Yes. You can register for the GRE online through the official ETS registration system. Online registration is the most common, fastest, and most convenient way to sign up for the GRE General Test. This article explains how to register online, what you will need, the differences between in-center and at-home testing options, payment and ID rules, rescheduling and cancellation basics, common pitfalls, and where to verify official details.
Quick answer
Register online by creating an ETS account at the official ETS website, choosing a test format and date, selecting a test center or the at-home option where available, paying the registration fee, and confirming your appointment. Verify current dates, fees, and accepting identification requirements on the ETS site before you register.
Who should register online
- Prospective graduate students and applicants preparing for the GRE General Test
- International students who need to schedule at a foreign test center
- Test takers who prefer rapid confirmation, flexible date choices, or online payment
- Test takers requesting accommodations who will follow a slightly different registration flow after approval
Overview of online registration options
When you register online you typically choose one of two delivery formats, depending on availability in your area:
- In-center computer-delivered GRE. You select a test center and date. The test is taken at a Prometric or other authorized test center.
- At-home GRE. Where ETS offers the at-home option, you register for the at-home delivery, run a systems check, and take the exam at home under remote proctoring. Availability depends on your country and ETS policies.
Not every country or region offers both options. Check ETS for delivery availability in your location.
Step-by-step: How to register for the GRE online
1. Create an ETS account
- Go to the official ETS GRE registration page. Do not use third-party sites for registration.
- Create or sign in to your ETS account. Use your legal name as it appears on your acceptable ID document.
2. Choose test type and delivery
- Select the GRE General Test. If you need a GRE Subject Test, check ETS to confirm availability and registration steps, since subject test delivery has changed over time.
- Pick in-center or at-home delivery if both are offered in your region. The registration flow will adjust to the selection.
3. Find dates and locations
- Search test centers and available dates near you, or select an at-home appointment slot. Availability varies by location and season.
- If your desired center is full, check other nearby centers, alternate dates, or the waitlist processes ETS may offer.
4. Enter personal information
- Provide your contact details and any required identifying information. Make sure your name exactly matches your ID document to avoid being denied entry on test day.
5. Add score recipients (optional at registration)
- You can designate up to four institutions or agencies to receive your official GRE scores sent at no additional cost when you register. You may change additional score recipients later for a fee.
6. Pay the fee and confirm
- Complete payment using the options presented by ETS for your region. After payment, receive confirmation and an admission ticket or confirmation email.
7. Prepare for test day
- Follow the instructions in your registration confirmation about required ID, arrival time, and allowed materials. For at-home tests, run the systems check and follow any proctoring setup instructions.
What you need to register online
- ETS account. You must have an ETS account to register and manage appointments.
- Valid identification. Use the exact name and ID type that you will present on test day. Acceptable ID documents vary by country. For many international test centers, your passport is required. For domestic test centers, a government-issued photo ID is usually required.
- Payment method. ETS accepts major credit and debit cards and, in some regions, PayPal and other local payment methods. Check the ETS registration payment options for your country.
- Contact information. Email and phone number so ETS can send confirmations and updates.
- For at-home testing. A reliable computer, compatible operating system, webcam, microphone, stable internet, and a quiet, private testing space. Run the ETS systems check before your test.
Payment, fees, and receipts
Registration fees and payment methods vary by country and by test format. Pay online when you register to confirm your appointment. ETS will provide a receipt and confirmation email after successful payment. If you need a proof of payment or invoice for university reimbursements, keep the receipt and confirmation email.
Do not rely on unofficial fee estimates. Confirm the actual fee for your country and delivery method on the ETS website before you pay.
Changing, cancelling, or rescheduling your online registration
ETS allows changes to your registration, but policies and cutoffs for rescheduling, cancelling, or changing test centers differ by region and over time. Common points to consider:
- Rescheduling and cancellation usually require action within a specified cutoff before the appointment date. Fees may apply.
- If you need to cancel because of illness, travel disruption, or other emergencies, review ETS procedures for refunds or fee credits. Documentation may be required.
- Changing from in-center to at-home testing or vice versa may not be allowed without canceling and re-registering in some cases.
Always check the ETS policies shown during registration and in your confirmation email for the exact reschedule and cancellation rules that apply to your appointment.
Testing accommodations and online registration
If you require testing accommodations for a disability or health-related reason, the registration process differs. You must submit a request for accommodations to ETS and receive approval before scheduling. The approval process typically requires documentation. Do not schedule an accommodated test until ETS confirms your accommodations.
Common problems when registering online and solutions
- Center or date not available. Try nearby centers or different dates, or check back frequently because seats become available due to cancellations.
- Payment issues. Verify card limits and international transaction permissions, try an alternate payment method if available, or contact your bank.
- Mismatched name or ID. If your ETS account name differs from your legal ID, update the ETS account before registering. If you arrive with nonmatching ID, you may be refused entry.
- Technical problems for at-home registration. Run the required systems check and close unnecessary software. Contact ETS customer services if your computer fails to meet requirements.
- Confusing confirmation. Save screenshots, confirmation emails, and the registration receipt. If status is unclear, sign in to your ETS account to view scheduled tests or contact ETS directly.
Security and fraud warnings
Register only via the official ETS website or phone numbers listed by ETS. Do not use third-party sellers who promise guaranteed seats, special treatment, or score manipulation. ETS is the only authorized registration channel for official GRE tests. If you receive suspicious emails about your registration, verify them in your ETS account and contact ETS support to confirm authenticity.
Important tips before you register
- Book early. Popular dates and centers can fill up quickly, especially near admission deadlines.
- Verify ID rules. Confirm which form of ID you must present at your chosen test center. Use the same name and details when registering.
- Consider score recipients. Add up to four free score recipients during registration to save money compared to ordering score reports after testing.
- Check local COVID-19 or other policies. Test center policies may change for public health or safety reasons. ETS will post current guidance for centers in each country.
- Save your confirmation. Keep your registration confirmation, receipt, and any emails from ETS accessible until after you receive and send scores.
Frequently asked questions
Can international students register for the GRE online?
Yes. International students register via ETS just like domestic applicants. When registering, select your country and the nearest test center, or the at-home option if offered in your country. Check passport and ID rules for your location.
Can I add score recipients when I register online?
Yes. You can designate up to four score recipients for free at the time of registration. Additional reports after testing usually require a fee.
Can someone else register for me?
It is possible to register another person if you have their correct personal information and identification details. However, the test-taker must present their own acceptable ID on test day. Using false information can result in canceled scores and other penalties.
Is the online registration immediate?
Registration confirmation and receipt are typically immediate after successful payment. However, for accommodations or other special requests, confirmation timelines vary.
Where to verify official details
ETS sets the official rules and procedures for GRE registration. Before registering, check the ETS GRE registration pages for the most current information on:
- Test delivery options available in your country
- Current registration fees and payment methods
- Reschedule and cancellation policies and deadlines
- Acceptable identification documents
- Processes for requesting accommodations
University admissions offices may have additional score-reporting requirements, so verify submission deadlines and preferred delivery methods with each program you are applying to.
Final thoughts
Online registration is the standard way to sign up for the GRE. It is quick, secure, and gives you direct control over date, location, and score recipients. Make sure your ETS account information matches your official ID, confirm the delivery option available in your region, and verify fees and policies on the ETS website before paying. Booking early and following the registration checklist will reduce last-minute issues and help you focus on preparation.
