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 Los Angeles.
Who Administers The GMAT in Los Angeles?
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 Los Angeles?
These are the test centers in Los Angeles where test-takers had the best experience:
Pearson Professional Centers – Alhambra (LA) CA
1000 South Fremont Ave
A7 Building, Suite 300
Alhambra, California 91803
United States
Phone: 626-553-9268
DETAILED DIRECTIONS:
- Enter Parking Structure between LA FITNESS and Building 1.
- Pass Eriksson Square and Picnic Green.
- Enter A7 building facing The Alhambra Commons.
- Take the elevator to the third floor.
PARKING:
- Parking costs $1.00 per hour, with a $5 all-day maximum.
- Only cash or check payments are accepted.
- There is an ATM machine available on the first floor of the A7 Building.
Pearson Professional Centers – Pasadena (LA) CA
70 S. Lake Avenue
Suite 840
Union Bank Building
Pasadena, California 91101
United States
Phone: 626-658-7450
The testing center is situated inside a gray building with U.S. Bank signage at the North East corner of Lake Avenue and Green Street, on the 8th floor. After 2 pm on Saturdays and all day on Sundays, access to the building requires a call to the testing center. Paid parking is available in the building at a rate of $1.75 for every 15 minutes, with a daily maximum of $14.00 plus taxes & fees. Visitor parking is specifically designated on the 5th floor of the parking structure. Directions from the 210 Freeway involve taking the freeway to Pasadena, exiting on Lake Avenue, heading south, turning left onto Green Street, and then left into the first driveway. For those coming from the 110 Freeway, the route includes exiting on Arroyo Parkway, continuing north, turning right onto Green Street, passing Lake Avenue, and then turning left into the first driveway on Green Street. Parking is inside the building on the 5th floor.
Pearson Professional Centers – Gardena (LA) CA
1515 West 190th Street
Suite 405
South Bay Centre
Gardena, California 90248
United States
Phone: 424-246-5460
The test center is located in a building with North and South Towers connected above the 1st floor. Visitors must enter through the North Tower where the security desk is located and may need to sign in for elevator access.
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 Los Angeles
- UCLA University of California, Los Angeles – Anderson School of Management
- University of Southern California (USC) – Marshall School of Business
- California State University, Long Beach (CSULB)
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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