Quick answer: You can take the GRE General Test at home on a Mac, but your Mac must meet ETS technical requirements and you must complete the ETS system check and proctoring app installation before test day. Verify the exact supported macOS versions, required browser or secure-app, and permitted accessories on the official ETS GRE at Home pages, then follow the pretest checklist below to avoid common Mac-specific problems.
Why this matters
Setting up a Mac properly for the GRE at Home reduces the risk of being prevented from testing, experiencing interruptions, or having a proctor flag your session. Technical failures on test day can lead to delays, rescheduling, or invalidation of a test. For graduate school applicants who have tight timelines or limited test dates, preparing your Mac and environment ahead of time protects your score-reporting schedule and reduces test-day stress.
Main explanation
What “GRE at Home” requires in general
When ETS offers the GRE General Test at home, testing is delivered through a proctored, secure environment that verifies identity, monitors the testing room and your computer, and enforces test rules. That remote proctoring requires an application or secure browser to run on your computer and access to your Mac camera, microphone, and screen sharing or screen recording permissions. ETS defines which operating systems, browsers, and hardware are supported. These details can change, so do not rely on assumptions; always confirm on the official ETS site before your test.
How the Mac plays into proctoring
macOS implements privacy controls that block apps from accessing the camera, microphone, and screen recording by default. If you do not grant the proctoring software the necessary permissions, the check-in process will fail or the proctor will not be able to monitor you. macOS also blocks unsigned apps and requires Gatekeeper approvals. Additionally, network settings, virtual private networks, multiple displays, background applications, battery settings, and automatic updates can cause issues. Preparing your Mac and testing environment in advance is essential.
What ETS provides and what you must do
ETS supplies a system check and a download link for the approved proctoring tool or secure browser during registration and in the confirmation emails. You must:
- Register for the GRE at Home option when you schedule.
- Run the ETS system check on your Mac and follow instructions to download and install any required software before test day.
- Grant macOS the required permissions to camera, microphone, and screen recording, and allow any accessibility or screen-sharing access the software requests.
- Confirm your internet speed and stability meet ETS requirements, and configure power and notification settings.
Requirements, rules, and eligibility
Identification requirements
ETS requires valid identification that matches your name on registration. For at-home testing, the ID rules are the same as for center-based testing. Confirm the acceptable ID types on ETS’s official list. If your name on the ID differs from your registration, you must correct that before test day. ETS will not admit you to test if the ID does not match registration exactly.
Registration requirements
- Select the GRE at Home option when you choose a test date if your country and account allow at-home testing.
- Enter your name exactly as it appears on your government-issued ID.
- Complete payment and any confirmation steps ETS requires.
Technical requirements (Mac-specific)
System requirements change, so treat the list below as a practical checklist rather than a definitive, current supported set. Always run ETS’s official system check and read the ETS GRE at Home system requirements page prior to the test.
- Operating system: Use an ETS-supported macOS version. Avoid upgrading or downgrading right before test day. Run the ETS system check immediately after any OS update.
- Webcam: Built-in or external webcam that works with macOS and can show a clear view of your face and room when the proctor requests a room scan.
- Microphone: Built-in microphone or a plugged-in headset microphone that the proctor tool can access.
- Internet: Stable, high-quality internet. A wired Ethernet connection is recommended for reliability. Avoid Wi-Fi networks that require captive portals, logins, or restrictive firewalls.
- Screen sharing/screen recording permissions: The proctoring software will typically request these macOS permissions. Grant them in System Preferences or System Settings before test day.
- External displays and virtual machines: External or multiple displays and virtual machines are often disallowed. Plan to use a single display and do not run virtualized macOS or Windows environments.
- Power: Keep the Mac plugged in and power settings adjusted so the system does not sleep or lock during the test.
Testing requirements and room rules
ETS enforces room and behavior rules during the at-home test. Expect the proctor to verify your identity, request a room scan with your webcam, and ask you to remove prohibited items. Make sure your desk or workspace is clear. Read ETS’s testing rules for a full list of prohibited items and behaviors.
Eligibility and accommodations
If you require accommodations for disabilities or other needs, request them through ETS well before your target test date. ETS evaluates accommodation requests and will indicate whether at-home testing is an option under approved accommodations. For accommodation details and timelines, consult ETS’s official disability services pages. Do not assume at-home testing supports all accommodations.
Step-by-step Mac setup and test-day process
- Before registration: Verify that ETS offers GRE at Home in your country. Not all jurisdictions permit at-home testing for legal or operational reasons.
