Can I Take the GRE at Home Internationally? Availability, Eligibility, and Technical Requirements

June 8, 2026 - By Dale

Yes. The GRE General Test is offered as a remotely proctored “at-home” option in many countries, but availability is not universal. Whether you can take the GRE at home internationally depends on your country, local testing rules, and whether your computer and testing environment meet ETS’s technical and security requirements. Read the sections below for exactly how to confirm eligibility, how the at-home test works, important technical and security requirements, pros and cons compared with test-center testing, step-by-step registration guidance, and common questions international test takers ask.

Quick answer

If you live outside the United States you often can take the GRE at home. Availability varies by country and may change. To confirm whether the GRE at home is available where you live and to see current technical and scheduling requirements, check the official ETS GRE at Home information and the supported countries list inside your ETS account before you register.

How availability is determined

ETS decides where the GRE at Home is offered based on local laws, regulatory restrictions, internet and proctoring service coverage, and operational factors. That means:

Some countries are supported and allow the at-home option.
Some countries are excluded because of local restrictions or technical limitations.
Availability can change when ETS updates policies or when local conditions change.

Always check the official ETS GRE at Home page and the scheduling flow inside your ETS account for the current list of supported countries and regions.

How the GRE at Home works

The at-home GRE is the same test as the GRE administered in test centers in content, structure, scoring, and score validity. The main differences are the test delivery method, remote proctoring, and the test-taker environment.

Key features

Same content and scoring as the center-based GRE General Test.
Live remote proctoring by trained proctors who verify your identity, watch the session, and enforce test rules.
Room scan and identity checks before the test begins. You will be asked to show your testing space and your government-issued ID.
Security checks such as disabling unauthorized software, blocking other people from the room, and restricting items at your desk.

How to confirm eligibility and availability

Follow these steps to confirm whether you can take the GRE at home from your location:

Create or sign in to your ETS account at the GRE registration site.
Start the scheduling flow and look for the option labeled “GRE at Home” or “at-home test” when you choose a test delivery method.
If the at-home option does not appear, your region may be currently unsupported or there may be temporary restrictions.
Visit the ETS GRE at Home information page for country lists, the most current policies, and links to system requirements and tutorials.

Technical and environment requirements (what ETS typically requires)

Exact technical requirements change over time. ETS posts a detailed system requirements page that lists supported operating systems, browser versions, and required hardware. Check ETS before scheduling. The items below summarize typical requirements and the usual environment expectations.

Typical hardware and software requirements

Device: A desktop or laptop computer is usually required. Tablets and smartphones are not typically supported.
Operating system and browser: A supported recent version of Windows or macOS, plus permission to install or run ETS’s secure proctoring app or browser extension. Specific versions are posted by ETS.
Camera and microphone: A working webcam and microphone are required for identity verification and live proctoring.
Internet: Reliable, high-speed internet with a stable connection for the entire test session. Wired Ethernet is recommended when possible.
Administrator rights: You may need permission to install software or to disable certain background applications during the test.

Typical room and test-day rules

Private, quiet room with no interruptions. No one else may enter or be visible in the room.
Clear desk area with no unauthorized materials. ETS will require a room scan using your webcam.
No phones, smartwatches, or other electronic devices within reach.
Proper lighting so the proctor can see you and your workspace clearly.
Short breaks rules mirror the center-based GRE: follow ETS guidance on scheduled breaks and allowed activities during breaks.

Steps to register for GRE at home from outside the United States

Sign in or create an ETS account on the GRE registration portal.
Start scheduling and choose the GRE General Test. When prompted, select the at-home option if it appears for your country.
Run the ETS system check well in advance to verify your computer meets technical requirements.
Choose a test date and time. Review test-day instructions, ID requirements, and proctoring policies.
Pay the registration fee. Fees may vary by country. The checkout confirmation will show your registration details.
Complete the mandatory system check again on test day before your session begins and follow the room-scan and ID verification steps with the proctor.

