GRE Score Validity

The GRE Score Validity is five (5) years from the test date. It is applicable for the General and Subject-wise tests. Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) is a standardized test for students to check their technical skill level. The GRE exam is conducted by the Educational Testing Service (ETS). Countries like the US, Canada, etc.,accept the GRE scores as one of the eligibility criteria for university admission. If the GRE score validity expires, the score cannot be used for the admission process. 

Different countries across the globe host GRE tests and accept GRE scores from international students. Similarly, students gain opportunities to study master’s and specialised master’s programs in the top universities through GRE scores. To know more about GRE scores validity, read through this blog as it covers information like the extension period, expiry, maximum validity for different tests, etc.

Table of Contents

1. GRE Score Validity
2. How long is a GRE score valid?
3. How long does it take to get your GRE score?
4. How long are my GRE scores valid and reportable?
5. What are the types of GRE tests and their score validity?
6. How long is the GRE General Test score valid?
7. How long is the GRE Subject Tests score valid?
8. GRE Score Validity 2023
9. Why is there validity for GRE scores?
10. GRE Score Validity Rules
11. GRE Score Validity Resources
12. Is there any difference between the score validity of the GRE test for the paper-based test and the computer-delivered test?
13. Country-wise GRE score validity
14. GRE Score Validity for Canada
15. GRE Score Validity for the UK
16. GRE Score Validity for Australia
17. GRE Score Validity for the USA
18. GRE Score Validity for Germany
19. GRE Score Validity Extension
20. GRE score validity for UG & PG students?
21. GRE Retake Score Validity
22. GRE Individual Section Validity
23. How to prepare for the GRE?
24. Can the GRE score validity period vary?
25. Conclusion

How long is a GRE score valid?

A GRE score is valid five (5) years from your test’s date. For example: If you write the GRE test on 1 April 2023, its score is valid up to 31 March 2028. After that, the certificate validity period will become invalid. Though test results come within 10 – 15 days, it is not taken for validity. This GRE score validity is the same for the USA, Canada, the UK, etc., not just India.

This 5 year validity period of GRE score applies to both GRE General and GRE Subject-wise tests.

How long does it take to get your GRE score?

For the GRE General test, it normally takes 10 - 15 days after your exam to get your GRE score. Whereas, for the GRE Subject test, it takes exactly five weeks from the date of exam. The test scores will be available on your ETS account, and also sent to your email.

How long are my GRE scores valid and reportable?

The GRE scores are valid and reportable for five years from your test date. After five years, it automatically becomes invalid and no longer reportable. You need to write the GRE exam again to send your scores.

What are the types of GRE tests and their score validity?

Graduate Records Examinations (GRE) consist of 2 types. They are the GRE General Test and GRE Subject Tests, as briefly explained below. For both types, the score validity is five years.

GRE General Test - The GRE General Test is to assess your ability to analyse complex written text, solve math problems, etc. It contains quantitative reasoning, verbal reasoning, and analytical writing. Students take this test to get admission into graduate programs. 

GRE Subject Tests - The GRE Subject Test aims to assess your knowledge in a particular subject or field of study. There are four subjects included in the test as follows:

1. Chemistry
2. Mathematics
3. Physics
4. Psychology

Some graduate schools recommend students for any one of the GRE Subject Tests to prove that they have extensive knowledge in that subject.

How long is the GRE General Test score valid? 

The GRE General Test score is valid for five years from the date of the test. For admission to a good graduate school, send your GRE score card within 5 years. After 5 years, your GRE score validity expires automatically and no longer exists in your ETS account. If you wish to improve your GRE scores, you can also retake the GRE test.

How long is the GRE Subject Tests score valid? 

The GRE Subject Tests' score validity is approximately five years from the test-taken date. It applies to all subjects, including Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics, and Psychology. Here, you cannot send your scores immediately because it comes to you only after five weeks from your test date.

GRE Score Validity 2023

GRE score validity for 2023 is five years i.e it is valid upto 2028. There are no changes made by the ETS regarding the GRE score validity. Despite the Covid-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdowns, no amendments came with regard to the GRE score validity. The 2023 GRE exam contains the same three sections: analytical writing assessment (AWA), quantitative reasoning, and verbal reasoning, and the same validity period.

Why is there validity for GRE scores?

There is a validity period for GRE scores because the knowledge and skill set you attained now for GRE will not be the same after five years. Since your competency level changes over the years, ETS takes that into account and gives a maximum of five years of your GRE score validity. In between if you think you can give a better performance, you can retake the GRE exam at any time.

GRE Score Validity Rules

Before taking the GRE test, certain GRE score validity rules are available as follows. It helps you plan and strategize your preparation well in advance.

• Know Your Exam: Since ETS conducts two types of GRE - GRE General Test and GRE Subject Tests, you must know which test score is required for your graduate school.
• Plan the Exam Date: Once the exam is fixed, you need to plan the exam date prior to the admission date. If you’re planning for two master’s degrees using the same GRE score, choose the exam date that best suits you.
• GRE Score Validity: Since the GRE score is valid for five years, you can send it to the concerned university at the earliest. If you want to start your second master's program immediately after the first one, your GRE scores will be valid and serve your purpose.
• GRE for College Admission: Since no age limit set by ETS, many students take the GRE exam during their final year of bachelor’s degree and apply for a master’s degree as soon as their desired college admission opens. If this works for you, please do it!

GRE Score Validity Resources

GRE is a test conducted by ETS worldwide. To ensure fairness and validity, ETS uses GRE score validity resources. In the process of ensuring fairness, they deployed a dedicated research and development team to conduct surveys, data collection, and analysis, followed by many studies. It also helps them measure and evaluate the GRE scores.