- Register for the GRE and select the at-home option: On the ETS registration site, choose a date and make sure you select the GRE at Home test event if available.
- Read ETS emails and the GRE at Home guide: After registering, ETS will send instructions and the link to the system check. Read these carefully.
- Run the ETS system check on your Mac: Use the system check link to confirm your Mac meets current requirements. The system check typically verifies OS version, camera, microphone, internet, and available permissions.
- Install the proctoring app or secure browser: Download the official application or secure browser from the ETS link. During installation, macOS may display security prompts. If macOS blocks the app, open System Preferences or System Settings and approve the app in Security & Privacy.
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Grant macOS permissions:
- Open System Preferences or System Settings and go to Privacy & Security or Privacy.
- Grant access for Camera, Microphone, and Screen Recording to the proctoring app or browser.
- If the app requests Accessibility access to control the computer for monitoring, grant that permission if instructed.
On macOS Ventura and later, these settings are in System Settings under Privacy & Security. On older macOS releases, use System Preferences.
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Configure display and power settings:
- Use a single display. Disconnect external monitors and projectors unless ETS explicitly allows them.
- Set Energy Saver or Battery settings so the Mac does not sleep during the test and disable hot corners that lock the screen.
- Plug the Mac into power to avoid interruptions from low battery.
- Disable automatic updates and notifications: Turn off automatic software updates and send no notifications during the test by enabling Focus or Do Not Disturb, and mute apps that might beep or pop up.
- Close unnecessary apps and services: Quit messaging apps, cloud sync clients, video chat software, VPNs, remote desktop services, and any other background apps that could interfere or create network or privacy conflicts.
- Check your network: Prefer a wired Ethernet connection. If using Wi-Fi, test throughput and stability. Avoid shared public networks or networks that require additional logins.
- Prepare your workspace and ID: Keep your government-issued ID ready. Clear your desk of prohibited items, and have water in a clear bottle if permitted. Ensure lighting is adequate so the webcam can clearly show your face and surroundings.
- Run a full dry run: At least 48 hours before the test, run the system check and start the proctoring application to complete check-in practice. If possible, use the same network and physical setup you will use on test day.
- Test day check-in: Log in early to start the proctor check-in process. The proctor will verify your ID, ask you to show your testing space with your webcam, and ensure your Mac settings are correct. Follow all instructions from the proctor carefully.
Common problems and solutions
Problem: Proctoring app cannot access camera or microphone
Solution:
- Open System Preferences or System Settings and go to Privacy & Security or Privacy. Confirm Camera and Microphone permissions are granted to the proctor app or the specific browser.
- If permission is denied, toggle it on and restart the app or browser.
- If macOS does not list the app, reinstall the app and intentionally trigger the permission prompt so macOS records the app permission.
Problem: Screen sharing or screen recording permission blocked
Solution:
- Grant Screen Recording permission in Privacy settings for the proctoring app or browser. After granting, you will need to quit and relaunch the application for the change to take effect.
- On newer macOS versions, you may need to restart the machine if permission changes are not recognized.
Problem: macOS blocks the app due to security settings
Solution:
- When macOS prevents opening an app, go to System Preferences or System Settings, Security & Privacy, and click “Open Anyway” or allow the blocked app.
- If prompted, provide administrator credentials to complete the approval.
Problem: Network interruption or slow connection
Solution:
- Switch to a wired connection if possible. If not, move closer to the Wi-Fi router and reduce other network usage during the test.
- Disable VPNs or proxy services that can interrupt the secure connection to the proctoring servers.
- If your ISP has known issues, contact them earlier and consider an alternative network such as a mobile hotspot only if ETS allows such connections.
Problem: External display or multiple monitors detected
Solution:
- Disconnect any external displays before the proctor begins. Multiple monitors are often disallowed.
- Confirm mirroring is disabled and that only the primary built-in display is active.
Problem: Unexpected macOS update starts during test
Solution:
- Avoid installing system updates in the days leading up to your test. Disable automatic updates in System Settings.
- If an update begins, do not attempt to restart the machine during check-in or the test. Contact the proctor if a forced restart occurs and follow their guidance.
Practical examples and real-world scenarios
Example 1: Name mismatch prevents check-in
A student registered as “Liz A. Johnson” but their passport reads “Elizabeth A. Johnson.” At check-in, the proctor flagged the mismatch and asked for proof. The student could not proceed until ETS verified the identity, which required contacting ETS and led to a missed appointment. Lesson: register with the exact name on your government-issued ID.
