The GMAC has unveiled the GMAT Focus Edition, a revamped version of the GMAT exam that promises increased efficiency, flexibility, and enhanced insights to aid candidates in reaching their professional aspirations. The new exam is scheduled to debut in Q4 2023, although the exact launch date has yet to be determined.
The GMAT Focus Edition is a shorter version of the current GMAT exam, with a total test time of 2 hours and 15 minutes compared to 3 hours and 7 minutes in the current version. The new exam consists of three 45-minute sections, including Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Data Insights. The exam is built to be more flexible, allowing test-takers to choose the order in which they take the sections, with one optional 10-minute break if needed.
In partnership with top business schools worldwide, the GMAT Focus Edition has undergone a revamp to better align with the evolving needs of candidates and the modern workplace. The assessment now includes a newly calibrated digital and data literacy dimension, which is a highly sought-after skill in the business world. Furthermore, the exam offers enhanced insights into the strengths and weaknesses of test-takers, enabling them to concentrate their preparation efforts more effectively and attain their career goals.
Table of Contents
Exam Structure
The GMAT Focus Edition is a condensed version of the GMAT assessment, evaluating the essential competencies necessary for success in a graduate management curriculum. The exam is composed of three sections: Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Data Insights. Test-takers are given a total of 2 hours and 15 minutes to complete the exam, with each section allotted 45 minutes.
Section 1: Quantitative Reasoning
This section evaluates the problem-solving abilities of candidates. It comprises 21 questions, and test-takers are given 45 minutes to complete it. Problem Solving questions necessitate that test-takers solve mathematical problems and deduce the correct answer. These questions may involve arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis. To succeed in this section, candidates must possess a strong foundation in mathematical concepts and be adept at applying them to solve complex problems. Additionally, time management skills are crucial as they must complete the section within the allotted time frame.
Section 2: Verbal Reasoning
This section evaluates the critical reasoning and reading comprehension proficiencies of candidates. It comprises 23 questions, and test-takers are given 45 minutes to complete it. The section encompasses two question types: Reading Comprehension and Critical Reasoning. Reading Comprehension questions necessitate that test-takers read a passage and respond to questions about it. These questions assess their ability to comprehend the main ideas, draw inferences, and identify the author’s tone and purpose. Critical Reasoning questions require test-takers to evaluate arguments and draw conclusions. These questions assess their ability to analyze and evaluate arguments, identify assumptions, and detect logical fallacies. To excel in this section, candidates must possess strong analytical and critical thinking skills and be able to comprehend complex written materials efficiently.
Section 3: Data Insights
This section is expected to be similar to the current Integrated Reasoning section, but it will now contribute equally to the GMAT Total Score, along with the Quantitative and Verbal Reasoning sections. The Data Insights section will include 20 questions, consisting of Integrated Reasoning and Data Sufficiency questions, and will have a time limit of 45 minutes. This new section reflects the growing importance of digital and data literacy skills in today’s business environment and aims to help candidates demonstrate their proficiency in these areas to potential employers.
The GMAT Focus Edition uses adaptive testing, which means that the difficulty level of the questions presented to the test-taker adjusts based on their performance. The exam is delivered on a computer, either at a testing center or online, and test-takers receive their scores immediately after completing the exam.
Exam security is a top priority for the GMAT exam. Test-takers are required to show identification and have their photo taken before beginning the exam. The exam is proctored, and test-takers are monitored throughout the exam to ensure that they are not using any prohibited materials or engaging in any other form of cheating.
New Exam Features
Question Review and Edit
Test-takers are permitted to bookmark any number of questions during the exam, and if time permits, they can review all of these questions at the end and modify up to three answers per section.
Select Section Order
Test-takers now have the flexibility to choose the order in which they want to take the three sections of the GMAT Focus Edition. The new format allows candidates to select the order that best suits their strengths and preferences. This feature is expected to reduce test anxiety and help candidates perform to the best of their abilities.
- Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, Data Insights
- Quantitative Reasoning, Data Insights, Verbal Reasoning
- Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, Data Insights
- Verbal Reasoning, Data Insights, Quantitative Reasoning
- Data Insights, Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning
- Data Insights, Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning
Improved Score Report
Going forward, every GMAT Focus Edition exam will come with a complimentary score report that includes graphs and statistics detailing the test-taker’s performance in each section and question type, as well as their time management skills.
Easier Score Sending
Test-takers can now select up to five programs to send their scores to after receiving them, whether they took the exam at a test center or online. Each Official Score report will contain only one exam score. This is a significant improvement over the previous system, where candidates had to select their target schools before taking the exam and were charged a fee for sending scores to additional institutions. The new system allows for more flexibility and cost-effectiveness in the application process.
Conclusion
The GMAT Focus Edition introduces exciting changes to the exam format. However, it is advisable for test-takers to concentrate on preparing for the current version of the GMAT until the new version is launched in Q4 2023.
