Although both the GMAT and EA Test are attempted to prepare for B-School MBA / E-MBA applications, there are key differences between the two that will help you determine which one is a better option for you.

GMAT: It stands for Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) and is administered by the GMAC (Graduate Management Admission Council). It is a standardized, computer-based exam that has been used as a criterion to measure candidates’ readiness for graduate-level business/management programs. 

About EA Test: 

It stands for Executive Assessment (EA) Test. It was introduced in 2016 to cater to experienced professionals who wish to enter EMBA Programs. It is also a computer-administered, standardized test. 

Which one is a better fit for you?

EA is attempted for E-MBA Programs. EA candidates usually have around 5 – 10 Years of Work Experience. The E-MBA might be part-time / weekends only to cater to busy working professionals’ schedules. On the other hand, GMAT is usually attempted by those with little to no work experience and is used to assess a student’s ability and competence for a full-time MBA Program. 

Key Differences between EA Test v/s GMAT: Even though EA is considered a mini GMAT by some (because of a similar question pattern for a reduced time duration), there are some key differences between the EA Test & GMAT:

• Time: 

• The EA Test lasts for 90 Minutes and contains a total of 40 Questions
• The GMAT is for 3 Hours and has a total of 80 Questions.
• There are 2 optional breaks of 8 minutes each only in the GMAT

A key difference is the absence of the Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) in the EA Test, which is very much present in the GMAT.

• Section Length: The Integrated Reasoning (IR) Section is of the same length in both EA Test & GMAT, while the Quant and Verbal Sections are almost half as long in EA Test as in GMAT. 
• Combination Choice: In GMAT, you can choose between three combinations of section orders, whereas the EA provides you with no such choice. 
• Adaptivity: The Quant and Verbal sections in EA Test are adaptive at the module level (of which there are 2 per Section) whereas in the GMAT, question-level adaptivity is present. 
• Review: 

• The GMAT does not allow the test taker to review previously attempted questions whereas the EA test does. 
• GMAT also does not allow skipping of questions, which is permitted in the EA Test.

• Content: The Verbal and IR Sections in both have the same content. For Quant, some advanced topics that are in the GMAT are excluded in the EA Test (including Geometry).
• Scoring: 
  • EA Test Score Range is 100-200
  • GMAT Score Range is 200-800.
• Cost: 
  • EA Test Registration Cost is $350
  • GMAT Registration Cost is $275 

The Bottom Line:

Understanding these differences between EA Test & GMAT; evaluating your situation based on the requirements of your MBA Program & and your future goals are a key step in deciding which one of these Tests you should take. 

Are you looking for ways and ideas to strengthen your GMAT & EA Test Prep Game? “The GMAT Coach” team has got you covered with loads of experience and fantastic success rate. Feel free to connect with us for a FREE 1.5-Hour Session for your EA Test Prep. Use the link below to schedule this Free Session: https://thegmatcoach.com/executive-assessment/