Registering for the GRE is a multi-step process that begins with creating an ETS account and ends with a confirmed test appointment or at-home test environment check. This guide walks through the full registration workflow, identification and technical requirements, accommodations requests, common problems and practical tips to help you register correctly and avoid mistakes that could delay your testing or score reporting.
Quick answer
To register for the GRE, create an ETS account at the official ETS website, choose whether you will test at a test center or at home, select a test date and time, enter your identification details exactly as they appear on your ID, pay for the test, and save your confirmation. If you need accommodations, apply to ETS Disability Services and wait for approval before scheduling. Always verify specific requirements such as accepted ID types, fees, and technical specifications on the official ETS site before you register.
Why this matters
Accurate registration protects your ability to sit for the exam and ensures your scores will be valid and reportable to graduate programs. Mistakes at registration or on test day can lead to denied entry, canceled scores, missed testing dates, or delays in admissions processes. International applicants, those who need accommodations, and students testing at home face additional requirements that must be handled during registration. Getting registration right saves time, money, and stress.
Main explanation
This section explains the GRE registration process in depth, including the difference between test-center and at-home testing, where to register, required information, and how score reporting and changes are handled.
Where you register
All GRE registrations start on the ETS website. Create or sign in to your ETS account to begin. ETS provides the official scheduling interface, manages payments, and stores your registration and score history. Some local test centers may offer phone registration options or support for in-person appointments, but your primary record and confirmation come from your ETS account.
Testing options
There are two primary delivery options for the GRE General Test.
- Test-center testing. Delivered at authorized testing centers worldwide. You choose a date and a center, then follow the center rules and bring acceptable identification on test day.
- GRE at Home. Delivered remotely with real-time human proctoring. You must meet technical requirements and create a testing environment that meets ETS rules. System checks are required ahead of test day.
Why you must match your ID to your registration
Testing centers and at-home proctors verify your identity before the test. If your registration name does not match the name and spelling on your government-issued ID, you may be refused admission or have your scores canceled. This includes differences caused by nicknames, omitted middle names, or order of names for international applicants.
Requirements, rules, and eligibility
The following lists cover the core requirements you must satisfy to register and test. Policies can vary by country and over time, so verify current rules with ETS.
Identification requirements
- Name match: Use your legal name exactly as it appears on the primary ID you will present on test day. This includes spacing, hyphens, and punctuation when present on the document.
- Accepted ID types: ETS accepts specific, government-issued IDs. Requirements vary by country and test delivery mode. Many international test takers must use a valid passport. Check ETS for the accepted forms of identification in your country.
- Unexpired ID: Your ID must typically be current and unexpired on test day. Some countries or centers may allow recently expired IDs under special rules, but you should check before scheduling.
- Secondary ID: Some centers may require a secondary ID. Keep a copy of any additional documents requested by the test center or ETS.
Registration requirements
- Create an ETS account with accurate personal information.
- Provide identification information during registration exactly as it appears on your ID.
- Choose a testing option and location or confirm your at-home testing environment.
- Complete payment using accepted payment methods shown by ETS for your country.
Technical requirements for GRE at Home
Technical requirements change over time. Typical requirements include a desktop or laptop computer, a stable internet connection, a functioning webcam and microphone, and an operating system and browser supported by ETS. You will need to run an online system check before test day. Verify the up-to-date technical checklist on the ETS GRE at Home information page before registering.
Testing requirements and eligibility rules
- The GRE General Test is available to most prospective graduate and professional school applicants. Some programs may have test score or submission rules. Confirm program-specific requirements with each school you plan to apply to.
- Age restrictions, if any, and local requirements vary by country. Verify eligibility in your ETS account when registering.
- You can register to take the GRE multiple times. ETS sets limits on the number of attempts within specified time windows. Review ETS policies before scheduling repeat attempts.
Documentation for accommodations
If you require testing accommodations for a documented disability, you must apply to ETS Services for Test Takers with Disabilities and receive approval before scheduling. Required documentation typically includes professional evaluations and educational records. Do not schedule a test requiring accommodations until you have ETS approval; otherwise the accommodations may not be available on test day.
Step-by-step registration process
The steps below describe a typical registration flow. Exact screens and prompts may change over time, so follow the ETS interface as you proceed.
