Exam Date: August 17, 2025
The Executive Assessment (EA) is a graduate-level admissions test developed by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC), designed specifically for experienced professionals seeking admission to Executive MBA (EMBA) programs. It serves as a streamlined alternative to the GMAT, focusing on assessing skills relevant to executive-level decision-making.
Test Structure
The EA comprises three sections, each containing two modules, totaling 40 questions to be completed in 90 minutes
Integrated Reasoning (IR) – 12 questions (30 minutes)
Question Types: Multi-Source Reasoning, Graphics Interpretation, Two-Part Analysis, Table Analysis
Tools: On-screen calculator available
Verbal Reasoning (VR) – 14 questions (30 minutes)
Question Types: Reading Comprehension, Critical Reasoning, Sentence Correction
Quantitative Reasoning (QR) – 14 questions (30 minutes)
Question Types: Problem Solving, Data Sufficiency
Note: No calculator is provided for this section
Each section is section-adaptive, meaning the difficulty of the second module within each section adjusts based on your performance in the first module
Scoring
Section Scores: Each section is scored on a scale of 0–20.
• Total Score: The combined score is calculated by summing the section scores and adding 120. For example, scores of 12 in IR, 10 in VR, and 10 in QR yield a total score of 152.
• Score Range: The total score ranges from 100 to 200.
• A score of 150 is often considered competitive for top EMBA programs. For instance, the Wharton EMBA program reported a median EA score of 156 for its 2024 incoming class
• Test Design and Adaptivity
The EA is section-adaptive, but not question-adaptive. This means that the difficulty of the second module within each section is determined by your performance in the first module, rather than adjusting after each individual question. This design allows for a more efficient assessment while reducing test fatigue
Schools Accepting the EA
The EA is accepted by numerous top-tier EMBA programs, including:
• University of Pennsylvania – Wharton
• University of Chicago – Booth
• Columbia Business School
• University of California, Berkeley – Haas
• University of California, Los Angeles – Anderson
• For a comprehensive list of programs accepting the EA, visit the official GMAC website.
Registration and Testing Options
Registration: Register for the EA through the official GMAC website.
Testing Options: The EA is available both online and at designated test centers.
Retakes: Candidates are allowed to take the EA up to four times, with a minimum gap of 16 days between attempts.
Familiarize with Official Materials: Utilize official EA preparation resources available on the GMAC website.
• Practice Time Management: Since the EA is a timed test, practicing under timed conditions can help improve pacing.
• Focus on Core Concepts: Given the test's design, it's beneficial to strengthen foundational skills in reasoning and analysis.
February 2025
The Executive Assessment is a shorter, flexible admission test accepted by many Executive MBA (EMBA) and some part-time MBA programs. It is conducted by GMAC (Graduate Management Admission Council) — the same body that administers the GMAT.
It is intended for working professionals with significant experience (often 8+ years) applying to EMBA programs at top schools like:
• INSEAD
• Wharton
• London Business School
• Booth
• Columbia
• Kellogg