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 in Shanghai.

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 Shanghai?

This is the top location where test-takers generally had the best experience:

Pearson Professional Centers – Shanghai South, China

China
Shanghai
Xuhui District
333 Tianyaoqiao Road
Room 805, 8/F, Ascendas Plaza
200030

Phone:+86-21-64263036

Directions

Subway: Take Line 4 to Shanghai Stadium Station, Exit No. 3, and walk along TianYaoQiao Road. It’s a 5-minute walk to Ascendas Plaza.

From Shanghai Railway Station: Take Subway Line 4 to Shanghai Stadium Station, Exit No. 3, and walk along Tian Yao Qiao Road. It’s a 5-minute walk to Ascendas Plaza.

From Shanghai South Railway Station: Take Subway Line 1 to Shanghai Indoor Stadium station, transfer to Subway Line 4. Take Line 4 to Shanghai Stadium Station, Exit No. 3, and walk along TianYaoQiao Road. It’s a 5-minute walk to Ascendas Plaza.

From Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station: Take Subway Line 2 to Zhongshan Park Station, transfer to Subway Line 4. Take Line 4 to Shanghai Stadium Station, Exit No. 3, and walk along TianYaoQiao Road. It’s a 5-minute walk to Ascendas Plaza.

Bus Routes:

Take Bus No. 15, 703, 703B, 733, and 984 to “TianYaoQiao Rd/Nandan Rd” Stop. Cross the road to Ascendas Plaza.

Take Bus No. 44, 56, 89, 122, 178, 236, 326, 342, 770, 864, 958, Daqiao Line No. 6, and Tunnel Line No. 2 to “TianYaoQiao Rd/Xietu Rd” Stop. Cross the road to Ascendas Plaza.

Airport Routes:

From Pudong Airport: Take Subway Line 2 to Century Avenue Station, transfer to Subway Line 4. Take Line 4 to Shanghai Stadium Station, Exit No. 3, and walk along TianYaoQiao Road. It’s a 5-minute walk to Ascendas Plaza.

From Hongqiao Airport: Take Subway Line 2 to Zhongshan Park Station, transfer to Subway Line 4. Take Line 4 to Shanghai Stadium Station, Exit No. 3, and walk along TianYaoQiao Road. It’s a 5-minute walk to Ascendas Plaza.

Pearson Professional Centers – Shanghai North, China

China
Shanghai
Shanghai
Huangpu District
650 Hankou Road
Room 1701, 17/F., Asia Mansion
200001

Phone: +86-21-61371986

Directions

Subway: Take Line 1, 2, or 8 to People’s Square Station. Get out at Exit No.14 and walk to Hankou Road. It is a 5-minute walk to Asia Mansion.

From Shanghai Railway Station: Take Subway Line 1 to People’s Square Station. Get out at Exit No.14 and walk to Hankou Road. It is a 5-minute walk to Asia Mansion.

From Shanghai South Railway Station: Take Subway Line 1 to People’s Square Station. Get out at Exit No.14 and walk to Hankou Road. It is a 5-minute walk to Asia Mansion.

Bus Routes:

Take Bus No. 20, 37, 49, and 167 to Stop “Jiujiang Rd/Zhejiang Zhong Rd”. Then walk to Hankou Road. It is a 2-minute walk to Asia Mansion.

Take Bus No. 584, 864, 980, Tunnel Line No.3, Tunnel Line No.6, and Shangchuan Line to “Fuzhou Rd/Zhejiang Zhong Rd”. Then walk to Hankou Road. It is a 3-minute walk to Asia Mansion.

Take Bus No. 18, 802, 930, 49, and Xinchuan Line to “People’s Square (Fuzhou Rd)”. Then walk to Hankou Road. It is a 5-minute walk to Asia Mansion.

Airport Routes:

  • From Pudong Airport:
    • By Bus: Take Airport shuttle bus Line No. 5 to People’s Square. Then walk to Hankou Rd. It is a 15-minute walk to Asia Mansion.
    • By Subway: Take Line 2 to People’s Square Station. Get out at Exit No.14 and walk to Hankou Road. It is a 5-minute walk to Asia Mansion.
  • From Hongqiao Airport:
    • By Bus: Take Bus No. 925 to People’s Square. Then walk to Hankou Rd. It is a 10-minute walk to Asia Mansion.
    • By Subway: Take Line 2 to People’s Square Station. Get out at Exit No.14 and walk to Hankou Road. It is a 5-minute walk to Asia Mansion.

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:

  • Chinese New Year (Spring Festival): The date varies each year based on the lunar calendar, but it typically falls between January 21 and February 20.
  • Qingming Festival (Tomb-Sweeping Day): April 4th or 5th, depending on the lunar calendar.
  • Labor Day: May 1st
  • Dragon Boat Festival: The 5th day of the 5th month of the Chinese lunar calendar, which usually falls in June.
  • Mid-Autumn Festival: The 15th day of the 8th month of the Chinese lunar calendar, typically falling in September or October.
  • National Day (Golden Week): October 1st to 7th.

Top MBA programs in Shanghai:

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.
  • Here is a helpful test day planning guide
  • Find a test day checklist here

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.

Dreaming of business school? Secure your spot for a free consultation with our high-scoring GMAT tutors and start paving your way to success now!