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If you’re planning to apply for an Executive MBA (EMBA) program, you may be wondering if there is an alternative to taking the GMAT for your application. The Executive Assessment (EA) is the answer. You may be wondering exactly what is the Executive Assessment test. In this article we will take a deep dive into this exam, to give you all you need to know, and more!
Here are the topics we’ll cover:
- Executive Assessment Key Facts
- The 3 Sections of the EA
- Integrated Reasoning (IR): 30 minutes, 12 questions
- Executive Assessment Scoring
- How to Send Executive Assessment Scores to Schools
- Preparation Tips for the Executive Assessment
- Create the Best Study Schedule
- Key Takeaways
- What’s Next?
Executive Assessment Key Facts
The Executive Assessment is an exam required for admission to many Executive MBA (EMBA) programs worldwide. It is a computer-administered exam, and it debuted in 2016. The Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC), the same organization that administers the GMAT, designs and administers the EA.
So what is the Executive Assessment? The EA caters to the needs of busy, experienced business professionals. Overall, it assesses your critical thinking, data analysis, and logical reasoning skills. More specifically, it tests you on fundamental arithmetic and English knowledge.
Why study for and take the EA? First, you need all of these skills for success in business school and the workplace. Second, you have a chance to sharpen some skills that may have gotten rusty since college.
Bear in mind that the EA is a readiness exam. This means that a stratospherically high score is not necessary. Thus, as long as you score at or above the cutoff score specified by your program (often 150 or 155), you will show that you have sufficient mastery of the material and are ready for the academic rigor of the program for which you are applying.
Here are some important facts concerning the EA of which every new student should be aware.
How Long Is the Executive Assessment?
You have 90 minutes to complete the three sections of the EA, either online or at a testing center. There are no breaks. Also, you should plan an additional 15 minutes to check in for either exam.
KEY FACT:
The EA is 90 minutes long, with no break.
How Many Times Can You Take the Executive Assessment?
You may take the EA no more than two times at a test center and two times online, for a total of four attempts. Additionally, you must wait at least 24 hours between EA attempts.
KEY FACT:
You may take the EA no more than four times.
The Executive Assessment Format
There are three sections on the exam: Integrated Reasoning (IR) with 12 questions, Verbal Reasoning with 14 questions, and Quantitative Reasoning with 14 questions. In order to get a good understanding of the EA and its structure, you need to first understand the adaptive nature of the exam. The EA is what is referred to as a section-adaptive exam. Let’s learn more about this aspect of the assessment.
The EA Is Section-Adaptive
Before taking the exam, you must understand the Executive Assessment’s section adaptivity. Read on to learn how it works.
The first section of the EA is always Integrated Reasoning (IR), which has two panels. On the first panel, which contains 6 questions, you will encounter easy, medium, and hard questions. Then, if you perform well on the first panel, the second panel of 6 questions will present you with more difficult (and score-enhancing) questions. However, if you don’t score so well on the first panel, then the second panel of 6 questions will present easier questions worth fewer points.
After you finish IR, your next section will (always) be Verbal Reasoning. Similarly, it will contain two panels, each with 7 questions. Notably, the difficulty level of the first Verbal panel will depend on how well you did on the Integrated Reasoning section! Thus, it behooves you to do well on the IR, not only to get a good IR score but also to get a strong start to the Verbal section! After you finish the first Verbal panel, the second Verbal panel’s difficulty level depends on your first Verbal panel performance.
The third section, Quantitative Reasoning, operates in the same way as the Verbal section.
TTP PRO TIP:
It’s important to understand the section-adaptive design of the EA.
The 3 Sections of the EA
Integrated Reasoning (IR): 30 minutes, 12 questions
IR questions test both Quantitative and Verbal concepts. There are four question types: Multi-Source Reasoning, Two-Part Analysis, Table Analysis, and Graphics Interpretation. To repeat, your IR score drives the remainder of the test. The IR section always comes first. So, your score on the IR section will set the (initial) difficulty level of both your Verbal and Quantitative sections.
IR questions test your ability to analyze data provided in standard formats, such as graphs and charts. As a result, you must use both Quant and Verbal skills to do well.
KEY FACT:
The Integrated Reasoning (IR) section tests you on both Quantitative and Verbal skills.
Let’s look at the four IR question types more closely.
