Table of Contents:
- Who administers the GMAT test in Boston?
- What does the test center look like?
- Where are the test centers located in Boston?
- Test center holidays
- Top MBA programs in Boston
- 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 exam in Boston.
Who administers the GMAT test in Boston?
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?
The location will include individual testing areas for each test taker with a separation screen between each test-taker.
Where are the test centers in Boston?
These are the top locations where test-takers generally had the best experience:
Pearson Professional Centers-Boston (Back Bay)
31 St. James Avenue
Suite 725
Boston, Massachusetts 02116
United States
By car:
From central Boston (7min)
- Take Cambridge St and Bowdoin St to Mt Vernon St
- Take Walnut St to Beacon St
- Hancock St turns right and becomes Mt Vernon St
- Turn left onto Walnut St
- Turn right onto Beacon St
- Use the left lane to turn slightly right to stay on Beacon St
- Turn left onto Arlington St
- Turn right onto St James Ave
- Destination will be on the right
By train:
Should take around 13min.
Test-takers’ review:
This test center was rated 4.3 by Google reviewers. It is described as a good place to take the exam.
Pearson Professional Centers-Boston MA
295 Devonshire Street
2nd Floor
Boston, Massachusetts 02110
United States
By car:
From central Boston (6min):
- Head north on Cambridge St toward Sudbury St
- Turn right onto Sudbury St
- Turn right onto Congress St
- Drive to Devonshire St
- Use the middle lane to turn right before Brookline Bank
- Slight right onto Winthrop Square
- Continue straight onto Otis St
- Turn left onto Summer St
- Turn left onto Devonshire St
- Destination will be on the left
By train:
Should take around 5min.
Test-takers’ review:
This test center was rated 4.0 by Google reviewers. The center was described as a place with great service.
Pearson Professional Centers-Cambridge MA
186 Alewife Brook Parkway
Suite 202
Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138
United States
By car:
From central Boston (16min):
- Get on MA-28 S/Storrow Dr
- Follow Storrow Dr and Soldiers Field Rd to Eliot Bridge. Take the exit toward MA-2/US-3/Arlington/Fresh Pond Pkwy from Soldiers Field Rd
- Continue on Eliot Bridge to your destination in Cambridge
By train:
Should take around 35 min.
Test-takers’ review:
This test center was rated 5.0 by Google reviewers.
An alternative option:
If you would like to get away from the hustle of the city for your exam or if test centers within the city do not have any openings, a Pearson Professional Centers-Cambridge MA is a good option for you.
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 the test center mentioned above. The test center might be closed on the following occasions:
-
- 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 Boston
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.
- Find a test day checklist.
Test Day FAQs
Here are the top 5 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Here is a helpful test day FAQ guide.
For any questions or comments please reach out to us at www.apexgmat.com. If you are interested in speaking with one of our GMAT tutors, you can sign-up for a complimentary, 30-minute, consultation call.