The GMAT is used globally by 1,900 graduate schools during the admissions process, according to the GMAT website.
The GMAT has three testing sections that measure a student's mathematical skills, verbal skills and analytical writing ability.
The testing center gives students 3 1/2 hours to complete the GMAT. The GMAT website warns that students who do not answer all the test questions will incur a scoring penalty.
The testing cost for the GMAT was $250 as of February 2010. This fee does not include fees for study guides, prep courses or individual tutoring prior to the test.
GMAT scores remain valid for five years, so students should apply to a graduate management program within the five-year period to avoid having to take the test again.