Multi-Source Reasoning (MSR) Questions
Multi-Source Reasoning (MSR) questions present material in several formats, including tables, charts, and text. You need to analyze the material from multiple sources, which are displayed on distinct tabs. Your job is to access each tab’s material and integrate the information to answer the questions correctly. Here are examples of Multi-Source Reasoning questions.
Two-Part Analysis (TPA) Questions
Two-Part Analysis (TPA) questions present you with a scenario, and you must answer two related questions about it. You choose one answer from the first column and one answer from the second column. Here are examples of Two-Part Analysis questions.
Table Analysis (TA) Questions
Table Analysis (TA) questions present a spreadsheet. You must sort and analyze the data appropriately, in order to answer three questions that are asked. Moreover, the key to answering a TA question is to sort the data appropriately, similar to the way you would sort data in an Excel spreadsheet. Here’s an example of a Table Analysis question.
Graphics Interpretation (GI) Questions
In Graphics Interpretation questions, you must interpret a graph or diagram. Then, you’ll need to answer two questions, each of which has one blank. You’ll choose your answer to each question from several answer choices in a drop-down menu. Here is an example of a Graphics Interpretation question.
We generally recommend that you complete your Quantitative and Verbal preparation before focusing on Integrated Reasoning. The material tested in IR requires a strong foundation in Quant and Verbal. However, remember to leave a good amount of time during your preparation to become familiar with the four IR question types.
Your IR preparation will focus on becoming comfortable with the question types. Chiefly, you’ll need to practice tactics for analyzing and sorting through data efficiently rather than learning new math or verbal skills.
KEY FACT:
Integrated Reasoning questions will include both Quantitative and Verbal concepts, which will be presented in charts, tables, graphs, and passages.
Verbal Reasoning: 30 minutes, 14 questions
The three types of questions in the Verbal Reasoning section are Sentence Correction (SC), Critical Reasoning (CR), and Reading Comprehension (RC).
Sentence Correction (SC) Questions
A Sentence Correction (SC) question presents a sentence. Part or all of the sentence will be underlined. You must select the answer choice that makes the sentence grammatically correct and makes the sentence make sense. There are five answer choices, and answer choice (A) always restates the sentence as it was presented in the question stem. Here is an example of an SC question.
KEY FACT:
Sentence Correction questions assess your ability to use correct grammar and to choose a sentence that has a clear and logical meaning.
Critical Reasoning (CR) Questions
A Critical Reasoning (CR) question presents a paragraph that states an argument or a set of claims. You are asked to evaluate one or more of its aspects. For example, a CR question might ask what assumption the argument relies on to arrive at its conclusion. Then, you will choose one answer out of the five that are presented. Here is an example of a CR question.
KEY FACT:
CR questions require you to examine arguments, claims, and conclusions.
Reading Comprehension (RC) Questions
Reading Comprehension (RC) questions ask you two or three questions, each with five answer choices, based on a passage. In particular, RC questions want to determine if you can accurately interpret the information presented in the passage.
KEY FACT:
RC passages test you on your ability to interpret information in a passage.
Quantitative Reasoning: 30 minutes, 14 questions
The two types of Quant questions in the Quantitative Reasoning section are Problem-Solving (PS) and Data Sufficiency (DS). There are only 14 Quant questions on the EA, but they can come from any of 20 distinct Quant topics, ranging from arithmetic and algebra to statistics and probability. You can see the complete list of EA Quant topics in this article.
KEY FACT:
There are two Quant question types: Problem-Solving and Data Sufficiency.
Let’s look at the 2 EA Quant question types: Data Sufficiency and Problem Solving.
Data Sufficiency (DS) Questions
Data Sufficiency (DS) questions ask a question in the question stem and then present two statements that may or may not provide sufficient information to enable the question to be answered definitively.
For example, a DS question might ask “What is the value of x?”. Then you would have to analyze each of the two statements following the question. One, both, either, or neither of the statements would provide enough information to definitively answer the question about the value of x. Here is an example of a Data Sufficiency Question.
KEY FACT:
In a Data Sufficiency question, you read a question and then must determine whether two statements are sufficient to yield a definitive answer.
Problem-Solving (PS) Questions
Problem-Solving (PS) problems are traditional multiple-choice questions with five answer choices. Here is an example of a Problem-Solving question.
KEY FACT:
A Problem-Solving question on the Executive Assessment is a traditional 5-option multiple-choice question.
Executive Assessment Scoring
EA total scores range from 100 to 200. You will receive a score for each of the three sections ranging from 0 to 20. Then, your total score will be the sum of the three section scores plus 120. For example, if your scores are 12 on IR, 10 on Verbal, and 10 on Quant, your total Executive Assessment score would be 12 + 10 + 10 + 120 = 152.