Is there any difference between the score validity of the GRE test for the paper-based test andthe computer-delivered test?

With regard to the GRE score validity, there is no difference between the paper-based test and the computer-delivered test. Whether you take a paper-based test or a computer-delivered test, your GRE scores will be valid for 5 years. Students often choose computer-delivered tests rather than paper-based tests as it requires only a speaker, microphone, and a camera.

Country-wise GRE score validity

GRE is a well-known graduate admission exam, accepted by many countries, including the US, UK, Canada, Germany, and more. Since each country is unique, we will see the GRE score validity for each of them separately.

GRE Score Validity for Canada

Canada is one of the favourite study destinations for master’s degrees. Here, the GRE score validity is five years, and international students are advised to send their scores way before the application deadlines.

GRE Score Validity for the UK

The GRE score validity for the UK is five years and no changes have been made until now. Students who want to study MBA or any specialised master’s degree in the UK, must note that they submit their GRE scores within 5 years.

GRE Score Validity for Australia

Students taking the GRE test to study MS in Australia must keep in mind that the GRE score validity for Australia is five years. Since the GRE scores are sent to the registered email ID in 10 - 15 days, students can send them as soon as the admissions open.

GRE Score Validity for the USA

For the USA, the GRE score validity is five years. For instance, if a student takes a GRE test on 1 February 2022, their score will be valid till 31 January 2027. If the GRE scores expire, they need to take the GRE exam one more time.

GRE Score Validity for Germany

Since Germany accepts GRE scores, students who want to study for a master's program in Germany must know that the GRE score validity is not more than five (5) years. To study in top graduate schools, always keep your GRE scores high and valid.

GRE Score Validity Extension

The GRE Test score validity is always five (5) years from the date of the test. ETS does not provide an option for GRE score validity extension under any circumstances.

GRE score validity for UG & PG students?

The GRE score validity for UG & PG students is five (5) years. For those who are new, the GRE is a standardised test for getting admission to a graduate school. Many UG students take this test to study for a master’s or a specialised master’s degree. Sometimes PG students also take this test to do another master’s degree in business or law school.

GRE Retake Score Validity

The GRE retake score is valid for 5 years from when the test was retaken. For example, if you retake the GRE on 1 January 2023, your GRE retake score validity is till 31 December 2028.

GRE Individual Section Validity

The GRE General Test consists of three different sections, namely, quantitative reasoning, verbal reasoning, and analytical writing. For each section, the scores obtained are valid for 5 years. There is no different validity period for each section of the test.

How to prepare for the GRE?

To prepare for the GRE test, first, you need to have a clear understanding of the exam, syllabus, pattern, skills tested, and necessary books and online resources. Above all, you need a mentor to make your preparation successful. For newbies and experienced GRE aspirants, Kanan International would be the best choice. We have not only the best tutors but also the best strategies. Ultimately, we push you to crack the GRE on your first attempt.

Can the GRE score validity period vary?

No. The GRE score validity period does not vary. Once you attempt the GRE test, whatever scores you take will be valid for five years from that test’s date. ETS does not vary your GRE score validity period. Whether it is a paper-based test or a computer-delivered test, a GRE General Test or a GRE Subject Test, your score will be valid for five (5) years.
  

Conclusion

We hope that you are now clear with the GRE score validity. The GRE test is conducted by ETS, providing a maximum validity period of five years without any extension. The score is 5 years valid for the General and the Subject tests. It does not vary irrespective of the test type, location, paper-based or computer-delivered.

FAQs

1)  Is online GRE valid for 5 years?

Yes. According to ETS, the GRE score obtained through an online test is valid for 5 years from the date of the test. 

2)  GRE scores are valid for how many years?

The GRE scores are valid for five (5) years straight. It applies to both the General and the Subject tests. For instance, if you take the GRE General test on 15 June 2020, your GRE scores will be valid till 14 June 2025.

3)  How to get a GRE score?

Once you take the GRE test, your official GRE score will be visible in your ETS account 10 - 15 days after your test date. The same score will be sent to your registered email ID. Apart from that, ETS will also send an official Institution Score Report to the institutions designated by you.

4)  Can I use my old GRE score?

Until your old GRE score is valid, you can use it as many times. If your old GRE score is 5 years old or more, it becomes invalid, and you cannot use it then.

5)  What information is sent to institutions?

ETS sends the following information to the institutions designated by you.

• Contact details (name, address, mobile number, email address).
• Your graduate major.
• GRE score selected by you in the Score Select option with the associated percentile rank.

You can see what a sample GRE Graduate Institution Score Report looks like.

6)  Do GRE scores disappear?

Yes. Once your GRE scores become five years old, it becomes invalid and disappears from your ETS account. 

7)  What are the things you need to know about your GRE score?

1. The GRE score validity is five (5) years.
2. The official score is adjusted based on the difficulty level of the questions.
3. Each section of the GRE test is evaluated and scored separately.

8)  How is the GRE score calculated?

For verbal reasoning and quantitative reasoning, scores are calculated based on the number of correct answers included in the operational sections of the score.  For analytical writing a human-rater and an e-rater evaluate and score the essays separately. If the human and the e-rater scores closely match, the average score is taken and used as the final score. If their scores do not match, a second human-rater is required to evaluate the essays again. Based on that, the average score is obtained. Please remember that the analytical writing section measures your critical thinking and analytical writing skills rather than the grammar and technical skills.

9)  How many days to get a GRE score card?

It is 10 - 15 days to get your GRE General test score. For the GRE Subject Test, you will get the score in exactly five weeks.