There are no formal eligibility requirements to take the GRE. Unlike academic programs or professional certifications, the GRE (Graduate Record Examination) is open to anyone, regardless of age, education level, or nationality. You do not need a bachelor’s degree, specific coursework, or institutional endorsement to register. In essence, anyone can qualify for the GRE simply by creating an ETS account and paying the exam fee.
However, while there is no barrier to taking the test, your purpose for sitting the GRE should align with graduate admissions goals. Most test takers are final-year undergraduates or working professionals planning to apply to master’s or doctoral programs that require or recommend GRE scores. Therefore, “qualifying” in practice means being academically prepared—not meeting administrative criteria.
ETS, the organization that administers the GRE, only requires valid identification (such as a passport) on test day. You must also comply with testing center rules and agree to ETS policies during registration. Beyond that, no academic transcripts, recommendations, or prerequisites are needed to qualify for the GRE.
Preparing to Benefit from the GRE
Although anyone can register, you should only take the GRE if it serves your academic or professional trajectory. Before signing up, confirm that your target programs still require or consider GRE scores—many have gone test-optional. Taking the exam unnecessarily incurs cost and effort without strategic benefit.
Additionally, adequate preparation is essential to produce a meaningful score. The GRE assesses verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing. Without foundational math and reading skills, your score may not reflect your potential.
ETS offers free and paid resources to help candidates prepare. A diagnostic test can reveal whether you’re ready or need months of study before attempting the official exam.
Ultimately, while qualifying for the GRE is administratively simple, succeeding requires thoughtful alignment with your goals.
The real qualification lies not in registration—but in readiness.