If you are planning on taking your Executive Assessment (EA), or have already taken it once, and need help understanding how your EA score is calculated and what that means for your admissions prospects, this article is for you.
Knowing how the exam is evaluated can direct your strategy and tactical problem approaches on the exam, help you allocate your time more efficiently, and deliver peace of mind that your approach is the optimal one. If you’re curious about how the Executive Assessment is scored keep on reading!
The Executive Assessment Exam: Back to the Basics
The Executive Assessment (EA) was announced by the GMAC (Graduate Management Admissions Council), in March 2016. The EA is designed to serve professionals who aim to enroll in Executive MBA programs, though some elite mainstream MBA programs (like Columbia Business School) accept the exam as well. The test can be completed in only 90 minutes and is marketed as a lighter version of the GMAT that gives added weight to skills working professionals and executives might have.
When compared to the GMAT, the EA is also pitched as having a shorter prep time. Both tests assess similar skills and are used for business school admissions, but the EA is specifically designed for experienced professionals and is shorter and more streamlined than the GMAT. With that said, at Apex, we find that the preparation windows are largely similar because the tests test the same underlying skills. The decision about whether the GMAT or EA is most appropriate, therefore, should never come down to which one is “easier”.
The EA is an assessment to evaluate a candidate’s readiness to enter a graduate business degree program, most often the EMBA. This means that the score received is not as strongly compared to other applicants but instead is used as a “floor” to ensure that candidates are capable of handling the work and courseload for programs to which they apply.
If you are a busy professional seeking an EMBA, you can signal your readiness to the admission officers with the EA, without the stress of preparing for the more competitive GMAT.
The 3 Sections of the EA Test
The EA is divided into three sections: Integrated Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Quantitative Reasoning.
Each section aims to test a different cluster of skills, contributing to the overall assessment of a candidate’s ability to handle the rigors of a Business Program. These skills include critical thinking, inductive and deductive reasoning, creative problem-solving, and higher-order, systemic reasoning.
There are a total of 40 questions to be completed in 90 minutes. Take a look at this table below to understand how these questions are distributed among the three sections:
| Sections | Number of Problems | Timing | Raw Score Range |
| Integrated Reasoning | 12 | 30 minutes | 0-20 |
| Verbal Reasoning | 14 | 30 minutes | 0-20 |
| Quantitative Reasoning | 14 | 30 minutes | 0-20 |
The Executive Assessment Scores
The Executive Assessment has an advertised total scoring range from 100 to 200, but it’s actual range is far smaller. With a minimum score of 126, and a maximum of 174, a score of 150 represents the average (roughly 50th percentile). The three sections that form the EA exam all contribute equally when it comes to the overall, aggregate score.
There is no benchmark score or a particular number that indicates a “passing” or “good” score when it comes to the EA. Instead, each program evaluates your EA score along with the other factors in a candidate’s application for admission. Of course, the higher your total EA score, the better – especially if you are considering a competitive EMBA program.
For most EMBA programs, their consideration of a “good’’ or “ideal” score would be one equal to 150 (the midpoint, but not the average score) or above, with more competitive programs requiring a 155 or greater (about the 80th percentile, or better than four out of five test takers).
The Executive Assessment Score Calculation
How the scores in each section contribute to your overall EA score is a closely guarded secret. While it can’t be confirmed, we do know that the EA rewards parity between the sections, and that consistency in performance across sections will lead to a stronger overall score than significant strengths in one section balanced by weakness in another.
What’s more, the sections signal different things to EMBA programs. EMBA admissions are often more curious about your ability to handle the quantitative aspect of their programs and rely on integrated reasoning to measure overall fitness and likelihood to thrive.
Executive Assessment Percentiles
Percentiles are normalized rankings that identify where you stand in comparison to the other EA test takers. Suppose that there were 100 people taking the Executive Assessment. Your percentile score will tell you how many people score less than you do. The higher your total score, the higher the percentile, and vice versa.
For example, if you scored 165 in total, that means you are in the 98th percentile. This means that, out of 100 test takers, there are 98 who scored worse than you, and one person who scored better. In other words, you are in the top 2% of all the test takers, a commanding position from an admissions standpoint. As a point of reference, every Apex instructor has scored in the top half of the top 1%, indicating mastery not only of the materials but a deep understanding of how the EA operates.
There are no published official percentiles or results analyses because the EA is designed primarily as a tool to gauge readiness. However, according to the data collected to date, a total EA score of 150 generally places you around the 64th percentile of the test-taking population.
EA Percentiles 2023
Here are some estimated percentiles for various Executive Assessment scores. One thing you’ll notice is that a small score change in the center of the distribution leads to a large percentile change, while at the tails the differentiations are more refined.