Example 2: Camera blocked by system privacy settings
A test-taker completed the system check weeks before but upgraded macOS a few days before the test. The upgrade reset privacy settings and the proctoring app no longer had Camera and Screen Recording permission. The student could not complete check-in and had to reschedule. Lesson: do not change OS or key privacy settings right before the test; if you must update, re-run the system check.
Example 3: External monitor causes testing rules violation
A candidate used a laptop connected to a second monitor to view notes, not realizing extended displays are not allowed. The proctor detected the extra display and ended the session for rule violation. Lesson: use a single display and remove external monitors prior to check-in.
Comparison table: Test center vs GRE at Home
| Feature | GRE at Home | GRE Test Center |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Your home or private quiet room | Official test center facility |
| Equipment | Your Mac plus camera and mic; proctoring app required | Center provides approved workstation and webcam |
| Environment control | You must set up an approved testing space and show it to the proctor | Facility controls the testing environment |
| Technical risk | Higher due to personal hardware, software, internet | Lower technical risk, center-managed equipment |
| Convenience | More convenient scheduling and no travel | Less convenient for travel, but predictable setup |
| Accessibility and accommodations | Available in some cases, confirm with ETS | Standard accommodations available |
Frequently asked questions
1. Which macOS version must I have?
ETS publishes current supported operating systems. Run the official ETS system check to confirm whether your macOS build is supported. Do not rely on older documentation or third-party comments online.
2. Do I need to install special software or a browser extension?
Yes. ETS requires approved proctoring software or a secure browser that you download from the ETS site or the system check. Install and test the software well before test day.
3. What if my Mac camera does not work?
Test the camera using the Photo Booth app or other camera apps. If the camera fails, try restarting, unplugging and reconnecting an external webcam, or using a different Mac. If you cannot get a camera working, you will not be able to take the at-home test and should consider a test center instead.
4. Can I use headphones or ear buds during the test?
ETS rules on headphones vary. Some proctoring setups allow unobtrusive earbuds for audio diagnostic checks only. Verify permitted accessories on the ETS GRE at Home rules page. Do not use headphones to access outside information.
5. Can I take breaks and will the Mac lock during breaks?
ETS includes break policies for the GRE. Configure your Mac so it does not sleep or require a password during short breaks. Follow ETS instructions for breaks and notify the proctor if there is a technical reason you must step away.
6. Is using a VPN allowed?
Do not use a VPN, proxy, or anonymizing software on test day unless ETS explicitly allows it. These services can block secure connections and cause check-in failures.
7. My Mac prompts for permissions but there is no app listed in Privacy. What should I do?
Reinstall the proctoring software and open it so macOS will display the permission prompts. After the first prompt, the app should appear in the Privacy list, and you can grant Camera, Microphone, and Screen Recording access. Restart the Mac or quit and relaunch the app if required.
8. Are accommodations for at-home testing available for Mac users?
Some accommodations are available for at-home testing, but eligibility depends on ETS review. Submit documentation early and specify you want at-home testing if applicable. Confirm which accommodations are supported on the official ETS accommodations page.
9. What should I do if the proctor disconnects during the test?
Follow the proctoring app instructions. If disconnected, the app typically attempts to reconnect automatically. If reconnect fails, contact ETS support immediately and document the time and issue. Keep your confirmation emails and logs in case you need to request remediation.
10. Can I use a MacBook with an external webcam?
Yes, an external webcam can work if macOS recognizes it and the proctoring software can access it. Test the webcam in advance and ensure it is the active camera device when running the system check.
Important notes
- ETS policies and technical requirements can change. Always verify current details on the official ETS GRE at Home pages and run the ETS system check as your final authority.
- Requirements and available test delivery options may vary by country. If you are an international candidate, confirm local availability and any country-specific rules with ETS.
- Do not upgrade macOS or change key system settings in the 48 hours before your test unless you run the system check again after the change.
- If you need accommodations, start the request process early, because review and approval take time and may affect whether at-home testing is permitted.
- Keep a copy of your ETS confirmation emails, any error messages you receive, and timestamps of problems. These will be useful if you need to contact ETS support after a technical issue.
Final thoughts
Preparing your Mac for the GRE at Home reduces risk and gives you confidence on test day. Start with the ETS system check, install the official proctoring software, and grant the necessary macOS permissions well in advance. Use a wired internet connection if possible, close other apps, disconnect extra monitors, and keep your workspace clear. Verify your identification details on your registration and allow plenty of time for any accommodation requests. For the most accurate, up-to-date technical and policy requirements, consult ETS’s GRE at Home pages and run the official system check before scheduling your test.