There is no official chart of score percentiles for the Executive Assessment. As we discussed, the EA is a readiness exam and not a competitive exam. In particular, a score in the mid-150s is generally considered to “check the box” for the EA at most schools.
KEY FACT:
Executive Assessment scores range from 100 to 200. Most EMBA programs consider a score in the mid-150s as acceptable for applicants.
How to Send Executive Assessment Scores to Schools
When you register for the Executive Assessment at mba.com, you may choose the schools to which your scores are to be sent.
There are differences between a test center appointment and an online test appointment in regard to finding out your test scores and sending them to schools. Let’s look at the two situations in more detail.
If you take the exam at a test center, you will receive a printout of your test results before you leave the test center. The official results will be posted to your EA account within 24 hours of taking the exam. In addition, your preselected schools will receive your test results within 24 hours of taking the exam.
If instead, you take the EA online, you will not be able to preview your score at the end of the exam. Your score will be posted to your EA account at mba.com within 7 days. Your preselected schools will receive your test results within 24 hours of the posting of your exam scores to your EA account.
If you wait until a post-test date to select additional schools, they will receive your scores within 24 hours of your request, as long as your score has been posted to your account. Moreover, there is no additional fee for sending additional scores.
KEY FACT:
If you take your EA at a test center, you’ll know your EA score at the end of your exam. If you take the EA online, your score will be posted to your account within 7 days.
Preparation Tips for the Executive Assessment
It’s important to start your EA preparation correctly. Don’t just pick up a prep book and start answering random questions! You need a logical, coherent plan for getting ready for your Executive Assessment test prep and for doing the actual studying.
Tip #1: Familiarize Yourself with the EA
As soon as you decide to take the EA, you will want to get a feel for the question types and the material that’s covered. However, before you take a full-length practice exam, answer about 10 to 20 EA Quant, Verbal, and IR questions, just to get your feet wet.
You should spend no more than a day or two familiarizing yourself with the EA and answering practice questions. You can obtain free official practice questions at the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) website.
TTP PRO TIP:
Your initial preparation for the EA should consist of learning the format of the exam and answering a few Executive Assessment test sample questions.
Now, let’s consider taking a practice exam.
Tip #2: Take Your First Practice Exam
You need to determine your baseline score by taking a practice exam. By knowing your starting point, you can get a sense of your current knowledge level. This will help you determine how much time you’ll need to study and what topics might need the most attention.
GMAC sells four EA practice exams; take one of them to determine your baseline score. You’ll gain a good idea of the test-taking experience, and you’ll get your baseline score. You already know that your target score will be in the mid-150s, so a comparison of your baseline score to your target score will provide you with valuable information.
It’s important to replicate testing conditions when you take your practice EA. In particular, take the practice test in a quiet place. Use the provided online calculator only for the IR section. Turn your phone off. And most assuredly, take no breaks.
Don’t expect a great score on your practice test. After all, it has been a number of years since you took College Algebra or freshman English. The most useful outcome of your practice test is that you have enough information to create a strategic, efficient, and practical EA study plan that will prepare you well.
TTP PRO TIP:
Taking a practice exam will give you information about how the testing experience feels and how much time you may need to prepare for the real thing.
Of course, if you choose a great EA study resource, preparing will be a breeze. Let’s discuss that now.
Tip #3: Choose the Best Test Prep for Executive Assessment
From the outset, you want to avoid wasting even a minute unnecessarily. Too often, students make a few false starts when they begin their EA preparation. Haphazard studying is inefficient and it can negatively affect your self-confidence and hamper your forward progress.
TTP PRO TIP:
Haphazard studying results in knowledge gaps, stagnation, and frustration.
So, from the get-go, decide on an Executive Assessment prep course that will make your studying effective and efficient. Let’s discuss some features of the best EA prep materials.
Feature #1: A Topical Approach
Topical study involves learning one topic at a time until it’s mastered. Thus, you focus all your time and energy on that topic, learning the material and then answering dozens of practice questions until the material becomes second nature. Specifically, topical study allows you to begin with basic concepts and progress to more challenging ones. Thus, you will make forward progress no matter your starting level. You will move on to the next topic only after you have completed all the review questions on that topic.
Topical learning is effective for students at all levels. This is why we’ve structured the Target Test Prep EA course in this way.
