As you gear up for your testing day, it's imperative to familiarize yourself with the ins and outs of the test centers. This post is your guide to understanding the procedures at GRE and TOEFL exam centers.

GRE Exam Experience

Arrival and Preliminary Procedures:

• Aim to arrive 30 to 40 minutes ahead of your scheduled GRE time to account for extensive security measures.
• Present your ID proof (passport is valid proof for Indians) upon reaching the test center.
• Head to a designated room where you'll read and sign a confidentiality document, and receive a locker key for your items.
• Food items, beverages, and medicines can be kept on a table beside the locker, and can access these during your break.

Inside the Test Room:

• Only your passport and locker key are permitted inside the test room.
• Standard security checks are conducted, including inspections for concealed items.
• You'll be equipped with scratch papers and pencils for the quantitative, analytical, and verbal sections.
• Breaks are incorporated. You have a one-minute break after each section and a ten-minute interval after every three sections.

Post-Exam Procedures:

• Designate four universities to receive your scores for free.
• Analytical writing scores may take a week or more to be processed.

TOEFL Exam Experience

Security and Documentation:

• TOEFL follows a comparable security procedure to GRE, with similar documentation and locker usage.

Test Room Dynamics:

• The sequence inside the TOEFL test room differs, commencing with the reading section followed by the listening section.
• A ten-minute break allows for refreshing before the speaking section.
• Special emphasis is placed on the speaking section, with a multitude of students participating simultaneously.
• Proper setup of noise-canceling headphones and microphones is vital for clear communication.

Post-TOEFL Protocols:

• Following the speaking section, you move on to the writing section, concluding the TOEFL exam.
• Unlike the GRE, you must specify the universities for score submission a day before the exam.

Parting Thoughts

Comprehending the nuances of GRE and TOEFL test center procedures is crucial for a seamless testing experience. Strategize your arrival, manage breaks judiciously, and ensure all preparations are in place. Best of luck with your exams!

You can also check my YouTube video for more details: