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
The test center is located at 1800 John F. Kennedy Boulevard, near City Hall and 30th St Station. Upon arrival, visitors must check in at the Security Desk in the lobby before proceeding to the 10th floor; waiting in the hallway on the 10th floor is not permitted.
For public transportation options, visitors are advised to check with local transportation offices for accurate stops, schedules, and prices.
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
The test center is conveniently located in Building 14 (VEVA 14). Visitors from various directions can easily access the center. If you’re traveling from the north, take I-476 South (Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension) and exit at 332-333. Merge onto I-276 West towards Norristown/Harrisburg and follow signs for Plymouth Rd. Continue onto West Germantown Pike, then turn right onto State Route 3012/Walton Rd and left onto State Route 3001/E Township Line Rd. Take the next right onto Sentry Pkwy W, and Building 14 will be on your left, with parking available on the right.
Upon arriving at Building 14, visitors can use the elevators located on the left upon entering. The test center is situated on the 3rd Floor in Suite 303, accessible by following the hallway to the left. Restrooms are conveniently located next to the elevators for added convenience. Furthermore, ample and free parking is provided on-site, ensuring a hassle-free experience for all test-takers. With clear and straightforward directions, the test center is easily accessible from various routes, making it convenient for individuals traveling from different locations.
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
The test center is situated in the Truist office building on the 4th floor, directly across from the elevators. Visitors can access the location from various directions, including routes via US-422, I-476, and I-76, as well as from the King of Prussia Mall. Free outdoor parking is available, but visitors should avoid reserved spaces to prevent towing at their expense. Public transportation options are provided by Septa, with bus services to the Plaza at King of Prussia ParkNRide on Swedesford Rd and S Warner Rd. If the building doors are locked, visitors can ring the bell between the doors for entry.
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:
- New Year’s Day: January 1st
- Family Day: Third Monday in February
- Good Friday: Friday before Easter Sunday (Date varies every year)
- Easter Monday: Monday following Easter Sunday (Date varies every year)
- Victoria Day: Last Monday on or before May 24th
- Canada Day: July 1st
- Labour Day: First Monday in September
- Thanksgiving Day: Second Monday in October
- Christmas Day: December 25th
- Boxing Day: December 26th
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.
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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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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.
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