Table of Contents:
- Who administers the GMAT test?
- 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 Seattle.
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 their official website.
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 Seattle?
These are the top locations where test-takers generally had the best experience:
Pearson Professional Centers – Seattle WA
100 West Harrison Street
Suite 120
West Harrison Plaza South Tower
Seattle, Washington 98119
Phone: 206-285-1037
Directions
Reserved Permit Parking: Reserved Permit Parking is exclusively available beneath the West Harrison Tower and in a small lot on 1st Avenue West. Pearson test takers are kindly requested not to park in reserved spots.
Street Parking (Pay-By-Phone Service): Street parking around the local block is accessible through a Pay-By-Phone service. Look for signs indicating the Location Number for your parking area. Please note that street parking has a maximum limit of 4 hours. To pay, call 206-763-4144 Extension 0.
U-PARK Public Parking: U-PARK public parking is conveniently located on Harrison Street at two different spots. To reach these locations, instead of turning right on Harrison Street, turn left. There is a U-PARK immediately on the right and another one block up on the left.
Key Arena/Seattle Center Parking Lot: The Key Arena/Seattle Center parking lot is situated on 1st Avenue North, across from the arena. To get there from the U-PARK locations on Harrison, continue on Harrison Street to 1st Avenue North, turn left onto the one way at Key Arena. The public parking lot will be on your left. Please note that the parking rate is for event parking and is $20.00 per day.
Public Transportation
King County Metro: Seattle offers a variety of public transportation options through King County Metro. For schedules, routes, and further information, please contact 206-553-3000 or visit their official website. Safe travels!
Pearson Professional Centers – Seattle (Northgate)
10700 Meridian Avenue North
Suite 407
Seattle, Washington 98133
Phone: 206-508-0329
Directions
Free parking is available.
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
- Human Rights Day – March 21st
- Good Friday – Date varies (Christian holiday, usually in March or April)
- Family Day – Date varies (Monday after Good Friday)
- Freedom Day – April 27th
- Workers’ Day – May 1st
- Youth Day – June 16th
- National Women’s Day – August 9th
- Heritage Day – September 24th
- Day of Reconciliation – December 16th
- Christmas Day – December 25th
- Day of Goodwill – December 26th
Top MBA programs in Seattle
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:
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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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