The GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) is a standardized, English-language aptitude test required for many international MBA and graduate programs. In contrast to the TOEFL, the GMAT is not only a language test, but primarily a test to measure the participant’s analytical and logical abilities. The minimum score needed varies among universities.

The whole test takes about four hours and is performed on a computer featuring an English keyboard layout (QWERTY). A preliminary score is provided right after completing the GMAT, the final score after about three weeks. During registration, you can select five different universities to receive your score. If you want to add another university later on, a fee of $35 (about € 32) is charged per university. The test results are valid for up to five years.

Currently, the examination costs € 275. Several dates are available in Vienna per month. Further information and the sign-up page can be found at testing.oead.at. It is not possible to sign up for the GMAT at the Language Resource Center. Please note that a valid ID is required for the exam.

The examination is conducted by:

OeAD - International Testing Services
Ebendorferstraße 6/3/11
1010 Wien

+43 1 533 6 533
testing@oead.at

To register for the test, please use the official GMAT-website.

Since 2020 it is also possible to complete the test online. The prices for the online version are slightly higher (€ 300). You can also register for this test online.

It usually takes up to three months of studying to prepare for the GMAT. If your level is below “Matura” or B2, more time will be needed. In any case, four weeks of focused studying should be scheduled.

On the official GMAT website you can use the special preparation software GMAT Official Starter Kit + Practice Exams 1 & 2 for free.

When looking for official GMAT books, we suggest using the latest edition of the GMAT Official Guide.

Excellent materials are also provided by another publisher, Kaplan, which offers free internet-based tests. These tests are only offered at scheduled times and require prior registration.

Helpful hints and suggestions for the GMAT can be found at gmatclub.com.

Writing a logbook can help you to identify your individual strengths and weaknesses. By noting down the parts and questions you had the most trouble with, you can focus on those areas to study more efficiently.

Don’t forget to familiarize yourself with the procedure, terms, and individual parts of the exam. The books in the Language Resource Center provide useful insights into the GMAT. Specially designed software packages allow you to take a sample exam.

The questions are selected automatically and are timed. Selection and difficulty depend on how well you did on the previous questions, i.e. correct answers are followed by more difficult questions. If an answer is wrong, the next question will be selected to be easier, however, the achievable score is lower then, too. The score depends on the number of correct answers and on the questions’ difficulty.

If you are below the B2 level, we recommend considering a longer preparation time. You can polish up your skills by …

• Participating in the Tandem Program

• Reading news magazines and Business Spotlight. All magazines, newspapers, and periodicals for language learning are shelved in the lounge area.

• Concentrated reading of English-speaking business magazines, since the GMAT is based on a similar style and vocabulary. The Language Resource Center offers The Economist and Bloomberg Businessweek, both available in print and via tablets.

• Mobile language learning with Busuu. Everybody who enjoys learning languages online and autonomous should try our free offer to use the Busuu app. You will need to register for this service.




• Taking English courses at WU.

Other GMAT books: