GRE at Home 2026: Requirements, Second Camera, Room Rules and Test-Day Setup

GRE at home is a real GRE General Test option

ETS offers the GRE General Test at home where the test is normally available, based on the country associated with your ETS account. ETS says the at-home test is identical in content to the test-center version and is monitored by a human proctor. Appointments are offered around the clock, seven days a week where available.

Computer requirements

You need a desktop or laptop computer. Tablets, Chromebooks and mobile devices cannot be used as the primary test computer, and ETS says Microsoft Surface Pro devices are not permitted. Multiple monitors are not allowed. The computer must use a supported licensed operating system and Chrome.

The second-camera requirement

Current ETS instructions require a fully charged smartphone or tablet with a working camera to provide a second view of your testing area. During setup, you scan a QR code and position the device so the proctor can see your computer, keyboard, mouse, hands and side profile. Keep the device powered and connected during the test.

Identity verification

ETS requires identity verification before the at-home appointment. Do not wait until test day. If identity verification fails or cannot be completed in time, ETS warns that you may not be able to test as scheduled.

Room rules

You must be alone in a private room. Public spaces, glass-walled rooms and places where other people can see you are not allowed. Doors should be closed, and the proctor must be able to see the room and testing area. Food and drink are not allowed during the test.

What you may use for notes

Regular paper is not permitted for at-home note-taking. ETS allows one small erasable whiteboard or one sheet of paper inside a transparent sheet protector with an erasable marker. At the end, you must show the proctor that the notes have been erased.

Audio and camera setup

Use speakers and a microphone that are not part of a headset. Headsets and earphones are not allowed. Your webcam must be movable enough for a 360-degree room check. Before the appointment, close screen-sharing and remote-access software that could interfere with secure testing.

Is at-home GRE right for you?

Choose at home if your internet, equipment, identity documents and private room are reliable and the convenience matters to you. Choose a test center if your home internet is unstable, your room cannot meet privacy rules or you prefer to remove equipment risk from the equation.

Night-before checklist

1. Complete identity verification.
2. Run the current ETS equipment check.
3. Charge the computer and second-camera device.
4. Clear the desk and room.
5. Prepare acceptable erasable note materials.
6. Disable remote-access software.
7. Check ID requirements.
8. Plan to begin the check-in process early.

FAQ

Can I take the GRE at home on a Chromebook?

No. ETS says Chromebooks are not supported for the primary testing computer.

Do I need a second camera?

Yes. Current ETS instructions require a smartphone or tablet camera for a second view of the testing area.

Can I use normal paper for notes?

No. Use the permitted erasable options in ETS's current rules.

For date selection, see the GRE 2026 date-planning guide.