GMAT CAT Test Structure

The Random Nature of the GMAT CAT Test

By its very nature, the GMAT test contains an inherent element of randomness. It selects your questions from a large database based on whether you have correctly or incorrectly answered the previous questions in an effort to determine the degree of difficulty within which you will be most challenged.

It also relies on a complex algorithm to determine which type of question to ask next. As a result, you can count on seeing groups of questions randomly interspersed within each test section.

The Structure of the GMAT Test

Here is what you can expect to see when you take the test.

1. The Introductory Computer Tutorial (go through it at your own pace)
2. Analytical Writing Assessment (60 minutes)
   1. Analysis of an Argument (30 minutes)
   2. Analysis of an Issue (30 minutes)
3. Optional 5 Minute Break
4. Quantitative Section (75 minutes)
   1. Problem Solving (23 to 24 questions)
   2. Data Sufficiency (13 to 14 questions)
5. Optional 5 Minute Break
6. Verbal Section (75 minutes)
   1. Critical Reasoning (14 to 15 questions)
   2. Reading Comprehension (4 passages with 12 to 14 questions)
   3. Sentence Correction (14 to 15 questions)

The total maximum testing time for the GMAT is 3 hours and 20 minutes.

The two Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) analyses are presented in a random order to the test takers. Therefore, you will not know which analysis to expect first.

Similarly, you can expect the questions in the quantitative and verbal sections to show up in a random order. Fortunately, however, these questions tend to show up on the exams in short bunches and the reading comprehension questions in particular will appear together in bunches immediately following their passages.

Because the test makers claim the right to change the format at any time, we can not tell you with certainty the order in which the AWA, quantitative and verbal sections will appear. There is a very strong chance, based on the GMAT CAT's history that you will see the AWA first, followed by either the quantitative or verbal section.

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