If you are taking the GRE, do not bring any unauthorized materials into the testing area. This includes electronic devices such as cell phones, smartwatches, tablets, cameras, and personal calculators, as well as study materials, notes, bags, and weapons. For GRE at Home, do not have prohibited materials, additional computers, or other people in the room during the test; follow ETS instructions and verify permitted items on the official ETS website.
Why this matters
Bringing prohibited items to the GRE can cause delays at check-in, denial of entry, test interruption, score cancellation, or other administrative actions. Even harmless items such as watches or a scratchpad can be disallowed because they might enable cheating or disrupt test security. Knowing what not to bring helps you avoid last-minute stress, keeps the check-in process smooth, and reduces the risk that your scores or testing appointment will be invalidated.
Main explanation: What not to bring and why
This section explains common categories of prohibited items, the rationale behind the rules, and how rules differ between test-center and GRE at Home administrations. Where ETS policies can vary by location or change over time, the article advises verifying details on the official ETS site.
General principle
ETS requires a secure, standardized environment for fair testing. Items that could reveal answers or enable communication, or items that could alter how the test is taken, are prohibited. Testing staff enforce these rules at check-in and during the test.
Prohibited items at test centers
- Electronic devices. Cell phones, smartphones, smartwatches, fitness trackers, pagers, tablets, personal laptops, portable music players, cameras, Bluetooth devices, and other communications or recording devices are not allowed inside the testing room.
- Watches and timers. Analog or digital watches, timers, and any device that displays time are typically not allowed even if you disable alerts.
- Study materials and memory aids. Notes, textbooks, flashcards, study guides, printed cheat sheets, and reference materials are prohibited.
- Writing instruments and paper. Many centers provide scratch paper or laminated erasable boards and pens or pencils. Bringing your own pencils, scratch paper, or highlighters is generally not allowed.
- Calculators. Personal calculators are not permitted because the GRE provides an onscreen calculator for the Quantitative Reasoning section.
- Food and drinks. Outside food and drinks are often not permitted in the testing room. Some centers allow food or drinks to be stored in a locker and consumed only during scheduled breaks.
- Bags and containers. Backpacks, purses, briefcases, and similar personal items must typically be left in secure storage provided by the test center.
- Headphones and earplugs. Unless specifically permitted for an approved accommodation, headphones, earbuds, and earplugs are prohibited.
- Weapons and hazardous items. Firearms, knives, or any item that could be considered dangerous are strictly prohibited.
- Unapproved medical devices. If you require a medical device that might be restricted, get ETS approval in advance through accommodations procedures and bring documentation.
Prohibited items for GRE at Home
When testing at home, ETS and the test-delivery vendor require a controlled environment. Violations can result in test cancellation. Typical prohibitions include:
- No other electronic devices in the room beyond the approved testing equipment.
- No secondary monitors, phones, tablets, smartwatches, or recording devices.
- No notes, books, or scratch paper beyond what the test platform provides.
- No other people or pets in the testing space during the session.
- No unauthorized aids such as calculators or printed reference sheets.
- No use of virtual backgrounds or software that interferes with the proctoring system.
Permitted items, with conditions
Some items may be allowed but only under specific conditions. Examples include:
- Approved identification. Acceptable, government-issued photo ID is required for test-center tests and for identity verification at home. The name on your ID must match the name used to register.
- Medical items. Necessary medical supplies, such as inhalers or glucose monitors, may be allowed. It is best to bring documentation and inform the test center or proctor in advance.
- ETS-provided materials. Test centers provide required writing materials or laminated boards. For GRE at Home, the test platform provides on-screen scratch paper or allows an erasable whiteboard. Only these materials are permitted.
Requirements, rules, and eligibility related to prohibited items
This section focuses on rules relevant to what not to bring and how those rules connect to identity verification, registration, and accommodations.
Identification requirements
- Your name on registration must match your ID exactly, including punctuation and order of names. The ID must be valid and current. International test takers typically use their passport as primary ID.
- Do not bring additional unofficial identification documents that are not on ETS’s acceptable-ID list unless ETS specifically allows them in your country or for your situation.
