Taking the GMAT in Los Angeles

Table of Contents:

1. Who administers the GMAT test?
2. What does the test center look like?
3. Where are the test centers located?
4. Test center holidays
5. Top MBA programs in the area
6. Tips
7. Test Day FAQs

About ¾ of the way through your extensive GMAT prep you should begin to start planning your test day, including scheduling the test, preparing your trip to the test center, and even pre-visiting the test center so that you know exactly where it is. This guide is here to offer you all the required information related to taking the GMAT in Los Angeles.

Who Administers The GMAT in Los Angeles: 

Pearson Professional Centers – administers the GMAT and EA exams on behalf of the GMAC. To find out more about the Pearson Professional test centers visit https://www.pearson.com/us/.

What Does The Test Center Look Like?

A Pearson Professional Center will include individual testing areas for each test taker with a separation screen between each test-taker.

Where are the Test Centers in Los Angeles?

These are the test centers in Los Angeles where test-takers had the best experience:

Pearson Professional Centers-Pasadena (LA) CA

70 S. Lake Avenue Suite 840 Union Bank Building Pasadena, California 91101 United States Phone: +1 626-397-2815

By car:

From Central LA (24 minutes):

• Get on US-101 S from S Wilton Pl and Melrose Ave
• Take CA-110 N/Arroyo Seco Pkwy to E Glenarm St in Pasadena
• Take S Los Robles Ave and Cordova St to S Lake Ave

Test-takers’ review: This test center was rated 5.0 by Google reviewers. They mentioned that the staff was extremely helpful and professional and the test center was highly monitored.

Alternative Options Outside the City: If you would like to get away from the hustle of the city for your exam or if test centers within the city do not have any openings, there are two other options for you in either Ontario or Lake Forest:

Pearson Professional Centers-Ontario (LA) CA

3401 Centrelake Drive Suite 675 Centrelake Plaza Ontario, California 91761 United States Phone: +1 909-937-3223

By car:

From Central LA (46 minutes):

• Get on US-101 S from S Wilton Pl and Melrose Ave
• Take I-10 E to N Haven Ave in Ontario. Take exit 56 from I-10 E
• Continue on N Haven Ave to your destination

Test-takers’ review: This test center was rated 4.6 by Google reviewers. They mentioned that the staff was courteous, helpful, and professional. The facility was clean and there is free parking.

Pearson Professional Centers-Lake Forest (LA) CA

23792 Rockfield Blvd. Suite 200 Lake Forest, California 92630 United States Phone: +1 949-206-0344

By car:

From Central LA (49 minutes):

• Get on US-101 S from S Wilton Pl and Melrose Ave
• Take I-5 S to Lake Forest Dr in Orange County. Take exit 92 from I-5 S
• Follow Lake Forest Dr and Rockfield Blvd to your destination in Lake Forest

Test-takers’ review: This test center was rated 4.5 by Google reviewers. The reviewers mentioned that the staff was professional and helpful, and the facility was easy-to-find and quiet.

Test Center Holidays: 

The most popular times for GMAT preparation and test-taking are during the holiday seasons. Be mindful of dates that you will not be able to take the GMAT or EA at any of the test centers mentioned above. Pearson test centers are closed during the following dates:

• 1 Jan – New Year’s Day 
• 2 Apr – Good Friday   
• 5 Apr – Easter Monday 
• 3 May – May Day 
• 31 May – Late May Bank Holiday   
• 30 Aug – August Bank Holiday
• 25 Dec – Christmas Day
• 26 Dec – Boxing Day 
• 27 Dec – Christmas Holiday
• 28 Dec – Boxing Day Holiday

Top MBA Programs In Los Angeles

• UCLA University of California, Los Angeles – Anderson School of Management
• University of Southern California (USC) – Marshall School of Business
• California State University, Long Beach (CSULB)

Tips:

• During the test there will not be complete silence – you will be able to hear noise from other test takers so it is best to prepare for this by studying for the exam in similar scenarios. This can prepare you for any distractions (such as coughing, sneezing, or computer clicking sounds) that might occur while taking your exam.  
• Try to spend some time actually prepping in the lobby of the test center weeks/days in advance of your exam date. Since the place will be familiar to you come test day this can help curb test anxiety should you have any.

Test Day FAQs

Here are the top 5 questions that clients ask us about exam day information:

• Are you allowed to listen to music while taking the GMAT exam?

You are not allowed to listen to music while taking the GMAT exam and you are not allowed to wear earphones as well. 

• What should I do if I fall sick on the exam day?

If you do not feel well come exam day you will have to make the decision as to whether or not you can take the test and perform at your best. Most people will not be able to do this so it will be best to cancel it. If you do so on the day of the exam you will incur a loss of your full $250 exam fee. If you cancel the exam 7 days in advance you will be charged a penalty of $50. If it is the first time that you will sit the exam and you are up for sitting through a 4 hour test, this may be a good opportunity to experience the test as you have the ability to cancel the score right afterwards if you are unhappy with it. Ultimately, it is best to take the GMAT when you are feeling your best as this will result in your optimum test performance. 

• What can I bring with me to the test center?

You are allowed in the test center with the following:

• GMAT approved identification
• Appointment confirmation letter or email you received from Pearson VUE
• Prescription eyeglasses
• Light sweater or light non-outerwear jacket
• Comfort items only if they were pre-approved as an accommodation received in advance

Any additional personal belongings that you bring with you such as your cell phone, bag, snacks, and earphones will need to be stored in one of the provided lockers. You may eat your snack during the breaks. Any cell phone use throughout the test time (including breaks) is prohibited.  The test center will provide you with everything that you need in order to take the test including scratch paper and a pencil. 

• Should I wear a mask during the exam?

At the test centers above they strongly recommend that you wear a face mask or some type of face-covering in the test center and for the duration of your test to protect yourself and others. Test centers do not provide face masks for candidates.  Please note that if you have any flu-like symptoms upon arrival at the test center, you may be requested to reschedule your exam for another time when you are in full health.

• What can I expect at the test center?

A usual test center is typically quite small. Once you arrive you will have to provide the administrator with the relevant documents and while these are being processed you will be asked to wait in the waiting area. In this area, you can still access all your personal belongings up until you are called into the testing room.  Once in the room, you will be allocated an individual exam station where you will find a computer. 

Find more FAQs: HERE

For any questions or comments please reach out to us at www.apexgmat.com. To speak to an Apex instructor about your GMAT prep, schedule a call HERE.