Yes, a valid passport is the primary and universally accepted form of identification for the GMAT at a test center. It is mandatory for all test-takers who are not citizens of the country where they are testing. This requirement ensures your identity aligns with your registration details, so you absolutely need a passport for GMAT testing in most scenarios.
Key identification rules to understand:
- Test Center Requirement: A physical, government-issued passport is the only ID guaranteeably accepted worldwide. You need a passport for GMAT test center check-in without exception if you are an international test-taker.
- Online Exam Option: For the GMAT Online exam, you may use other government-issued IDs (like a driver's license or national ID) depending on your country of residence. However, a passport remains the safest, globally recognized option.
- Name Consistency: The name on your ID must exactly match your GMAT registration. For most, this reaffirms why you need a passport for GMAT, as it is the standard international travel and identification document.
Therefore, while limited alternatives exist for online testing, securing your passport is the most critical step. Always verify current requirements on the official mba.com website, but plan to have your passport ready to guarantee a smooth check-in process.