If you’re aiming for an Executive MBA program, you’ve probably come across the Executive Assessment (EA) as a potential entrance exam. It’s a unique alternative to the GMAT or GRE, tailored specifically for experienced professionals.

The EA is designed for those with substantial professional experience, particularly individuals eyeing an Executive MBA (EMBA) or similar graduate-level business programs. Created by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC), this test is geared toward professionals who have around a decade of experience in business and leadership roles. Unlike the GMAT, which requires significant preparation time, the EA is intended to fit into the busy schedules of working executives.

This exam evaluates a broad range of skills—critical thinking, communication, problem-solving, and reasoning—but also takes into account the practical knowledge you’ve gained from your work experience. If the schools you’re applying to accept the EA and you meet their experience requirements, this test can replace the GMAT or GRE.

You can take the EA either online or in-person at a testing center. It’s a shorter, more streamlined exam compared to the GMAT, with a total score range between 100 and 200 points. A good score typically hovers around 150, but it depends on how your peers fare. The exam costs $350, and your score will be valid for five years.

The EA has three sections: integrated reasoning, verbal reasoning, and quantitative reasoning. The structure is similar to the GMAT, but it skips the essay portion and only takes 90 minutes to complete (much shorter than the GMAT’s 3.5 hours). In total, you’ll answer 40 questions. Let’s break down each section:

• Integrated Reasoning: You get 30 minutes to answer 12 questions. This section tests how well you can analyze data from various sources like charts and tables. It’s all about problem-solving and logical thinking.
• Verbal Reasoning: With 30 minutes and 14 questions, this section checks your reading comprehension and ability to evaluate arguments or correct sentences.
• Quantitative Reasoning: This section, also 30 minutes long with 14 questions, focuses on basic math and problem-solving. You’ll use arithmetic and algebra to interpret data and draw conclusions.

Does Your School Accept the EA?
Not every program accepts the EA, though more schools are starting to. Make sure the schools you’re applying to accept it before committing to this test.

What Program Are You Applying For?
The EA is designed for Executive MBA programs, but some schools accept it for other business-related programs too. For instance, Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business allows EA scores for several programs, not just the EMBA. Check the specific requirements for your target program.

Do You Have the Required Experience?
Executive MBA programs typically require 10 to 15 years of professional experience, often with a focus on leadership roles. Make sure your resume matches what the programs are looking for before you choose the EA.