## Executive GMAC 2026 Policy Briefing

The Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) has rolled out several operational and procedural updates for the **GMAT Focus Edition** testing cycle. Whether planning an in-person test at a Pearson VUE center or testing at home via the Online proctored format, understanding these structural rules will ensure peak performance without administrative disruptions.

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### 1. Official Score Turnaround: Accelerated to 48–72 Hours

Official score reports are now routinely verified and dispatched to candidates within **48 to 72 business hours**, a substantial improvement from previous 7-business-day windows.

* **Free Score Sending:** You retain the right to send your scores to up to **5 MBA programs for free** within 48 hours of receiving your official score report.
* **Score Preview:** Unofficial scores are displayed on your computer terminal immediately upon concluding the 3 sections (Quant, Verbal, Data Insights).

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### 2. Test-Center Protocols: Physical Scratchpad Specifications

Pearson VUE centers have standardized physical testing aids across all global locations:
* **Laminated Scratch Booklet:** A 5-page double-sided, grid-lined dry-erase booklet (total 10 legal-size writing faces).
* **Fine-Point Markers:** Two ultra-fine felt markers are provided. Test both markers immediately before clicking "Begin Exam".
* **Booklet Replacement Rule:** You may request an additional scratchpad during the optional 10-minute break between sections, but you cannot carry two simultaneous booklets.

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### 3. Online Exam Regulations: Room Scans & Proctoring

For candidates sitting the GMAT Focus Online:
1. **360-Degree Environmental Scan:** The AI and human proctors require a continuous 360-degree pan of your physical testing perimeter, including the floor beneath your desk and the wall directly behind your monitors.
2. **Dual Whiteboard Option:** Candidates taking the online exam may use **both** the built-in digital on-screen whiteboard and one approved physical whiteboard (maximum dimensions 12 x 20 inches, completely plain white, double-sided erase).
3. **Connectivity Safety Net:** In the rare event of a momentary network blip, the test session preserves your exact question state and remaining timer.

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### 4. Strategic Recommendations for 2026 Applicants

* **Schedule at Least 21 Days Before Deadlines:** Maintain an operational buffer in case you elect to retake the exam (the mandatory cooling period between attempts is 16 calendar days).
* **Calibrate Section Order:** Take advantage of customizable section order. High-energy candidates frequently choose `Quant -> Data Insights -> Verbal`, while verbal-heavy scorers often choose `Verbal -> Quant -> Data Insights`.