At Home Testing

Download the ETS Secure Browser by selecting one of the links below.

• Download the Mac^® OS version
• Download the Windows^® version

Then run the file to complete the installation. Once you open the ETS Secure Browser, you’ll be brought to this welcome screen. From here, you can run the Equipment Check. Upon completion of the Equipment Check, you’ll see the status of your equipment. If any parts have failed, you’ll see a red triangle status indicator, as well as tips for how to resolve the problem.

• All issues must be resolved before your appointment time.
• Close all browsers and applications not needed for the test. This can help prevent bandwidth issues while you test.
• Make sure any other devices in your home that use the internet are not running.
• Disable any screen-sharing or remote-access software prior to the test. It must remain disabled throughout the test and should be set so that the software will not open automatically during the test.
• Gather the materials you'll need for your test session. (All other materials are prohibited.)
  • Passport or other acceptable ID
  • Acceptable note-taking materials, such as a whiteboard or plastic transparency sheet, that can be erased in view of the proctor
  • Cellphone or handheld mirror for check in
• Make sure your testing area meets all environment requirements, including:
  • The room is quiet and well lit.
  • The table and surrounding area are clear.
  • Your table and chair are positioned so that the door to the room will be visible to the proctor.
• Make sure you are dressed appropriately, with your ears and face visible to the proctor. Avoid wearing any jewelry or other accessories.
• Your ears must remain visible throughout the test, not covered by hair, a hat or other items. Religious headwear is permitted if your ears remain visible during the test. Face masks may not be worn during check in or any part of the at home testing session.

• Up to 15 minutes prior to your appointment time, click the link located in your test appointment ETS confirmation email or in the ETS registration system. You'll have up to 12 minutes after your scheduled start time to begin your check in or your test will be canceled and your fee will not be refunded.
• Click the button to begin your session.
• Complete the authentication steps, which include showing your ID to the proctor. The name on your ID must match the name on your account.
• The proctor will:
  • review the exam rules and request access to your computer screen for monitoring purposes.
  • ask you to use either a handheld mirror or cell phone to show your computer screen.
  • ask you to use the camera on your computer to show a 360-degree view of the room, including your tabletop surface.
  • Ensure the ETS Secure Browser is downloaded and launched.
• Expect the check in process to take approximately 20 minutes.

You may be asked to provide a voice sample before the test begins.

Your entire test session will be recorded and monitored by a human proctor, and your photo will be taken.

• During the test, the proctor will monitor you (via video camera) and your computer screen to ensure you follow all testing procedures.
• Make sure you can be seen on camera by the proctor. Suspicious movements could invalidate your test.
• If you need to contact the proctor during your test, speak to get their attention and/or use the chat. It may take 30–60 seconds for the proctor to reply.
• If the proctor is attempting to chat with you, there will be an audio signal from the chat function.
• At the end of the test session, the proctor will ask you to erase the whiteboard or transparency sleeve and hold it up to the camera, showing the front and back.
• Submit the exam, and then close the ETS Secure Browser.
• Once disconnected from the chat, you have an opportunity to participate in a brief survey.

Be sure to follow all testing rules. Otherwise, your test can be canceled and your fee won't be refunded.

• Don’t use any unauthorized materials, including mobile devices, prewritten notes or textbooks.
• Personal recording devices of any kind are strictly prohibited.
• You must disable any screen-sharing or remote-access software (such as Apple Remote Desktop™, Microsoft Teams™, Skype™, TeamViewer™ and Zoom™) prior to the test. It must remain disabled throughout the test. Make sure that the software won’t open automatically during the test.
• Don’t communicate with anyone other than the proctor.
• There may be references to using a headset during your test. Ignore these: headsets are not allowed when taking a GRE Subject Test at home.
• There are no breaks in a GRE Subject Test. Unscheduled breaks during the at home test are not allowed.

ETS is monitoring reuse of devices and testing locations for unauthorized purposes. Frequent, inappropriate reuse of shared testing devices and common testing locations may result in score delay and/or score cancellation and could impact your eligibility to take future ETS exams.

At the end of the test, you’ll be given the option to report or cancel your scores. To learn more about canceling your scores, see the Bulletin.

If you choose to report your scores, they’ll be available in your ETS account and sent to the score recipients you chose during registration on the score reporting date for your test administration.

If you don't choose your score recipients during registration, you can order score reports later for a fee.

What if I fail the Equipment Check?

You must resolve all issues (shown in red) and pass the equipment check prior to checking in for your test. If you can’t resolve the issues yourself, visit Equipment Check Support for troubleshooting tips.

Is there anything I can do ahead of time to prevent issues?

• Run the Equipment Check from the ETS Secure Browser at the time of day you plan to test to make sure you do not have any bandwidth issues.
• Run a final equipment check shortly before your test session starts.
• Close all browsers and applications not needed for the test. This can help prevent bandwidth issues while you test.
• Make sure any other devices in your household that use internet are not running.

For additional information and troubleshooting help, visit the ETS confirmation email or login to your GRE account.

What if I have an issue right before my test starts?

If you have technical issues immediately before your test, please use the contact information found in your ETS confirmation email.

What if I have a technical issue and my start time is extended?

Your equipment will be checked by the proctor before you begin the test. The timer for your test will not start until after your equipment is checked and you begin the test.

What if I have a technical issue during my test?

If you have a technical issue during your test, speak and wave to get the proctor’s attention. If your issue prevents you from speaking to the proctor, notify the proctor via the chat function.

What if I lose internet during the test?

If you lose your internet connection momentarily, you'll automatically be reconnected to the proctor when your connection is restored. If your exam can be reopened, your proctor will do so for you.

If you can’t reconnect to your test or speak to the proctor, reinitiate the check-in process.