- Create or sign in to your ETS accountGo to the official ETS GRE registration site and create an account if you do not already have one. Use a secure, regularly monitored email address. Keep your ETS username and password safe.
- Start a new registrationAfter logging in, select the GRE General Test registration option. Choose whether you want to test at a test center or at home.
- Select location and test dateFor test centers, search for a center by city or postal code and pick an available date and time. For GRE at Home, choose an available date and time slot and confirm you can meet technical and environment requirements.
- Enter personal and identification informationProvide your full legal name and other personal details as requested. Ensure that the name matches exactly the primary ID you will use. In some countries you will be asked to upload an ID image at registration. If you are unsure which ID to use, check ETS guidance for your country.
- Enter score reporting preferencesChoose which institutions will receive your official scores. ETS allows you to select some institutions at registration. You can also send scores later, for a fee if applicable. Confirm each institution’s GRE code if requested.
- Request accommodations if neededIf you need accommodations, follow the ETS process for applying. You may need to submit documentation and wait for approval before finalizing a test appointment. Do not assume accommodations will be granted automatically.
- Review policies and agree to test rulesRead and acknowledge ETS policies covering identification, test-day behavior, and score reporting.
- Pay for the testComplete payment using the methods indicated by ETS. Payment options can vary by country. If payment fails, double-check your billing details and card settings, or contact ETS for support.
- Receive confirmation and admission ticketAfter successful payment, you will receive a registration confirmation email. For test-center testing, download or print the admission ticket and bring it with your accepted ID on test day. For GRE at Home, schedule and complete the required system check and secure your testing area.
Common problems and solutions
Here are frequent registration and test-day issues and how to address them.
Name or ID mismatch
Problem: Your ETS registration name does not match your government ID, or you used a nickname.
Solution: Do not attempt to change the name on test day. Before test day, correct your ETS profile to match your legal ID exactly. Contact ETS as soon as possible if you cannot change the name online. If you arrive at the test center with mismatched names, you may be denied testing and your fees may not be refunded.
Expired or unacceptable ID
Problem: Your ID is expired or not accepted at your test center or for at-home verification.
Solution: Obtain a valid, acceptable ID before the test. If your passport is expired, renew it. If you cannot update your ID in time, reschedule the test through your ETS account or contact ETS customer service for guidance.
Payment failure
Problem: Your payment is declined during registration.
Solution: Check card billing address, sufficient balance, and whether your bank allows international transactions. Try another payment method if available. Contact ETS if the problem persists. Do not assume the registration went through until you receive confirmation.
Technical problems for GRE at Home
Problem: System checks fail, webcam or microphone are incompatible, connection unstable.
Solution: Run the ETS system check well before test day. Use a supported operating system and browser. Close unused applications, connect via a reliable wired connection if possible, and ensure the testing room meets camera and lighting requirements. If you cannot meet the technical requirements, schedule a test at a center instead.
Last-minute center closure or emergency
Problem: The testing center closes due to weather or an emergency on the test day.
Solution: ETS and the test center will provide guidance. Check your ETS account and email for messages about rescheduling or refunds. Contact ETS and monitor official communications for next steps.
Missing confirmation or admission ticket
Problem: You did not receive a confirmation email or cannot find your admission ticket.
Solution: Log in to your ETS account and view your scheduled appointments. You can download or print the admission ticket from your account. If the appointment is missing, contact ETS to confirm your registration status.
Practical examples and scenarios
The following scenarios illustrate how registration issues can play out and how to avoid them.
Example 1: Nickname vs legal name
Maria Gonzalez registers using the name “Maria G.” on ETS because that is how friends address her. On test day she presents a passport that lists her full legal name. The testing center denies admission because the names do not match. Avoid this by entering your full legal name during registration and verifying spelling and punctuation against the ID you will use.
Example 2: Choosing GRE at Home without a system check
Arjun schedules GRE at Home two days after registration but delays running the ETS system check. The night before the test his computer fails the check because of an unsupported operating system. He cannot test as scheduled and must reschedule. To prevent this, run the system check as soon as you select an at-home date and allow time to fix technical issues or switch to a test center.
