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Preparing for your Executive Assessment test day goes beyond studying; you’ll also need to know exactly what items to bring and what to leave at home. On the day of your EA, you’ll need to bring a valid, government-issued photo ID and your appointment confirmation. You may not bring personal items like calculators, scratch paper, or pens into the testing room. Travel light and review the official rules to avoid delays on test day. Keep reading for a full checklist and tips to make your test day stress-free.
Here are the topics we’ll cover:
- Plan Out Your Route to the Test Center
- Your Locker at the Test Center
- EA Test Day: What Not to Bring to the Test Center
- EA Test Day: What to Bring to the Test Center
- Key Takeaways
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What’s Next?
Before we cover the detailed list of items needed at the test center, let’s first make sure you can get there!
Plan Out Your Route to the Test Center
You don’t want any uncertainty about how to reach your test center on exam day. If you’re driving, even with GPS, review your route in advance. If you’re taking public transportation, do the same; make sure you know which stop to get off at. Estimate how long the trip will take so you can plan your arrival time accurately.
Consider making a practice trip to the test center before exam day. Knowing the route and what to expect during the drive or when using public transit can go a long way toward reducing stress. You’ll likely feel much more at ease traveling somewhere you’ve already been than navigating it for the first time when nerves are high.
Try to make this practice trip at the same time and day of the week as your actual test, so you’ll get a realistic sense of traffic conditions.
TTP PRO TIP:
Review your route to the test center ahead of time, whether you’re driving or taking public transportation, to ensure everything goes smoothly on test day.
Now, let’s have a short discussion about your test-day locker.
Your Locker at the Test Center
Most test centers provide small lockers where you can store your personal belongings, but the space is limited. Because there is no break during the EA, you won’t have access to your locker until after the exam is over.
So, when considering your Executive Assessment test day checklist, keep your packing simple and bring only the items you’ll actually need.
KEY FACT:
Lockers at the test center are small, and you won’t be able to access your items until the exam is over.
Before we dive into what you should bring on exam day, let’s first consider what you may not have at the test center.
EA Test Day: What Not to Bring to the Test Center
Let’s start by emphasizing that less is more when it comes to test day. You may bring only a handful of items into the exam room itself, so anything extra must go into your locker at the test center. Please note that personal belongings, such as wallets, purses, phones, watches, hats, sunglasses, lip balm, tissues, or water bottles, are not permitted inside the testing room.
In addition, keep in mind that some things that you’re allowed to store in your locker, such as pens, pencils, calculators, and books, are off-limits until after the exam. If you’re driving, it’s best to leave most of your belongings in your car and carry only the essentials inside.
Certain items are prohibited altogether, not just in the exam room, but anywhere on the test center property. Executive Assessment prohibited items include anything that could be considered a weapon, such as guns, knives (including pocketknives), scissors, or box cutters. Bringing these items could result in being denied entry.
To avoid issues, double-check your pockets and clear out any bags or backpacks before arriving. That way, you won’t accidentally bring something that could cause problems. It’s also a good idea to review GMAC’s official test center guidelines as well as any rules specific to your testing location ahead of time.
TTP PRO TIP:
Review both GMAC’s general rules and your test center’s specific policies so you don’t risk bringing something that isn’t permitted.
Now that we’ve covered what to leave behind, let’s go over what you should plan to bring.
EA Test Day: What to Bring to the Test Center
Let’s start our discussion of what to bring to the test center with the 1 “must-have”: photo identification.
A Valid Form of ID
Think of your photo ID as your ticket into the test center. Security is taken very seriously, and the first step of the check-in process is showing acceptable identification. Without the proper ID, you will be unable to take the exam, so this is the most critical item you can bring.
So, what satisfies the Executive Assessment ID requirements? Acceptable options include:
- a current passport
- a government-issued driver’s license
- a government-issued identity card (national, state, provincial, or European ID)
- a military identification card
Whichever ID you bring must also meet the following conditions:
- The name, date of birth, and (if applicable) country of citizenship must match exactly with the information you used to register.
- Your name must be printed in the Roman alphabet.
- The ID must display both your signature and a clear, recognizable photo of you.
If a single ID doesn’t cover all of these requirements, it’s smart to bring a backup ID to avoid issues at check-in.
TTP PRO TIP:
If one ID doesn’t satisfy every requirement, bring a second form of identification to make sure you’re covered.
When it comes to absolute EA exam day essentials, your photo ID is the only item you must have with you. Still, there are other items that, while not required, are useful to bring along. Let’s take a look at those next.
Your EA Appointment Confirmation Email
While it isn’t a strict requirement, it’s a good idea to print out your EA appointment confirmation email or Pearson VUE confirmation letter and take it with you. If there’s ever a question about your test time or date, you’ll have proof to show the administrator. Think of it as having your flight details handy at the airport. You may not need them to get on the plane, but it’s reassuring to have them just in case.
You should also plan to arrive at the test center about 30 minutes before your scheduled exam. This buffer gives you time to check in smoothly and deal with any last-minute surprises.
TTP PRO TIP:
Bring a printed copy of your EA appointment confirmation in case there’s any confusion about your registration details.
