The Executive Assessment (EA) is a standardized test created by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC)—the same organization behind the GMAT—specifically for experienced professionals applying to Executive MBA (EMBA) programs .
Think of it as a shorter, more focused alternative to the GMAT or GRE, designed with one audience in mind: busy executives who have been out of school for a decade or more .
Unlike the GMAT, where a higher score is always the goal, the EA functions as a threshold indicator . Admissions teams use it to answer one question: "Is this candidate ready for the academic rigor of our program?" .
If you score above a program's threshold (typically in the low-to-mid 150s for top schools), you've demonstrated the necessary quantitative and verbal skills—regardless of whether you scored 155 or 165 . The focus is on competency, not competition.
The EA is intentionally concise. You'll face 40 questions over 90 minutes, divided equally into three 30-minute sections :
Key details:
Calculator allowed? Yes, but only for the Integrated Reasoning section
Breaks? No scheduled breaks—the clock keeps running
Format: Computer-adaptive (questions adjust to your ability level)
The EA was built for professionals with significant work experience—typically 10-15 years, with several years in management . If you're targeting an Executive MBA and the thought of spending months relearning geometry and obscure grammar rules feels like a poor use of your time, the EA was designed for you .
Over 100 business schools now accept the EA, including Yale SOM, Wharton, Chicago Booth, Columbia, London Business School, INSEAD, and many others .
If you're wondering whether to take the EA or GMAT, here's the breakdown :
The EA is not necessarily "easier" —it simply tests different skills. The GMAT demands broader content mastery; the EA emphasizes higher-order reasoning applied to realistic business scenarios .
Fee: US$350 (plus applicable taxes)
Validity: Scores are valid for 5 years
Attempts: Maximum 2 attempts; must wait 24 hours between tests
Delivery: Online (proctored) or at Pearson VUE test centers worldwide
You receive three separate section scores (0–20 each) plus a total score calculated as:
Total Score = (Integrated Reasoning + Verbal + Quantitative) + 120
For example, if you score 10 on each section:
Combined section score = 30
Total score = 30 + 120 = 150
While 150 is statistically average, competitive EMBA programs typically look for scores in the 153–156 range .
The Executive Assessment is GMAT/GRE knowledge, compressed and focused, designed to respect your time while proving you can handle the academic demands of a top EMBA program . It's not about outscoring other applicants—it's about demonstrating readiness so you can get back to running your business.
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