Example 3: Accommodations timeline
Sophia requires extra time and a separate testing room. She applies for accommodations the week before she wants to test. ETS requires time to review documentation, so she is unable to schedule an accommodated test on her preferred date. The correct approach is to begin the accommodations application well in advance and only schedule a test date after you receive ETS approval.
Example 4: International ID and local rules
Ahmed plans to test in a country where passport is mandatory for international test takers. He registers with a national ID instead. On test day the center asks for a passport. Ahmed cannot take the test and faces rescheduling. International applicants should confirm local ID rules through ETS before registering.
Comparison tables
Test-center testing versus GRE at Home
| Feature | Test center | GRE at Home |
|---|---|---|
| Where you register | ETS online registration; choose a testing center location | ETS online registration; select at-home option and time slot |
| Identification | Primary government ID per local rules. May need secondary ID. | Primary government ID required for identity verification. Rules may vary by country. |
| Technical requirements | Minimal. Center provides hardware. Follow center rules. | Requires compatible computer, webcam, microphone, and internet. System check required. |
| Environment | Controlled testing center environment with proctor | Your home environment must meet ETS rules for visibility and quietness |
| Rescheduling | Through ETS; may involve center availability and policies | Through ETS; must consider system check and technical availability |
Reschedule versus Cancel
| Action | Typical outcome | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Reschedule | Move your test to another date or center. Subject to availability and rules. | Check ETS rescheduling window, availability, and any applicable fees on the ETS site. |
| Cancel | Cancel your appointment and request a refund if eligible. | Check ETS cancellation policy and refund eligibility before canceling. |
Frequently asked questions
- How far in advance should I register for the GRE?Register as early as possible to secure your preferred date and testing location or time. Availability varies by center and season. If you need accommodations, allow additional time for ETS approval before scheduling.
- Can I register by phone?In some countries ETS provides phone registration options. Check the ETS registration page for available contact methods in your region.
- What forms of payment does ETS accept?Accepted payment methods depend on your country. Common options include credit and debit cards. Verify the specific payment methods presented during checkout in your ETS account.
- What ID should I bring on test day?Bring the primary government-issued ID specified by ETS for your country. For many international test takers this is a valid passport. Your ETS registration name must match the ID exactly.
- How do I request accommodations?Start an accommodations request through ETS Services for Test Takers with Disabilities. Submit the required documentation and wait for ETS approval before scheduling a test appointment that includes accommodations.
- Can I change my test center or date after registering?Yes. Log in to your ETS account and use the manage registration options to reschedule or change location. Policies on timing and fees can vary, so check ETS for current rules.
- How do I send my scores to schools?During registration you may select institutions to receive your scores. After testing, ETS allows you to send official scores to additional institutions for a fee if needed. Confirm each school’s requirements for GRE reporting.
- What if I lose my admission ticket?Download a replacement admission ticket from your ETS account. The ticket and an acceptable ID are typically required for entry to a test center.
- Will COVID or other emergencies affect testing?ETS updates policies as needed for public health and safety. Check ETS communications and your ETS account for announcements about center closures, rescheduling, and refunds.
- How do I correct mistakes made during registration?Log in to your ETS account to correct address and contact details. For legal name changes or corrections that affect your ID, contact ETS customer service to ensure the change is accepted before test day.
Important notes
- ETS is the official source for GRE registration, testing, and score reporting policies. Always verify current rules and procedures on the ETS website before you register or make changes.
- Policies and technical requirements can differ by country, and they can change over time. Confirm local acceptance of IDs and availability of at-home testing in your country.
- If you plan to apply to programs with specific testing rules, check each program’s admissions page for GRE requirements and deadlines. Some programs require official score reports sent directly by ETS.
- Start the registration and, if needed, accommodations process well in advance of application deadlines to avoid last-minute problems.
Final thoughts
Registering for the GRE is straightforward when you follow the official steps and verify the details that matter most to your situation. Create your ETS account, confirm which testing mode fits your needs, match your registration name to your ID, run technical checks if testing at home, and apply early for accommodations if required. Use ETS as your authoritative source for current rules and timelines, and keep documentation of your registration and confirmations. With careful preparation you can avoid common pitfalls and focus on preparing for the exam itself.