A Test Day Playlist
You won’t be allowed to listen to music during the exam itself, and honestly, you wouldn’t want that distraction anyway. Still, one of the easiest ways to set yourself up for success on test day is to create a playlist for your trip to the test center. Music you enjoy can boost your energy, lift your mood, and put you in the right frame of mind before you sit down to take the test. Even if you live close by and plan to walk, throw on your headphones and let your playlist get you feeling focused and confident. It’s a simple way to boost your energy and start test day on a positive note.
TTP PRO TIP:
Queue up some of your favorite upbeat songs for the ride or walk to the test center to lift your mood and put yourself in a confident mindset.
A Snack and Drink
Starting exam day with a healthy breakfast is important because it fuels both your body and your mind. Because there is no bathroom break during the EA, make sure you monitor your coffee/beverage intake at breakfast and during your commute to the test center.
You might want to bring a small snack to store in your locker, which you can access after you finish the test. This can be especially useful if you take the test in the summer. Storing a snack and a beverage in your car might result in tepid water and a melted snack! A quick post-test snack will help restore your energy level for the trip home.
TTP PRO TIP:
Bring along a light snack and a drink so you can recharge after the test.
An Extra Layer
Don’t assume the temperature inside the testing room will match what’s happening outside. Test centers can sometimes feel uncomfortably cold, overly warm, or drafty. While you may not encounter any of these issues, it’s best to be prepared. You may bring a sweater or a light jacket that isn’t considered outerwear. Having an extra layer on hand can make a big difference. If it’s the middle of summer and the air conditioning is blasting, long sleeves will keep you comfortable. In the winter, a T-shirt under a sweater gives you flexibility if the heat is cranked up too high.
Since everyone’s comfort level is different and you can’t adjust the thermostat, dress in layers so you’re ready for a range of temperatures.
TTP PRO TIP:
Because you can’t control the test center’s climate, dressing in layers is the safest way to stay comfortable throughout your exam.
Prescription Eyeglasses
It’s easy to overlook small but important details when you’re nervous or focused on the big exam ahead. While, according to Executive Assessment test center rules, most personal belongings are verboten in the testing room, prescription glasses are permitted. However, you won’t be able to bring accessories, such as an eyeglass case or a cleaning cloth, inside. Any accessories you might need should be stored in your locker.
If you require medically necessary items during the EA, such as a hearing aid or an inhaler, reach out to GMAC customer service to learn the proper procedure. Be sure to make contact well before your scheduled exam date, since in some cases you may need to register as a test-taker with accommodations.
TTP PRO TIP:
For anything beyond prescription glasses that you need for medical reasons, confirm the requirements with GMAC customer service ahead of time.
A Few Practice Questions
We don’t suggest cramming on test day or even in the days leading up to your EA. That said, doing a small number of practice questions right before you head into the test center can be a very effective strategy.
Answering just a few problems works as a mental warm-up, helps ease test anxiety, and gets you into the right frame of mind for the exam. The key is moderation. You don’t want to drain your energy with a large problem set. Instead, pick a few questions from Quant, Verbal, and IR to shake off nerves and wake up your brain. This way, you won’t be starting the EA completely cold.
Keep in mind that no EA prep materials can be brought into the test center, even for locker storage.
TTP PRO TIP:
A short round of practice questions in each section before entering the test center can sharpen your focus and help settle your nerves.
Your A-Game!
You want to arrive at the test center with confidence and a competitive mindset. If you’ve dedicated the time to prepare thoroughly and practiced with high-quality study materials, you can trust that you’re ready to reach your target score. You’ve put in the effort; now it’s time to show what you can do.
Make sure to get plenty of rest the night before, start the day with a solid breakfast, and bring your full focus and energy to test day.
TTP PRO TIP:
On test day, trust in your prep and approach the assessment with a confident mindset.
Key Takeaways
Keep these pointers in mind as you get ready for test day at the center:
- Locker space is tight, so pack only the essentials.
- Don’t bring prohibited items or anything you won’t be allowed to access once the exam starts.
- Bring a valid photo ID. If one ID doesn’t meet all the requirements, carry a backup.
- Take along your EA appointment confirmation in case there’s any mix-up about your test details.
- Do a practice run of the test center commute beforehand.
- Create a playlist of songs to boost your energy and confidence on the way to the test.
- Since you can’t control the room temperature, bring a sweater or a light jacket.
- If you wear prescription glasses, don’t forget them. For other medical necessities, reach out to GMAC ahead of time.
- Do a handful of Quant, Verbal, and IR questions before entering the center to warm up.
- Most importantly, walk in with confidence and a competitor’s mindset.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I bring a calculator to the Executive Assessment?
No, you may not bring your own calculator into the EA. An on-screen calculator is provided only for the Integrated Reasoning section, and you’ll need to rely on mental math and scratch work for Quant.
What materials are provided at the EA test center?
The test center provides you with an erasable notepad and marker to use for scratch work during the exam. You must return these materials at the end of your test.
Can I bring food or drinks to the Executive Assessment?
You may not have food or drinks in the testing room. However, you may store them in your locker if you wish.
What happens if I forget my ID for the Executive Assessment?
You will not be permitted to take the test without a valid, acceptable photo ID. It’s the most critical item you need on exam day, so double-check that you bring it.
What’s Next?
Now that you know which items to bring to the test center on test day, check out these EA test-day tips, which will provide you with test-day tips for taking the exam.
