With at-home testing as a valid option, taking the GRE is more flexible than ever before! The GRE is also frequently offered at various test centers throughout the world during many different time slots. But with all these choices, we understand that it can be overwhelming to select the best GRE test date.
The short answer: there is no fixed GRE test-date calendar. The GRE General Test is offered year-round, both at test centers (often multiple dates per week) and at home (time slots available nearly 24/7). So the real question isn’t “when is the GRE offered?” It’s “when should you take it?” As a rule of thumb, register 3-4 months ahead for a test center, and at least a few weeks ahead for at-home testing.
One more thing before we dig in: if you plan to test at home, ETS added two new requirements in 2026 (a second camera and advance ID verification). Many older guides don’t mention them, so we cover both in detail in this section below .
Never fear, we’ve put together the ultimate guide to choosing the right GRE test date for you!
Before choosing your GRE exam date, it’s important to understand your GRE testing options. You can either take the exam at home or at a test center.
Most importantly, no matter where you take it, the GRE test is exactly the same. Either way, you’ll see the same test content, in the same computer-based format. (Note: There is no longer a paper-based GRE option ). Even the cost is the same. So, this choice is all about your personal preferences.
The main benefit of taking the GRE at home is convenience. You don’t have to commute anywhere, and you’ll be in a familiar environment. If that’s helpful or important to you, then this is the way to go. However, do make sure that both your equipment and environment meet all the requirements , including the new-for-2026 requirements covered below.
On the other hand, you might prefer a test center’s controlled setting. This is best if your home internet connection could be unstable or if you’re worried that your neighbor might decide that your test day is the best day to start a new rock band. Just remember to budget extra time both for traveling and for arriving early to the test center. And don’t forget to bring your ID !
The great news here is that test dates and times for taking the GRE at home are available pretty much 24/7 . Though you can’t sign up at the last minute, you’ll likely be able to register for a time of your choosing for the day after next. There are times available in the early morning all the way up to after midnight.
With that said, we recommend signing up sooner than just a day or two ahead of time. This way, you’re guaranteed a spot at your most ideal time. If you register a couple to a few weeks ahead of time, you’ll have your pick of almost any time slot. And if you do book on short notice, you’ll need to complete ETS’s new identity verification right after you schedule (details in the next section).
Note that if you’re taking the GRE at Home in Mainland China, please see this link for additional information and procedures . Additionally, depending on which country you live in, you’ll want to create an account at ETS (the makers of the GRE) to confirm that at-home testing is available in your area.
ETS introduced two new requirements for at-home GRE testing in 2026. Both are easy to handle, but they can derail your test day if they catch you by surprise. (You may find guides that skip these requirements entirely. They’re new as of January and March 2026.)
1. You need a second camera (as of January 5, 2026). In addition to your computer’s webcam, you’ll need a fully charged smartphone or tablet (iOS 12 or later, or Android 8 or later) with a working camera. It gives the proctor a second view of your desk and workspace. When you start the test on your computer, a QR code appears on screen. Scan it with your phone or tablet, and allow both camera and microphone access. Place the device on a stable stand where it can see your work area. If the second camera disconnects during the test, don’t panic: the proctor will pause your exam and walk you through rescanning the QR code to reconnect.
2. You must verify your identity in advance (for tests booked on or after March 31, 2026). ETS now uses an identity-verification app called IDVaaS. Complete the verification at least 72 hours before your test time. You’ll scan a QR code from your confirmation email or ETS account, photograph your government-issued ID, and complete a quick face scan. If you register less than 72 hours before your test, do the verification immediately after you schedule. Late verification can delay your check-in on test day.
To get verification right on the first try: use good lighting, face the camera straight on, and make sure the name on your ETS account exactly matches the name on your ID.
Pro tip: ETS’s Equipment Check measures your internet bandwidth, which changes throughout the day with network usage. Run the check on the same day of the week and at the same time of day as your actual test appointment, so you’re testing the conditions you’ll really face.
