If you’re looking to apply to executive MBA programs, the Executive Assessment might be a highly effective entrance exam compared to other available options.
The Executive Assessment (EA) is a standardized test tailored for candidates seeking admission to Executive MBA programs.
While many graduate business schools require the GMAT or GRE, which evaluate your reasoning, quantitative, and analytical skills, the EA also measures these abilities but adds an extra dimension by considering your professional experience. By taking the EA, you might be able to bypass the GMAT or GRE requirements, provided that the business school and program you are applying to accept it and you meet the necessary professional experience criteria.
In this guide, we will explore the components of the EA, how it is scored, and how to determine if it is the most suitable entrance exam for your Executive MBA application.
What is the Executive Assessment?
The Executive Assessment (EA) is a specialized admission test designed to evaluate your readiness for starting an Executive MBA or a graduate-level business program that emphasizes executive leadership and development for professionals with around 10 years of work experience. Developed by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC), this assessment is tailored for “experienced professionals” who are applying to graduate programs but may not have the time to prepare extensively for the GMAT.
The EA considers your professional expertise and assesses several critical areas, including logical reasoning, strategic thinking, communication skills, and problem-solving abilities.
Executive Assessment test components (format of EA )
The Executive Assessment (EA) consists of three sections: Integrated Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Quantitative Reasoning. Similar to the GMAT, the EA includes these areas, but it does not feature an essay component. The EA is also notably shorter, with a total duration of 90 minutes compared to the GMAT’s 3.5 hours, and comprises 40 questions in total. Here’s a detailed overview of each section:
| Section | Time | Questions | Description |
| Integrated Reasoning | 30 min | 12 | Measures ability to interpret data from charts and tables, solve complex problems, and answer multiple-choice questions. Emphasizes logical analysis and problem-solving. |
| Verbal Reasoning | 30 min | 14 | Assesses skills in reading detailed passages, evaluating arguments, and revising sentences. Evaluates reading comprehension, interpretative abilities, and editing skills. |
| Quantitative Reasoning
|
30 min | 14 | Evaluates ability to analyze numerical data and solve mathematical problems. Tests how you draw conclusions and analyze information using basic arithmetic and algebra. |
How Executive Assessment scores are calculated
The EA exam is scored on a scale from 100 to 200 and includes three sections: Integrated Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Quantitative Reasoning. Each section receives a score from 0 to 20. The total score is calculated by adding the section scores together and then adding 120. For example, if your scores are 10, 8, and 12 respectively, your total score would be 150.
EA score reporting system
The EA exam is scored on a scale from 100 to 200 and includes three sections: Integrated Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Quantitative Reasoning. Each section receives a score from 0 to 20. The total score is calculated by adding the section scores together and then adding 120. For example, if your scores are 10, 8, and 12 respectively, your total score would be 150.
EA administration process
The EA is a computerized exam that can be taken either at home or at an authorized test center. If you take the exam at home, you must be in a room with a closed door and no one else can enter. Home exams are remotely proctored via live video and audio. Your identity is verified using a valid ID and facial recognition technology. During the home exam, you will have access to an online whiteboard and a calculator for the Integrated Reasoning section. Scores are typically available within seven days of completing the exam.
If you take the Executive Assessment (EA) at a testing center, you will need to verify your identity with a government-issued ID. You will be assigned a computer workstation and monitored continuously with both audio and video surveillance. The EA does not include scheduled breaks, so you must obtain permission from the proctor if you need a break. For the Integrated Reasoning section, a calculator will be provided, and for the Quantitative Reasoning section, a note board with markers will be available. Your EA scores will be available online within 24 hours after completing the test.
Executive Assessment ( cost and Validity)
The Executive Assessment (EA) costs $350 and allows you to send your scores to unlimited business programs. Scores are valid for up to five years. You can review and edit your answers within each section until you finish that section. The EA can be taken up to two times, with at least 16 days between attempts.
Understanding the EA Exam: A Computer-Adaptive Assessment
The Executive Assessment (EA) is a computer-adaptive test, meaning your performance on each section influences the difficulty of subsequent sections.
- Integrated Reasoning Section: Begin with six Integrated Reasoning questions, followed by six more. The difficulty level of the subsequent questions is based on your performance in the initial set.
- Verbal Reasoning Section: Start with seven Verbal Reasoning questions. The complexity of these questions is determined by your performance in the Integrated Reasoning section and your responses in this section.
- Quantitative Reasoning Section: This section operates similarly. The difficulty of the first seven questions depends on your overall performance in the Integrated Reasoning section, while the difficulty of the last seven questions is based on your performance on the first seven.
There are no penalties for incorrect answers in the EA, so it is crucial to answer each question to the best of your ability.
EA vs GMAT: Which Test is Right for You?
| Aspect | Executive Assessment (EA) | Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) |
| Purpose and Audience | Designed for working professionals aiming for executive MBA programs. Suitable for those with more work experience and less preparation time. | Designed for all MBA and graduate management program applicants. Requires extensive preparation. |
| Structure and Format | Three sections: Integrated Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Quantitative Reasoning. Computer-adaptive test where question difficulty depends on performance. | Four sections: Analytical Writing Assessment, Integrated Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Verbal Reasoning. Computer-adaptive test with more sections. |
| Content | Covers similar quantitative concepts to GMAT, but fewer challenging math concepts. Verbal questions similar to GMAT. | Focuses on grammar and text analysis. GRE emphasizes vocabulary. |
| Duration and Preparation | Shorter test, designed for busy professionals. Typically requires less preparation (20-30 hours). | Longer test, requires more preparation (100-200 hours). |
| Scoring and Use | Serves as a threshold indicator for executive MBA programs. High scores indicate readiness for academic challenges. |
Higher scores improve chances of MBA admission. Serves as a comparative metric for evaluating applicants. |
Executive Assessment preparation tips
Although the Executive Assessment (EA) is more streamlined compared to other graduate admissions tests and designed for busy professionals, dedicating time to preparation is essential. According to GMAC, EA test-takers typically invest between 21 to 30 hours preparing.
How can you maximize your EA preparation? Here are some key strategies to get you started:
- Explore EA Practice Questions: GMAC provides a free resource with practice questions similar to those on the Executive Assessment. Completing this nine-question practice test, which offers instant scoring and feedback, helps you become familiar with the test format and question types.
- Enroll in EA Prep Courses: Many EA sections overlap with the GMAT, so a specialized prep course can significantly boost your skills. The “Math for MBA and GMAT Prep” course on Coursera is tailored to improve math skills and enhance performance in the quantitative reasoning section.
- Listen to the Inside the GMAT Podcast: Gain valuable insights into the EA and its benefits through the podcast created by the GMAT developers. This resource offers tips and information to aid in your preparation.
conclusion
The Executive Assessment (EA) is specifically tailored for working professionals and is a crucial benchmark for assessing readiness for executive MBA programs. Unlike the GMAT and GRE, which necessitate extensive and time-consuming preparation, the EA focuses on practical and managerial skills, requiring less preparation time and featuring a simpler structure. While the GMAT prioritizes high scores and the GRE emphasizes vocabulary, the EA serves as a reliable indicator of academic preparedness for executive MBA programs. To maximize your EA preparation and boost your success, we highly recommend using the educational videos on course in use. These expert-created videos are designed to enhance your understanding of EA test concepts and improve your essential skills.
