? It depends on the programme. Many MBA and Executive MBA (EMBA) applicants can choose another assessment, while some programmes consider applications without a test score.
The current GMAT exam takes two hours and 15 minutes and covers Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning and Data Insights. It remains one way for schools to assess academic readiness, but it is no longer the only route for many candidates.
Take the GRE instead
The GRE General Test is an alternative accepted by many business schools. It assesses verbal and quantitative reasoning alongside analytical writing. Its present format is shorter than the one described in older admissions guides: it includes one writing task, two verbal sections and two quantitative sections. GRE scores can be reported for five years after the test date.
The GRE may be useful if you are considering both MBA and other postgraduate programmes. Check each school’s requirements before booking it, however. For example, INSEAD’s full-time MBA accepts either the GMAT or GRE, but does not waive the test requirement.
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Consider the Executive Assessment
Designed for experienced professionals applying to programmes such as the EMBA, the Executive Assessment (EA) is another option. It lasts 90 minutes and has three sections: Integrated Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning.
Its shorter format may suit a working applicant, but it is still an admissions assessment that merits preparation. Confirm that your chosen programme accepts the EA before deciding between it, the GMAT and the GRE.
Look for a school-specific admissions test
Some schools offer their own assessment. Applicants to the INSEAD Global Executive MBA may submit an Executive Assessment, GMAT or GRE score, or take the INSEAD Executive Test after their application has been pre-selected. The school offers that test online and provides assessment dates through its admissions team.
A school-specific test can be a practical choice when you have a clear first-choice programme. If you intend to apply to several schools, check whether a widely accepted test would serve more of your applications.
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Explore MBA programmes with no GMAT requirement
“No GMAT required” can mean different things. Some schools have no GMAT requirement for a programme; others grant test waivers only to eligible applicants.
The University of Birmingham’s full-time MBA, for example, does not require the GMAT. It still assesses applicants’ qualifications and professional experience, including career progression and managerial responsibility.
At the Chicago Booth Executive MBA, applicants can submit an EA, GMAT or GRE score, qualify for an automatic test waiver, or request an individual waiver review. A waiver is therefore a defined admissions route, rather than a general promise that every applicant can skip the test.
Which GMAT alternative should you choose
Start with the admissions pages for the programmes on your shortlist. Note which tests each accepts, whether a waiver is available and whether it must be approved before you apply. Then choose the route that fits both your strengths and the number of schools you plan to approach.
Skipping the GMAT does not mean skipping academic scrutiny. Schools still need evidence that you are ready for the programme, whether that comes from another test, your education, professional achievements or a combination of these. The best alternative is the one your chosen schools accept and that lets you present that evidence clearly.
Originally published: 22 March 2014
Updated: 6 October 2026
