Table of Contents:

  1. Who administers the GMAT test?
  2. What does the test center look like?
  3. Where are the test centers located?
  4. Test center holidays
  5. Top MBA programs in the area
  6. Tips
  7. 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 exam in Chicago.

Who administers the GMAT test?

Pearson Professional Centers – administers the GMAT and EA exam 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 Chicago?

These are the test centers in Chicago where test-takers had the best experience:

Pearson Professional Centers – Chicago Financial District

 

200 West Adams Street
Suite 1105
Chicago, Illinois 60606
United States
Phone: 312-668-0895

Directions

The testing center is located at the northwest corner of Adams and Wells in Chicago. It is conveniently accessible via various CTA trains, including Quincy/Wells (Orange, Purple, Green, Brown, Pink lines), Jackson/Adams (Red and Blue lines), and is within walking distance of Union Station, Ogilvie Metra Station, Metra Electric, and South Shore train stations. Upon arrival, go to the 11th floor and find suite 1105 at the back of the building, marked by a blue sign that says “Pearson Professional Centers.

Pearson Professional Centers – Chicago (Wacker Drive)

111 E. Wacker Drive
Suite 515
Chicago, Illinois 60601
United States
Phone: 872-298-4408

Directions

The testing center is situated in a multi-story building on the mezzanine level, facing Wacker Drive on the south side of the Chicago River. Access is available via stairways on Wacker Drive or Michigan Ave. at South Water Street. Building entry requires a picture ID check by security in the lobby, who will guide candidates to the correct elevator bank.

For parking, the entrance is located about 10 ft from the east corner of Wacker and Michigan Ave. Drop-off space is available on Wacker Drive, but there is no street parking nearby.

Public transportation options include the Millennium Park Metra Station, South Water exit, accessible via escalators in the lobby. The Red Line to Lake Street requires a 1-block walk north to Wacker Drive, then turning right. CTA Bus numbers 3, 147, and 151 travel north and south on Michigan Avenue, stopping at Wacker Drive. It’s advisable to check with local public transportation offices for specific stops, schedules, and prices.

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 1
  • Martin Luther King Jr. Day: Third Monday in January
  • President’s Day: Third Monday in February
  • Memorial Day: Last Monday in May
  • Independence Day: July 4
  • Labor Day: First Monday in September
  • Columbus Day: Second Monday in October
  • Veterans Day: November 11
  • Thanksgiving Day: Fourth Thursday in November
  • Christmas Day: December 25

Top MBA programs in Chicago

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 4 questions that clients ask us about exam day information:

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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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