0th Percentile: 126-131
10th Percentile: 141
23rd Percentile: 145
40th Percentile: 148
64 Percentile: 150 (the midpoint score)
78th Percentile: 154
86th Percentile: 156
99th Percentile: 167-174
List of Schools Accepting Executive Assessment Scores
Schools in America
- Alberta School of Business
- Berkeley Haas School of Business
- Columbia Business School
- Duke Fuqua School of Business
- Zicklin School of Business – Baruch College
- Belmont University Massey Graduate School of Business
- Bentley University
- Boston University
- Tepper School of Business
- Weatherhead School of Management
- Chapman University’s Argyros College of Business and Economics
- Chicago Booth
- Leeds School of Business
- Concordia University
- The Consortium
- Cornell University Samuel Curtis Johnson Graduate School of Management
- Darden School of Business
- Duke University Fuqua School of Business
- Emory Goizueta Business School
- Fordham University Gabelli School of Business
- George Mason University School of Business
- Georgetown University McDonough School of Business
- Georgia Institute of Technology Scheller College of Business
- Hofstra University Frank G. Zarb School of Business
- Howard University School of Business
- Iowa State University Ivy College of Business
- University of Michigan Stephen M. Ross School of Business
- Michigan State University Broad College of Business
- New York University Leonard N. Stern School of Business
- Northwestern University Kellogg School of Management
- University of Notre Dame, Mendoza College of Business
- The Ohio State University Fisher College of Business
- University of Oklahoma Gene Rainbolt Graduate School of Business
- Oregon State University College of Business
- Rice University Jones Graduate School of Business
- Rutgers Business School
- Southern Methodist University Cox School of Business
Schools in Europe
- Amsterdam Business School
- Cambridge Judge Business School
- HEC Paris
- INSEAD
- Manchester
- Bayes Business School
- Saïd Business School
- London Business School
- IESE Business School
- IE Business School
- IMD Business School
- Rotterdam School of Management
- Frankfurt School of Finance & Management
Schools in Asia
- American University in Dubai
- Asia School of Business
- China European International Business School
- Great Lakes Institute of Management
- Chinese University of Hong Kong
- HKU Business School
- HKUST Business School
- Indian School of Business
- IIM Ahmedabad
- IIM Bangalore
- National University of Singapore (NUS) Business School
- Hitotsubashi University Business School
- Seoul National University (SNU) Business School
Score Higher on the Executive Assessment with Apex
In recent years, the EA has become the gold standard for mid to late career professionals who are seeking an EMBA or other executive level degree. It is designed for those who do not have the time or inclination to deal with the hassle that comes with preparing for the GMAT. A strong score is an indication of your ability to handle masters level business education.
Working with Apex, we will fully equip you with the skills required to excel on the Executive Assessment and take the next step in your career with confidence. Moreover, our aim as educators is to develop thinking skills that can be applied for years to come, both in your future degree programs, and in your professional life. Our proven track record of helping students achieve significant score improvements, and their reported sense of personal development and utilization of our tuition years after their work with us (see our testimonials)speaks to the effectiveness of our methods.
Looking for professional help to boost your EA performance? Book your 30 minute complimentary assessment session with one of our senior instructors right away!
Executive Assessment Score FAQ
How challenging is the Executive Assessment?
While EA is generally considered less difficult than the GMAT, it is still a challenging test that requires significant preparation. The difficulty of the EA can vary depending on your familiarity with the test format and your strengths in the areas it assesses.
At Apex, we offer customized EA test prep services to help you navigate these challenges effectively and achieve your best possible score.
What is a Good Executive Assessment score?
A good Executive Assessment score can vary depending on the specific requirements of the business schools you are applying to. However, a score of 150 or above is generally considered competitive for many regular EMBA programs. Top-tier business schools may look for scores in the range of 155 and above.
Is 155 a good Executive Assessment score?
Yes, a score of 155 on the Executive Assessment is considered good. It places you in a strong position for admission to top tier Executive MBA programs.
How difficult is it to get 155 on the Executive Assessment?
Scoring 155 on the Executive Assessment is achievable for most people with dedicated preparation and the right approach. With focused study and practice, particularly on the types of questions that appear on the EA, you can develop the skills needed to reach a score of 155 in a matter of eight to ten weeks.
At Apex, our expert tutors can help you create a personalized study plan and provide the guidance necessary to reach your target score.
How many times can you do the Executive Assessment?
The Executive Assessment (EA) allows you to take the test up to four times in your lifetime – two times at a Test Center and two times online. Your Executive Assessment attempts completed at a Test Center are counted independently of your Executive Assessment attempts taken online. You must wait at least 24 hours between Executive Assessment attempts.
Does Apex also assist with the applications and essays for Executive MBA programs?
Yes, our consultants can assist with the applications for top Executive MBA programs.