Table of Contents:
- Who administers the GMAT in Philadelphia?
- What does the test center look like?
- Where are the test centers located?
- Test center holidays
- Top MBA programs in the area
- Tips
- Test Day FAQs
About ¾ of the way through your extensive GMAT prep you should begin to start planning your test day, including scheduling the test, preparing your trip to the test center, and even pre-visiting the test center so that you know exactly where it is. This guide is here to offer you all the required information related to taking the GMAT in Philadelphia.
Who administers the GMAT test in Philadelphia?
Pearson Professional Centers – administers the GMAT and EA exams on behalf of the GMAC. To find out more about the Pearson Professional test centers visit https://www.pearson.com/us/.
What does the test center look like?
A Pearson Professional Center will include individual testing areas for each test taker with a separation screen between each test-taker.
Where are the test centers in Philadelphia?
These are the top 3 locations where test-takers generally had the best experience:
Pearson Professional Centers-Philadelphia PA
1800 John F Kennedy (JFK) Blvd
Suite 1001
Tenth Floor
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103
United States
Phone: +1 215-977-7120
By car:
From the city center(3min):
- Head south on S 15th St toward S Penn Square
- Use the left lane to turn slightly left onto S Penn Square
- Keep left to stay on S Penn Square
- S Penn Square turns slightly left and becomes John F Kennedy Blvd
Test-takers’ review:
This test center was rated 4.4 by Google reviewers. The comments referred to the staff as very kind and professional. In addition, the instructions were found as easy to understand and that it was a quick process to sit for their exam.
Pearson Professional Centers-Blue Bell PA
1777 Sentry Parkway West
Suite 303
VEVA Bldg-14
Blue Bell, Pennsylvania 19422
United States
Phone: +1 610-940-3826
By car:
From Central Philadelphia (30 minutes):
- Get on I-76 W from John F Kennedy Blvd and John F Kennedy Blvd Bridge
- Continue on I-76 W to Plymouth Meeting. Take exit 20 from I-476 N
- Continue on W Germantown Pike. Take Walton Rd to Sentry Pkwy W in Blue Bell
Test-takers’ review:
This test center was rated 4.0 by Google reviewers. The reviewers described the employees as very nice and professional also with a lot of parking spots.
Pearson Professional Centers-King of Prussia PA
150 South Warner Road
Suite 400
King of Prussia, Pennsylvania 19406
United States
Phone: +1 610-688-3747
By car:
From the King of Prussia Mall (5min):
- Take King of Prussia Plaza to N Gulph Rd
- Head southwest toward King of Prussia Plaza
- Turn left to stay on King of Prussia Plaza
- Turn right toward N Gulph Rd
- Turn right onto N Gulph Rd
- Turn left onto N Warner Rd
- Continue onto Swedesford Rd
- Turn left onto S Warner Rd
- Turn left onto Continental Dr
- Turn right
- Turn left
- Destination will be on the right
Test-takers’ review:
This test center was rated 4.6 by Google reviewers. One of the reviewers described his experience as one of the best in a testing center. In general the place was perceived as positive and calm enough to relax your nerves.
Test Center Holidays
The most popular times for GMAT preparation and test taking are during the holiday seasons. Be mindful of dates that you will not be able to take the GMAT or EA at any of the test centers mentioned above. Pearson test centers are closed during the following dates:
- 1 Jan – New Year’s Day
- 2 Apr – Good Friday
- 5 Apr – Easter Monday
- 3 May – May Day
- 31 May – Late May Bank Holiday
- 30 Aug – August Bank Holiday
- 25 Dec – Christmas Day
- 26 Dec – Boxing Day
- 27 Dec – Christmas Holiday
- 28 Dec – Boxing Day Holiday
Top MBA programs in Philadelphia
- The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania
- Temple University – Fox School of Business and Management
- Drexel University – LeBow College of Business
Tips:
- During the test there will not be complete silence – you will be able to hear noise from other test takers so it is best to prepare for this by studying for the exam in similar scenarios. This can prepare you for any distractions (such as coughing, sneezing, or computer clicking sounds) that might occur while taking your exam.
- Try to spend some time actually prepping in the lobby of the test center weeks/days in advance of your exam date. Since the place will be familiar to you come test day this can help curb test anxiety should you have any.
Test Day FAQs
Here are the top 5 questions that clients ask us about exam day information:
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Are you allowed to listen to music while taking the GMAT exam?
You are not allowed to listen to music while taking the GMAT exam and you are not allowed to wear earphones as well.
-
What should I do if I fall sick on the exam day?
If you do not feel well come exam day you will have to make the decision as to whether or not you can take the test and perform at your best. Most people will not be able to do this so it will be best to cancel it. If you do so on the day of the exam you will incur a loss of your full $250 exam fee. If you cancel the exam 7 days in advance you will be charged a penalty of $50. If it is the first time that you will sit the exam and you are up for sitting through a 4 hour test, this may be a good opportunity to experience the test as you have the ability to cancel the score right afterwards if you are unhappy with it. Ultimately, it is best to take the GMAT when you are feeling your best as this will result in your optimum test performance.
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What can I bring with me to the test center?
You are allowed in the test center with the following:
- GMAT approved identification
- Appointment confirmation letter or email you received from Pearson VUE
- Prescription eyeglasses
- Light sweater or light non-outerwear jacket
- Comfort items only if they were pre-approved as an accommodation received in advance
Any additional personal belongings that you bring with you such as your cell phone, bag, snacks, and earphones will need to be stored in one of the provided lockers. You may eat your snack during the breaks. Any cell phone use throughout the test time (including breaks) is prohibited.
The test center will provide you with everything that you need in order to take the test including scratch paper and a pencil.
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Should I wear a mask during the exam?
At the test centers above they strongly recommend that you wear a face mask or some type of face-covering in the test center and for the duration of your test to protect yourself and others. Test centers do not provide face masks for candidates.
Please note that if you have any flu-like symptoms upon arrival at the test center, you may be requested to reschedule your exam for another time when you are in full health.
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What can I expect at the test center?
A usual test center is typically quite small. Once you arrive you will have to provide the administrator with the relevant documents and while these are being processed you will be asked to wait in the waiting area. In this area, you can still access all your personal belongings up until you are called into the testing room.
Once in the room, you will be allocated an individual exam station where you will find a computer.
Find more FAQs: HERE
For any questions or comments please reach out to us at www.apexgmat.com.
To speak to an Apex instructor about your GMAT prep, schedule a call HERE.