GRE scores remain valid and reportable for five years following your testing date. This standardized validity period applies universally to all test-takers and is strictly enforced by ETS, the administering organization.
Official Reporting Policy Framework
The five-year validity period carries specific administrative implications.
- Score Availability Duration. ETS maintains scores in its database for exactly five years from your test date. Consequently, you cannot officially report scores beyond this period through standard channels.
- Consistent Application. This policy applies uniformly regardless of when you took the exam or how many times you've tested.
- Calendar-Based Calculation. The validity period expires precisely five years after your specific test administration date, not at the end of the calendar year.
Institutional Acceptance Considerations
While ETS sets the reporting timeframe, individual programs may have stricter policies.
- Program-Specific Requirements. Some graduate departments may require scores from tests taken within the past two or three years, particularly for rapidly evolving fields.
- Application Timing Strategy. If planning to apply near the end of your scores' validity period, verify that your target programs will accept scores close to expiration.
- Multiple Score Scenarios. When you have multiple valid score reports, you may select which to send to institutions, regardless of test date within the validity window.
Strategic Planning Implications
Understanding this timeframe helps optimize your testing timeline.
- Early Testing Advantage. Taking the exam early in your academic career provides flexibility for multiple application cycles without retesting.
- Proactive Expiration Management. If your scores will expire during an application cycle, consider testing again to maintain continuous eligibility.
- Document Preservation. While ETS maintains electronic records, keeping personal copies of score reports is recommended for your records.
The five-year validity period for GRE scores represents an important planning factor for prospective graduate applicants. This timeframe typically accommodates various educational pathways while ensuring scores remain current indicators of academic readiness. Understanding these parameters helps candidates develop strategic testing timelines aligned with their long-term educational objectives.