TTP PRO TIP:
The EA tests a huge amount of material. The best way to ensure that you master each EA topic is to choose a study resource that uses topical learning.
Feature #2: A Study Plan
A good study resource will provide a study plan, which is your road map of what must be accomplished from the start to the finish of your EA prep. For example, the Target Test Prep EA Course provides a detailed study plan that guides you and keeps track of your progress. You’ll know exactly what to do during each study session. Moreover, following it keeps you moving forward and reaching your study goals efficiently.
TTP PRO TIP:
A great course includes a detailed study plan to guide you through each study session. and track your progress.
Feature #3: Analytics
The term “analytics” means all the statistical measures that track your progress and performance in detail. Analytics provide a detailed view of your strengths and weaknesses.
TTP users, for example, can access an online dashboard that displays performance analytics such as accuracy by topic, accuracy by question type, average time per question, and course completion percentage.
TTP PRO TIP:
A great EA self-study course provides you with performance analytics that track your progress and pinpoint your weaknesses.
Feature #4: An Error Tracker
An error tracker determines what types of questions you got wrong, why you got them wrong, and how often you missed each question type. While you could create a spreadsheet to act as an error tracker, it would become quite unwieldy after even a short amount of time.
Instead, you can ensure that you choose an online prep course that has a built-in error tracker. Specifically, the TTP error tracker provides all of this information to you just by pressing one button! Indeed, you’ll benefit from the error tracker by being able to identify common errors and proactively alter those issues and become a better test-taker.
TTP PRO TIP:
A great EA self-study course will provide you with an error tracker, which will help you identify and prevent your most common errors.
So, now that you know the desirable features of a great self-study course, do some research and test drive a few courses that fit your criteria. In fact, you can sign up for a few free or low-cost trials. How about a free full-access TTP trial?
Now, let’s discuss the final step in starting your EA preparation, which is the creation of your study schedule.
Create the Best Study Schedule
When I advise my students to shoot for 18+ hours of EA study each week, they are often surprised. Although that number appears high, there is so much to learn to be successful on the EA. Thus, students must devote a significant amount of time to their studying.
Create your own daily EA study schedule, either by hand or with an app. A specific daily study schedule helps keep you accountable to keep on track and not skip sessions or shorten them. Even if you can commit only an hour on a particular day, schedule it! Regardless of your myriad other commitments, events, and last-minute activities that spring up and threaten to disrupt your day, EA preparation must remain a top priority in your life. Thus, you should schedule your study time and meet that obligation just like any meeting or appointment.
A decent schedule for studying 18 or more hours per week is to study for at least 2 hours on weekdays and at least 4 hours each weekend day. Of course, you may find that another schedule works better for you. Alternatively, you might prefer studying more on the weekdays and less on the weekends, or vice versa. If your workday is long, you might choose to study for 1.5 hours each morning before work and put in more time on weekends.
TTP PRO TIP:
Aim for at least 18 study hours per week.
Key Takeaways
In this article, we’ve provided you with a detailed introduction to the Executive Assessment (EA). Here are pertinent facts about the exam.
- The EA is designed for working professionals who want to apply for an Executive MBA program.
- The EA takes 90 minutes and it has three sections, each of which contains two panes of questions.
- Each section is adaptive, meaning that your performance on the first panel of a section affects the difficulty level of problems that will be presented on the next panel.
- The Integrated Reasoning section has four question types, and it tests you on your ability to interpret and analyze graphs, charts, and text formats.
- The Verbal Reasoning section tests you on your reading skills and grammar/sentence meaning.
- The Quantitative Reasoning section tests you on basic mathematical knowledge and reasoning. You will encounter traditional multiple-choice questions and Data Sufficiency questions, which test your ability to determine if a set of statements can be used to answer a question.
- Each of the three section scores ranges from 0 to 20. The total EA score adds 120 to the sum of the three section scores.
- Scores are available immediately if you take the EA at a testing center. If you take the EA online, your score will be posted to your account within 7 days.
- Your first steps in preparing for the EA are to take a practice exam and to find the best study resources.
- You can expect to study at least 18 hours per week for the EA.
What’s Next?
Now that you know the facts about the Executive Assessment, you can learn even more about the test with our complete guide to the EA. There, you’ll find answers to questions such as, “How to study for the Executive Assessment” and “Is the Executive Assessment easier than the GMAT?”
You can learn more about EA scoring that might surprise you in our article on what a good Executive Assessment score is.