Differences between at-home testing and test-center testing

Feature	GRE at Home	Test Center
Test content and scoring	Identical	Identical
Delivery	Remotely proctored from your home	Proctored in a testing center
Environment control	Must prepare a private, quiet space and pass a room scan	Environment controlled by test center staff
Technical requirements	Must have compatible computer, webcam, mic, stable internet	No personal equipment required beyond arriving on time
Scheduling flexibility	Often more flexible with evening and weekend appointments	Subject to center hours and local availability
Disruption risk	Risk from power or internet failure at home	Risk from commuting issues or center problems

Common limitations and things to watch for

Local restrictions. If your country is excluded you will need to test at an approved test center or travel to a supported country if feasible.
System compatibility. Older laptops, unsupported operating systems, or company-managed devices that block installations may not be usable.
Accommodations. ETS provides services for test takers with disabilities. At-home testing may have additional limitations for some accommodations. Apply early and contact ETS Disability Services for guidance.
Test interruptions. If your connection fails or the proctor stops your session, ETS has policies for how interruptions are handled. Learn those policies before test day.

How ETS handles interruptions and technical problems

ETS provides guidance and support if the remote proctor or the testing software interrupts your exam. Typical steps include trying to troubleshoot and reconnect, and contacting ETS Customer Service if the problem cannot be resolved. Policies vary by situation, and ETS evaluates interruptions on a case-by-case basis. Keep these practical steps in mind:

Run a full system test days before the exam to discover and fix issues.
Use a wired connection if possible and close other bandwidth-intensive apps during the test.
Have a charged phone available to contact ETS support if a problem arises, but do not use the phone for anything else during testing.
Document the problem clearly for any appeal or review request you submit.

Special accommodations

If you need accommodations for a disability, apply through ETS’s Services for Individuals with Disabilities (SSD) well in advance. ETS approves reasonable accommodations and will indicate whether those accommodations are available for at-home testing, for center testing, or both. Do not assume at-home accommodations are always available; verify when you submit your SSD request.

Costs, cancellations, and rescheduling

Registration fees vary by country. Fees for the GRE at Home are generally comparable to the center-based test in your region, but exact prices depend on local pricing. ETS’s cancellation and rescheduling policies, including deadlines and fees, are posted on the GRE website. Review them before you register in case you need to change plans.

Practical pre-test checklist

Confirm the GRE at Home option is offered in your country via your ETS account.
Run the ETS system check and address any hardware or software issues at least a week before the test.
Verify your government-issued ID meets ETS ID requirements and is available on test day.
Prepare a quiet, private room with a clear desk and neutral background for the room scan.
Disable notifications, alarms, and other devices that could cause interruptions.
Have a backup plan for power or internet outages, such as an alternate testing location that meets ETS rules, if possible.
Arrive at the scheduled login time and follow the proctor’s instructions for identity verification and the room scan.

Tips for international test takers

Check time zone differences carefully when scheduling. The test time will be shown in the local time you select, but confirm which time zone the appointment uses if you travel.
If you live in an area with intermittent power or internet, plan the test when conditions are most stable, for instance early in the morning.
If your country does not support at-home testing, look for the nearest test center that supports the GRE or consider scheduling well in advance when center capacity is limited.
If you are an international student planning to apply to programs with strict deadlines, build buffer time into your schedule in case of cancellations or interruptions.

Frequently asked questions

Can I take the GRE at home from any country?

No. The at-home option is available in many countries but not all. Use your ETS account and the GRE at Home information page to confirm whether your country is supported.

Is the test content the same as in a test center?

Yes. The GRE at Home uses the same test content, scoring scale, and score reporting process as the center-based GRE General Test.

What do I need to run on my computer before test day?

Run ETS’s official system check and follow the platform-specific instructions posted on the GRE at Home information page. That check verifies your webcam, microphone, operating system, internet speed, and any required software.

Can I use a calculator or scratch paper?

The GRE provides an on-screen calculator for the Quantitative Reasoning section. ETS also specifies what kind of scratch materials are allowed for at-home testing. Check the official test-day rules for exact permitted items.

What happens if my internet disconnects during the test?

If you lose connection the proctor will attempt to reconnect you and follow ETS procedures. If the problem cannot be resolved, ETS will review the situation and communicate next steps. It is important to document what happened and contact ETS Customer Service promptly.

Final thoughts

The GRE at Home is a convenient option for many international test takers, offering the same test content and scoring as a test-center exam with greater scheduling flexibility and no commute. However, availability varies by country and you must meet ETS’s technical and security requirements. Confirm support for your country in your ETS account, run the system check early, and plan your testing environment carefully to reduce the risk of interruptions. For the most up-to-date policies, supported countries, and detailed system requirements, always refer to the official ETS GRE at Home pages and your ETS account information.