Sokolov Executive MBA Standardized Test Requirements and Waiver

To ensure you can fully engage with our rigorous curriculum, we evaluate EMBA test requirements alongside your professional and academic background.

Chicago Booth emphasizes analytical thinking, intellectual curiosity, and active debate. Understanding your ability to succeed within Booth's classroom ensures that all students are set up for success and can meaningfully contribute to the learning experience.

Booth Executive MBA Exam Requirements and Waiver Options

Standardized tests help convey your ability to effectively manage the academic demands of a business school curriculum. Widely accepted by leading programs globally, results can signal that you are well-prepared to re-enter the classroom and handle the level of rigor you will encounter.

As part of demonstrating academic readiness, all applicants are asked to satisfy the testing requirement in one of three ways:

Automatic Test Waiver. Candidates who meet the criteria are automatically eligible to waive the entrance exam.

OR

Submit a test waiver review request. If you do not meet the automatic waiver criteria but can demonstrate strong quantitative ability through your academic and professional achievements, you may submit a test waiver review request, which will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. We encourage anyone who believes they may be eligible to submit a request.

OR

Submit a standardized test score. We accept Executive Assessment (EA), Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT), and Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores.

Please Note: If you are unsure whether you need to take a test, we encourage you to connect with Admissions to determine the best path forward.

Determine if You Qualify for an Automatic Test Waiver

You may automatically qualify for a GMAT/GRE/EA test waiver if you:

Obtained an undergraduate degree (or equivalent)

AND
Meet at least one of the following conditions:

You are a current student or graduate of the University of Chicago (any degree level, major, or program).
You earned a GPA of 3.4 or higher* in an undergraduate or master’s degree program with a degree in business, economics, or an approved STEM-related field from an accredited institution (see approved majors).
You hold a PhD, MD, or JD from an accredited institution.
You hold a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), or equivalent international credential (if this is the only eligibility condition met, you will be required to provide documentation verifying the credential).

* If your institution does not use a 4.0 grading scale or does not calculate a GPA, you may use a GPA conversion calculator to determine your equivalent GPA for test waiver eligibility. If your institution uses a grading scale other than a 4.0 scale, you will be asked to provide official documentation from your institution explaining its grading scale or conversion methodology. This applies to both U.S. and non-U.S. institutions, and if admitted, you will be required to submit official transcripts.

Executive MBA Test Waiver Review Request

Candidates who do not meet the automatic waiver criteria but can demonstrate strong quantitative and analytical ability through their academic and professional experience are welcome and encouraged to request a test waiver review.

Test waiver review requests are evaluated holistically by the Executive MBA Admissions Committee and draw on many of the same materials required in our application. Strong waiver requests will typically reflect a combination of the following:

Academic transcripts: Strong performance within a quantitative undergraduate or advanced degree (e.g., engineering, economics, finance, mathematics)
Resume/CV, professional experience, and certifications: Evidence of advanced quantitative skills in analytical or data-driven roles

All waiver decisions are communicated within five business days of submission. Requesting a waiver will not negatively impact your application. If your request is not approved, you will be asked to submit a standardized test score.

How to get a Test Waiver for the Booth Executive MBA

For the Automatic Test Waiver:

Start your EMBA application and select a desired application round
Navigate to the Test Waiver section
Follow the prompts to see if you qualify and upload any necessary verification documentation

For the Test Waiver Request:

Start your EMBA application and select a desired application round
Navigate to the Test Scores section
Complete and submit the Test Waiver Review Request Form (you do not need to submit an application before requesting a test waiver)

If you are unsure whether a test waiver may be appropriate for your background, we encourage you to reach out to Admissions.

We believe in common values around academic rigor and a collective willingness to thrive and succeed in this program. Test taking, studying, and working on assignments is an important part of the MBA program. Many of our students are seasoned professionals. We're essentially ensuring that all the students we admit have a classroom experience that has the level of dedication, inquiry, and debate that is associated with Chicago Booth.

— Haresh Sapra, Charles T. Horngren Professor of Accounting

Executive MBA Standardized Test Options

For candidates submitting scores, Chicago Booth accepts the following exam types:

Executive Assessment (EA)
Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT)
Graduate Record Examination (GRE)

All standardized test scores are valid for five years from the date you take the test.

While we accept multiple formats, the Executive Assessment is often the preferred choice for busy professionals. Developed by GMAC (Graduate Management Admission Council) in collaboration with Chicago Booth, the EA is designed specifically for the executive context.

Executive Assessment Exam Overview

The Executive Assessment is designed to evaluate higher-order reasoning skills in real-world business contexts. Before beginning your preparation, it can be helpful to understand the structure of the exam and why many Executive MBA candidates choose it.

The Executive Assessment offers:

Efficiency: Requires significantly less Executive Assessment preparation time than the GMAT or GRE, with many candidates preparing in as little as four weeks.
Flexibility: The exam can be taken either online or at a testing center, and appointments may be rescheduled free of charge up to 24 hours in advance.
Shorter Duration: The test includes 40 questions completed in 90 minutes and focuses on three sections: Integrated Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Quantitative Reasoning.

Preparing for the Executive Assessment Test

Because the EA is designed for experienced professionals, many candidates are able to prepare successfully with a focused study plan over a relatively short period of time.

Review Chicago Booth’s test waiver criteria or reach out to Booth Admissions to determine whether you may qualify for a standardized test waiver.
Develop a preparation timeline and schedule your exam date. Most candidates spend approximately 20–30 hours preparing for the Executive Assessment, though time depends on individual comfort level with math, reading comprehension, and standardized testing.
Keep your intended application deadline in mind, as in-person Executive Assessment scores are typically sent to Booth within 24 hours, while online exam scores may take a week or longer to arrive.
Work through sample questions to identify your strengths and determine which areas may require additional focus. GMAC offers a range of official preparation materials, including both free and paid resources available through the GMAC website.
Incorporate at least one or two full-length practice exams into your preparation so you can become comfortable with the timing and pacing of the test.
Before your exam, familiarize yourself with the requirements and expectations for either Testing at a Test Center or Testing Online, so you know what to expect on test day.