Registration and testing requirements
- Do not register under a different name or nickname with the plan to show a different ID on test day. Name mismatches can lead to denial of testing.
- Do not attempt to manipulate the testing environment by bringing items intended to capture questions, record the session, or communicate with someone outside the testing room.
Technical and room requirements for GRE at Home
- Only the approved testing device should be present in the room. Remove or power off other devices to prevent conflicts with proctoring software.
- Do not set up unauthorized software or tools that might interfere with the test delivery or monitoring.
Accommodation rules
- If you have approved accommodations, follow the instructions in your accommodation approval notice. You may be allowed additional or alternative materials, but do not bring those items to the test without prior approval and documented confirmation from ETS.
- Do not assume that an accommodation will be granted on test day without completing the formal ETS request process and receiving approval.
Step-by-step: How to prepare and what to avoid bringing
- Check ETS rules for your test date and location, including the acceptable ID list and any location-specific instructions. Confirm whether you are testing at a test center or at home.
- Prepare the required ID. Make sure the ID is valid, current, and matches your registration name. Do not bring expired or unofficial IDs.
- Review the testing-center checklist. Know what the test center provides, such as lockers, scratch paper, pens, or erasable boards. Plan to leave prohibited items at home.
- Clear your test area for GRE at Home. Remove extra devices, notes, and any item that might raise a security concern. Notify household members of your test time so no one enters the room.
- Pack only permitted items for travel. Bring your ID, appointment confirmation, and any approved medical documentation. Do not carry phones or watches into the testing room; leave them in your car or in secure storage as instructed by the center.
- At check-in, follow instructions. Testing staff will direct you where to store belongings. Do not try to hide prohibited items in clothing or personal spaces.
- During the test, use only ETS-provided materials. Do not attempt to consult notes, devices, or other people. If you require an item for a medical reason, show documentation and follow staff guidance.
Common problems and practical solutions
Problem: Bringing a cell phone or smartwatch
Solution: Leave phones and smartwatches at home or in your vehicle. If you must bring a phone to the testing center for transportation or emergency use, store it in the secure locker or as directed by staff before check-in. Do not rely on storing it in personal pockets.
Problem: Forgetting your ID, or ID is expired
Solution: Bring a current, acceptable ID. If you forget your ID or your ID is expired, you will likely be denied entry. Contact the test center and ETS only as directed. For international test takers, a valid passport is usually the safest choice.
Problem: Bringing unauthorized study materials
Solution: Do not bring any books, notes, or flashcards to the testing area. If you realize you have them at check-in, leave them in your vehicle or secure storage provided by the test center. Avoid bringing them into the testing room.
Problem: Medical device or prescription medication needed during the test
Solution: Inform the test center and ETS in advance about medical needs. Bring documentation. Store medications in a way that staff can verify them without exposing prohibited items. Ask about permitted accommodations if a device might otherwise be disallowed.
Problem: Unintended items set off security or result in delays
Solution: Arrive early, and disclose any unusual items at check-in. Cooperate with center staff. Known prohibited items may be stored in a locker, but undisclosed items or attempts to conceal items can lead to denial or score cancellation.
Practical examples and scenarios
Scenario 1: Watch confusion
A test taker arrives wearing a smartwatch. The watch stores notifications and has the potential to connect to a phone. The test center requires that watches not be worn in the testing room. The candidate is asked to remove the watch and store it in the center’s secure locker. If no storage is available and the candidate refuses to comply, the center may refuse testing.
Scenario 2: At-home proctor flags extra device
An at-home test is interrupted because a second laptop in a different corner of the room was visible on camera. Proctors monitor to prevent assistance and ensure a controlled environment. The proctor may pause the session, request that the test taker remove the device or move it out of view, and could ultimately cancel the test if the issue is not resolved.
Scenario 3: Name mismatch
A student registers as “Alex Johnson” but presents a passport listing “Alexander Johnson” at check-in. Because the names do not match exactly, the test center denies entry until the discrepancy is resolved. The proper step is to update the registration ahead of time or bring documentation showing commonly used names, as allowed by ETS policies. Do not assume minor variations are acceptable on test day.
Scenario 4: Medical necessity
A test taker uses a hearing aid that contains wireless functionality. The candidate has an approved accommodation for the device, and ETS has been informed in advance. On test day, the device is permitted under the accommodation, but the candidate must present documentation and follow any special instructions provided by ETS and the center staff.
Comparison: Test center vs GRE at Home — What not to bring
| Test Center | GRE at Home | |
|---|---|---|
| Cell phones | Prohibited inside the testing room, usually stored in a locker | Prohibited in the testing area, must be removed from room before session |
| Watches | Prohibited | Prohibited |
| Study materials | Prohibited | Prohibited |
| Personal calculators | Prohibited; onscreen calculator provided | Prohibited; onscreen calculator provided |
| Other people or pets | Prohibited from testing room | Prohibited from the testing space during the session |
| Medical devices | May be permitted with documentation | May be permitted with documentation, follow ETS procedures |
Frequently asked questions
1. Can I bring a calculator to the GRE?
No, do not bring a personal calculator. The GRE provides an onscreen calculator for the Quantitative Reasoning section. Personal calculators are not permitted in the testing room.
2. Can I bring a water bottle or snacks into the testing room?
Policies vary by center, but typically outside food and drinks are not allowed in the testing room. You may be able to store items where instructed and consume them only during scheduled breaks. For GRE at Home, food and drinks in the testing area are generally not allowed unless specified for medical reasons.
3. Is a smartwatch allowed if I disable notifications?
No. Smartwatches and other wearable devices that can communicate or store information are generally prohibited even if notifications are disabled. Leave such devices at home or in secure storage.
4. What happens if I bring a prohibited item to the testing room?
Testing staff will direct you to store the item or may refuse to admit you to the testing room. In serious cases, the test may be canceled or your scores may be subject to investigation. Follow staff instructions and disclose any necessary items at check-in.
5. Can I bring my own earplugs, noise-canceling headphones, or hearing aids?
Hearing aids required for accessibility are typically permitted with documentation and pre-approval. Earplugs and headphones are usually prohibited unless specifically authorized as an accommodation. Confirm in advance with ETS if you need special audio equipment.
6. If I test at home, can another person sit in the room?
No. During GRE at Home testing, no other people are allowed in the room. Proctors monitor the environment and presence of another person can lead to session interruption or cancellation.
7. Are purses and backpacks allowed in the testing center?
Purses, backpacks, and personal bags are not permitted in the testing room and should be stored as directed by proctors. If secure storage is unavailable, contact the test center ahead of time for guidance.
8. What ID should I bring?
Bring a valid, government-issued photo ID that exactly matches your registration name. Requirements can vary by country, so check the ETS acceptable ID list for your location before test day.
9. Can I bring prescription medication into the testing room?
Necessary medication is generally allowed, but you should follow center instructions and be prepared to show documentation. If a medication requires specific handling, inform ETS or the test center in advance.
10. Who should I contact if I am unsure about an item?
Contact ETS or your local test center to confirm whether an item is permitted. For at-home testing questions, consult the GRE at Home instructions and proctoring vendor guidance.
Important notes
- ETS policies may change, and procedures can differ by country or testing center. Always verify the current rules on the official ETS website or with your test center before your appointment.
- For GRE at Home, follow the system check and the proctoring rules exactly. Unauthorized software, background noise, or visible items can trigger review and possible cancellation.
- If you require special items for a medical or disability-related need, begin the accommodation request process early and keep written approval and instructions with you for test day.
- International test takers should check local testing rules for items such as acceptable government-issued IDs, and local security procedures.
- Do not rely on anecdotal advice about what is allowed. When in doubt, consult ETS. The testing authority is the final arbiter of allowed items and procedures.
Final thoughts
Preparing what not to bring to the GRE is as important as preparing what to bring. Remove electronic devices, study materials, personal calculators, and unauthorized items from your testing kit. Confirm acceptable identification and any accommodation-related items in advance, and follow the test center or GRE at Home instructions carefully. Check the official ETS GRE pages before your test for the most current rules and requirements, prepare a quiet and compliant environment for the session, and plan to arrive early so check-in goes smoothly.
