What is the Executive Assessment? A Complete Guide for EMBA Applicants
The Executive Assessment (EA), developed by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC), is a specialized exam tailored for EMBA applicants. Known as ‘The Assessment that Recognizes Success,’ it offers a flexible and efficient alternative to traditional tests like the GMAT. But what makes the Executive Assessment unique, and why is it becoming a preferred choice for professionals pursuing an EMBA?
Why was the Executive Assessment created?
The Executive Assessment was designed to meet the unique needs of EMBA candidates—mid-level professionals with an average of 9.5 years of work experience. Unlike traditional MBA students, EMBA applicants often juggle demanding careers and limited preparation time. This exam evaluates essential skills overlooked by tests like the GMAT, ensuring readiness without requiring extensive study hours.
Due to their age and experience, EMBA students have amassed a professional skill set that is very relevant for their success during and after the course and that isn’t necessarily evident in their GMAT scores. On the other hand, they tend to have higher levels of responsibility and more overloaded schedules than prospective MBA students during the applications’ period, which leaves them less time to prepare for the GMAT. The Executive Assessment was created to:
- guarantee that EMBA applicants’ readiness for their chosen course is accurately evaluated, comprising those skills previously ignored by the GMAT;
- ensure that prospective EMBA students aren’t forced to change their academic plans due to a lack of time to prepare for the GMAT (or for the GRE).
What are the main advantages of the Executive Assessment?
The Executive Assessment offers numerous advantages, making it an ideal choice for EMBA applicants. As a readiness-focused exam, it evaluates critical skills needed for success during and after the program. Key benefits include:
Key Benefits of the Executive Assessment
- Less Preparation Time Required: Unlike other exams, such as the GMAT or GRE, the Executive Assessment leverages your professional experience, reducing study time significantly.
- Flexible Scheduling: With over 600 test centers worldwide and easy rescheduling options, it accommodates busy professionals.
- Widely Accepted: Most top-tier EMBA programs accept the Executive Assessment as an alternative to traditional tests.
- Aligned with EMBA Success: Studies show that scores on this exam correlate strongly with performance during EMBA programs.
The Executive Assessment has several advantages, perhaps the most important one being that it’s a readiness exam – and not necessarily an exclusion exam. Based on applicants’ scores, institutions may decide to create foundation programs for those with the lowest Executive Assessment scores before the beginning of the actual EMBA to put them on a par with the rest of their cohort. For students, this is very good news: even if you don’t score as well as you might’ve wished, there’s still a chance to take your dream EMBA!
Finally, it’s worth noting that Executive Assessment scores highly correlate with students’ performance during the EMBA. This means that both students and institutions get a better preview of what will happen during the course in individual and collective terms, allowing everyone to better prepare for it in advance. Given the emotional and financial investment that an EMBA implies, creating the conditions that permit that Faculty, student support services, career services and students themselves all excel at their respective obligations points to higher quality performances.
Summing up, the Executive Assessment is an interesting contributor to a more rewarding EMBA experience all-around.
Ready to learn more about how the Executive Assessment can help you achieve your EMBA goals? Contact us today for personalized guidance or download our free ebook packed with tips on Executive Assessment prep!
What is included in the Executive Assessment test?
The Executive Assessment is a 90-minute exam designed for EMBA applicants, consisting of three equally weighted sections:
- Integrated Reasoning (12 questions, 30 minutes): This section tests your ability to analyze data presented in various formats, such as graphs and tables, and draw logical conclusions.
- Verbal Reasoning (14 questions, 30 minutes): Focused on reading comprehension, critical reasoning, and sentence correction, this section evaluates your command of the English language and logical thinking.
- Quantitative Reasoning (14 questions, 30 minutes): This section assesses your problem-solving skills and ability to interpret data using basic math concepts like arithmetic and algebra.
How can I prepare for the Executive Assessment?
Preparing for the Executive Assessment involves strategic planning and consistent practice. Here are some key steps:
- Understand the Test Structure: Familiarize yourself with the three sections—Integrated Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Quantitative Reasoning—and their question types.
- Diagnostic Test: Start with a practice test to identify your strengths and weaknesses.
- Study Materials: Use official prep resources, sample questions, and high-quality study guides tailored to the Executive Assessment.
- Time Management: Practice under timed conditions to improve speed and accuracy.
- Regular Practice: Incorporate daily study sessions focusing on weak areas while reviewing all sections.
- Simulated Exams: Take full-length practice tests to build endurance and refine your strategy.
- Test-Day Preparation: Relax the day before, eat healthily, and avoid overloading your schedule.
