Test Security Q&A with the GMAC Team

When it comes to test security, did you know that there is an entire team at GMAC that leverages the latest technology and continuously adapts the techniques they use to ensure the GMAT is administered securely and fairly? There is a lot more involved in test security than you might think! We spoke to the GMAC Test Security Team to learn more .

As more and more candidates take their GMAT exam online, what steps has GMAC taken to evolve its test security practices?

Test security at GMAC is an ever-evolving, ever-changing endeavor — it never sits still, and we are constantly evaluating and updating the practices we use to deter, detect, and take action against bad actors. Delivering tests in a responsible manner is critical to GMAC’s mission — and that means actively working to ensure test takers have a fair and equal opportunity when taking one of our assessments — that they aren’t engaging in behavior s that could give them an unfair advantage over other candidates. We take this responsibility very seriously.

How does this work in reality ?

At GMAC our security practices for fall under four categories:

They include measures such as live proctoring, video monitoring, qualitative and quantitative analysis, post-exam forensic analysis, whistle-blower/tips programs, cooperation with law enforcement agencies, and more.

And—this is really important especially for GMAT candidates to understand as we make updates and improvements—we will not hesitate to look back at past exams and take action when appropriate. It’s important to warn test takers who may be tempted to try to circumvent our security measures – don’t do it. Cheating on an assessment has serious real-world consequences. Safeguard your future, and don’t engage in behavior that might put it at risk.

Can you talk a bit about the consequences of cheating? What actions do you take when you determine someone has acted inappropriately?

Most candidates are aware that scores will be cancelled when cheating is uncovered, but the consequences really go beyond that. Business schools who received scores are also informed in any situation involving cheating or other unfair means to earn a score, and test takers are often prohibited from taking GMAC exams in the future. In some cases, candidates may face legal consequences for engaging in that illegal or fraudulent behavior.

Nobody at GMAC enjoys reading heartfelt appeal letters from candidates who get caught, apologizing for their misdeeds and lamenting over the loss of what could have been a very bright future filled with opportunities. And it’s important to note – it doesn’t matter whether a candidate recently applied, has already been accepted, has received a scholarship, is currently in a program or has already graduated—if our Test Security Team determines that a score is not valid, we always share that information with business schools. And candidates have been formally reprimanded or even expelled as a result.

What does it mean when a candidate receives an email that says their exam is "undergoing a review"?

The good news is that reviews are a normal part of our process at GMAC and most often, reviews don’t take more than a handful of days. However, in the event of unusual circumstances, they may take up to 20 days.

We know that candidates are often anticipating the release of their official scores and some candidates may have upcoming admissions deadlines. We urge candidates to sit for their GMAT exam well in advance of their application deadlines—at least one month. We also proactively communicate with candidates via email if their exam is selected for review, including sharing information with them about the timing of the review being complete and their scores being released. The email we send isn’t meant to be alarming, or to indicate that anything is amiss—and without it, candidates would lack insight into why their official scores weren’t yet available, which can increase anxiety and customer support inquiries.

With regards to what triggers a review, we are not able to share details with you. The process that GMAC leverages—be it organized, random, or a bit of both—is confidential to help maintain test security, and our processes also frequently change. Our Test Security Team update their technology and tactics often to ensure what we’re doing is effective.

What advice do you have for a candidate preparing to take a test?

First, we would tell you that the vast majority of test takers never bump into a test security issue—they follow the rules and have a smooth and uneventful exam preparation and testing experience.

Second, we can’t stress enough the importance of reading the GMAT Policies and Procedures when you register for the exam. Familiarizing yourself with our policies will help you prepare for your exam day and set your expectations. This is especially true in the case of online exams where candidates are required to have their testing environment approved by the proctor. Test-takers should also take measures to ensure their system meets the minimum requirements and that unauthorized software is not present on the machine. This will also help to ensure the proctor can get you through the check-in process quickly so that you can sit for your scheduled exam.

Third, we would encourage test takers to be very wary of individuals or organizations that promote methods of gaining unfair advantages on the exam.  We work with some wonderful test prep organizations, but unfortunately, there are individuals and “services” out there claiming to “help test takers get high scores by cheating. GMAC cares about all our test takers, and we encourage individuals interested in pursuing a graduate degree in business not to engage with or fall victim to these scams.  The truth is that these entities only operate to help themselves, often by extorting money and putting candidates ’futures at risk.

When you’re preparing to take a test, watch for anything along the lines of the list below.  These are all indications that someone or some group is acting in bad faith, and you should not engage with them:

Any individual, site, group, or public forum that promotes exam fee waivers or vouchers for free or at a reduced cost. Our fee waivers and vouchers are non-transferrable and the sale, exchange, and use of fraudulently obtained fee waivers or vouchers is a serious violation of our testing policies.

Finally, remember that exam content—including the problems, questions and answers—is GMAC’s protected intellectual property. Use of unauthorized exam content violates testing policies, test taker agreements, and copyright laws. If you’re unsure about whether training materials are authorized, contact GMAC prior to using them. If you become aware of a site, group or individual that appears to be distributing unauthorized materials, please let us know. You may also contact test security to confirm the validity of any third parties selling exam materials or fee waivers.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

We’d like to share that GMAC views test security not only as an integral and important part of delivering our assessments, but also as a partnership with schools and with candidates—where both have an important role to play in helping ensure the secure and fair delivery of exams. We encourage anyone with questions, security concerns, or suspicions of cheating to reach out to us at testsecurity@gmac.com.

Visit the Test Security page to learn more.