There are ETS-approved test centers all over the world. However, you may find your choices to be quite limited. If you live in a major city or near a university, there’s a higher chance of a test center being nearby. But it’s highly variable. You’ll need to search on the ETS website to see what your closest options are .
When taking the GRE at a test center, it’s essential to search well ahead of your desired test date. You may find that the “closest” option isn’t close at all (50+ miles away!). Likewise, available test dates are highly dependent upon your location. Some test centers offer the GRE almost daily, particularly in the summer. Others may only be open on Saturdays or sporadically throughout a given month.
You can generally find a test center with an open slot at least one month in advanced. But we highly recommend that you schedule your test date 3 or even 4 months in advance to ensure that you get a location and date that’s right for you. Because your options at test centers are more limited, this is not something you want left to chance!
Also, note that in some countries (China and Korea, for example), test centers offer the GRE on a more limited schedule.
As a general rule, if you’re testing at a test center, you’ll want to register at least three to four months ahead . This is the best way to secure your preferred test center, date, and time. (Six months is even better if you’re aiming for a popular time.) If you’re testing from home, you have more flexibility—you can even take it ASAP if you need to!
Not sure whether you’re ready? Take a free GRE practice test to get a baseline score before you lock in a date. The gap between your baseline and your goal score will tell you roughly how many weeks of prep you need.
For fall 2027 admission, application deadlines typically land between December 2026 and February 2027. That makes the summer and early fall of 2026 a great time to both prep for and take the GRE. You’ll have a ton of flexibility and enough time for 3 months of prep. And if you can start studying in the spring, then you have even more time to prepare.
For spring 2027 admission, deadlines often fall between August and December 2026. Aim to take the GRE by the middle of 2026 if you can. That allows you a good amount of time to prep and (most likely) time for at least one retake before your programs’ deadlines.
Now that you have a sense of when the GRE will be offered in 2026 and beyond, let’s take a closer, step-by-step look at how to register for the GRE. Registration steps will vary based on which form of the test you’re taking.
If you opt to take the GRE at home, the registration process is pretty straightforward.
Now that you know which GRE exam dates are available and how to register for the GRE, keep in mind these additional factors.
Taking the GRE can be pricey! As of mid-2026, the GRE General Test costs $220 in most of the world ($231.30 in Mainland China). If money is tight, it’s worth checking whether you qualify for ETS’s Fee Reduction Program, which cuts the test fee to $100 and includes a bundle of free official prep materials. It’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the full cost of taking the GRE as you prepare to choose your testing date.
No. Though the GRE used to be delivered in a paper format in the past, that’s no longer the case. Nowadays, you can only take the GRE on a computer, whether you take it at home or at a test center. (Curious what that looks like? Here’s how long the GRE is and how the current format works .)
Yes, you can reschedule your GRE test date to another time. You’ll pay a rescheduling fee of $55 ($53.90 in Mainland China), and you’ll need to reschedule no later than four days before your test date to avoid forfeiting your entire test fee. For example, the deadline to reschedule a Saturday test is the Tuesday before. (Note: If you’re in Mainland China, the requirement is at least 10 days.) It’s easiest to reschedule directly through your ETS account. See the GRE Information Bulletin for alternative options and more information on how to change your test date.
Yes, you can cancel the GRE exam that you’ve registered for, but you’ll likely only get a partial refund at best. To receive back half the fee that you paid, you’ll need to cancel no later than four days before your test date. (Note: If you’re in Mainland China, the requirement is at least 10 days. Test takers in Korea and India have their own refund policies.) For ETS’s refund policy as well as specific details based on your location, see the GRE Information Bulletin .
Happy studying and good luck!
Rachel has helped students around the world prepare for various standardized tests, including the SAT, ACT, TOEFL, GRE, and GMAT, and she is one of the authors of our Magoosh ACT Prep Book . Rachel has a Bachelor of Arts in Comparative Literature from Brown University, an MA in Cinematography from the Université de Paris VII, and a Ph.D. in Film Studies from University College London.