Check Out Documents Required for GRE Exam

When planning to take any standardized examination, like the GRE (Graduate Record Examination), an applicant must pay due focus on the registration process along with the exam preparation. ETS (Educational Testing Service), the organization administering the GRE, has published a list of documents required for GRE registration. Let us find out all about the acceptable and unacceptable documents for the GRE.

The ETS ensures strict checks for photo ID requirements to prevent cheating and dishonesty among test takers. The photo ID requirement discourages students from paying others to take the GRE on their behalf. Would-be test takers hiring someone to take their exams is a nuisance for any standardized test, so the ETS has mandated a photo ID as one of the essential documents required for the GRE. 

Documents Accepted for GRE Registration

Let us first address the question- which documents are needed to take the GRE exam? When appearing for the GRE exam, you must have:

• A valid ID for identification
• GRE Admission Ticket
• Non-English Identification Requirements (for abroad test takers)
• Name Change Documentation (if applicable)
• Valid Supplementary ID

The required documents for GRE exam must meet all of the following conditions, with a few exceptions, to be accepted. Each ID document must:

• Be an original document as photocopied documents are not allowed.
• Be a physical ID as documents cannot be presented on a mobile phone or other electronic device.
• Be valid; national/state/provincial identity card should be issued by the country's government where the applicant is a citizen or hold permanent residency. Documents with expired dates are not acceptable.
• Bear the candidate's first and last name exactly (excluding accents) as it was when they registered for the test. 
• Include a recent photograph.
• Include the candidate's signature (the name and signature on the ID document must match). 

ID Requirements for Students Appearing for GRE Exam in India

All documents required for the GRE exam must include the candidate's name, photograph, and signature. 

Important Pointers: 

• Accepted ID if a candidate is testing in the US and isn't a US citizen:

If you aren't a US citizen but wish to take the GRE in the country, you must bring your current passport, showing your name, photo, and signature. 

Diplomatic or embassy IDs are not accepted in place of a passport. You must also produce at least one Supplemental ID document if your passport is not in the English-language. 

• Accepted ID if a candidate is testing in the US and is a US citizen:

Passports, driver's license (including provisional licenses), state IDs, and military IDs are valid in this situation.

Important Resources to Read About GRE:

Documents Not Accepted as ID Proof for GRE Registration

You must also remember that several documents are unacceptable for the GRE. When taking the GRE, the following documents are considered invalid, and you cannot use them as identity proofs for your ID. 

• An expired identity card (unless the government has issued an extension letter). 
• Photocopy of identity proof.
• A photo of candidates' identification that they show on their phone or other smart devices.
• Any ID that does not match candidates' first and last names entered when they registered for the exam (excluding accents).
• International driver's license.
• Draft classification card.
• International student identification.
• A credit or debit card.
• Letter or document prepared by a notary.
• Certificate of Birth.
• Social security card.
• Employee identification card. 
• Temporary identification (excluding renewals of a driver's license, residence card, or employment authorization card).
• An identification card from a diplomatic mission, consulate, or embassy. 
• Any document that a government agency does not accept. 

What are GRE Supplemental IDs

If an applicant does not have the above-mentioned identity proofs, they may take the GRE using a supplemental ID and an acceptable additional document. 

Acceptable Supplemental IDs

As supplement identification, the following documents are accepted:

• Primary ID Documents (government-issued ID cards). 
• Student identification card. 
• A letter from the candidate's educational institution confirming their identity.

The letter must be on the official letterhead of the educational institution you attended and must have your date of birth and the date of issuance, in addition to meeting all of the documents required for the GRE exam.

Know More:

What If Candidate Cannot Meet ID Requirement for GRE

You must inform the ETS Office of Testing Integrity (OTI) at least seven days before enrolling in the test if you are given political asylum, have refugee status, or are otherwise unable to meet the identification requirements. Before you register, you must first get approval from OTI. Before receiving approval, you should be ready to provide any additional documents to OTI for review. You will not get a refund on your test fees if you do not inform OTI before registering, and as a result, you will not be permitted to take the test, or your test scores will be withheld.

Disability Documentation

• Diagnosis typed or printed on the letterhead. It must also be signed by an evaluator whose license and area of specialization information are provided. 
• The diagnosed disability must be clearly stated in the documentation on file for the applicant. 
• The functional limitations resulting from the disability must be categorically stated. 
• The disability documents must be current: 

1. Last five years for learning disabilities (LD), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), or intellectual disability (ID).
2. Last 12 months for psychiatric disabilities and brain injuries.

• The requirement does not apply to disabilities that are permanent in nature. 
• Add educational, developmental, and medical history relevant to the disability. 
• Include a list of test instruments that were used in the evaluation report and relevant subtest scores used to document the stated disability. 
• Discuss in detail the accommodations requested.
• Support the requested testing accommodation(s).

Accommodations for Candidates with Disabilities

Here are the documents required for GRE exam for a candidate with a disability:

• In tests, they are offered a 50%-time extension.
• They are allowed an unlimited time to furnish any additional document.
• The time allotted for testing does not include the breaks. 
• They are given an Ergonomic keyboard, an Intel keyboard, a touchpad, screen magnification, selectable background, foreground colors, and a trackball in the GRE General Test.
• If necessary, they are also given to a reader or scribe.
• They are also given support with spoken directions.
• If they require a Braille slate or a Perkins brailler, they will be provided.
• Differently-abled candidates are given alternate test formats if the standard test format is not understandable to them.

A master's degree from a reputed university abroad is an asset that helps you realize your career goals. A great GRE score is the first step to enrolling in a renowned global university. Now that you have an in-depth understanding of the documents required and accepted for GRE, get to the preparation stage now.

Read More: