EMBA Admission Test Advice: How to Ace Your Test?
- Sadaf Raza
- 4 days ago
- 4 min read
As the leading EMBA admissions consultant, I’ve helped hundreds of senior professionals navigate the complex world of Executive MBA admissions. One of the most common hurdles applicants face is the admission test for EMBA programs. Whether it’s the GMAT, Executive Assessment (EA), or a school-specific test, knowing what to expect—and how to excel—can make or break your application.
In this guide, I’ll share strategies to ace the test, explain score expectations at top schools, and show you how to successfully request a test waiver if eligible.
What is the EMBA Admission Test?
Most top Executive MBA programs require a standardized test to assess your academic and analytical abilities. Schools use these results to evaluate your readiness for a rigorous, high-level curriculum. Here are the main test types:
1. GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test)
Widely accepted across all EMBA programs
Assesses quantitative reasoning, verbal reasoning, integrated reasoning, and analytical writing
2. Executive Assessment (EA)
Tailored for experienced professionals
Focuses on practical business skills and time-efficient (90 minutes)
Accepted by top programs such as INSEAD, LBS, HEC Paris, and Chicago Booth
3. School-Specific Tests
Some schools (e.g., Oxford Saïd, Cambridge Judge) may offer internal tests for selected candidates or use interviews as substitutes
Admission Test Score Breakdown
🧠 Executive Assessment (EA)
Total score: 100–200
Sections: Integrated Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning
Each section is scored 0–20
Average scores at top schools:
INSEAD: 151–158
London Business School: 150+
HEC Paris: 145–155
Chicago Booth: 153–159
📈 GMAT
Total score: 200–800
Sections: Verbal, Quant, Integrated Reasoning, Analytical Writing
Top EMBA programs often look for:
INSEAD: 650+
London Business School: 600–700+
HEC Paris: 620+
IESE: 640+
Tip: Many top schools emphasize the EA due to its executive focus and practicality for busy professionals.
How to Request a Test Waiver
Many EMBA programs offer test waivers to highly qualified applicants. This is ideal if you have a strong academic background, significant professional experience, or previous exposure to quantitative work.
🎯 EMBA Admission Test Waiver: Quick Checklist
Use this Test Waiver Eligibility Checklist to assess whether you should request a waiver:
✅ 10+ years of professional experience
✅ 5+ years in a leadership/strategic role
✅ Strong academic record (Bachelor’s or advanced degree in a quantitative or technical discipline)
✅ Graduate degree (MBA, MSc, MA, JD, PhD, MD, etc.)
✅ Significant experience with data analysis, budgeting, forecasting, or financial modeling
✅ Prior standardized test scores (e.g., GRE, CFA, GMAT within past 5–10 years)
✅ Career progression or high-impact roles in global firms
If you checked 4 or more boxes, you are a strong candidate for a test waiver.
📊 Comparison Table: EMBA Admission Test Requirements & Waivers at Top EMBA Programs
Business School | Test Accepted | Test Waiver Offered? | Notes |
INSEAD (France/Singapore) | EA or GMAT | ✅ Yes | Strong case required; emphasize career maturity and quant exposure. |
London Business School (UK) | EA or GMAT | ✅ Yes | Waivers considered for highly experienced professionals. |
HEC Paris (France) | EA or GMAT | ✅ Yes | Strong track record and/or grad degrees favored for waiver. |
IESE (Spain) | IESE Test / GMAT / EA | ✅ Yes | In-house test available; waiver possible with strong profile. |
Oxford Saïd (UK) | GMAT / GRE / Waiver | ✅ Yes | Waiver assessed based on academics + professional experience. |
Cambridge Judge (UK) | GMAT / GRE | ✅ Yes | May waive test based on holistic academic & work experience review. |
Chicago Booth (USA/UK) | EA preferred | ✅ Yes | Waivers rarely granted; top experience required. |
Kellogg-WHU (Germany/US) | GMAT / EA | ✅ Yes | Prefers EA; waiver case must be strong. |
ESADE (Spain) | GMAT / ESADE Test | ✅ Yes | Internal test accepted; waivers depend on applicant background. |
ESCP (France/Europe) | GMAT / GRE / EA | ✅ Yes | Flexible; holistic review approach for senior leaders. |
Rotterdam School of Mgmt (Netherlands) | GMAT / EA | ✅ Yes | Waiver considered with MBA or senior-level roles. |
IMD (Switzerland) | GMAT / EA | ✅ Yes | Strong profile or internal test/interview may substitute. |
🧾 Downloadable Resource
If you would like our "EMBA Test Waiver Matrix: 2025 Edition" pdf document, please clink the button below and put 'Test waiver' in the message.
✔️ Updated for Europe’s Top 12 EMBA Programs
✔️ Includes Test Type, Waiver Info, & Strategy Tips
✔️ Ideal for applicants targeting multiple schools
📝 Advice: Always submit a detailed waiver request, highlighting leadership achievements and academic qualifications. A well-crafted waiver application can be as impactful as a test score.
If you need help with carefully crafting this, please do not hesitate to ask us, our clients are eternally grateful for the tens of hours we have saved them prepping for this test.
How to Prepare for the EMBA Admission Test
1. Start Early
Give yourself at least 6–8 weeks to prepare. Start with a diagnostic test to identify strengths and weaknesses. We recommend taking both GMAT and EA if applicable, in our experience candidates tend to do better in one type of test than another.
2. Understand the Format
Knowing the structure of the GMAT or EA helps reduce surprises on test day. Use official guides and full-length practice tests. This helps reduce the time it takes for you to complete the test on the day.
3. Use Quality Resources
Official GMAC prep tools for EA and GMAT
GMAT Club, Manhattan Prep, and Magoosh for strategy
Adaptive online platforms for realistic test simulations
1-1 tutors with strong reviews can help you significantly improve your weaker areas
4. Target Weaknesses
If math isn't your strength, focus on quant drills. If English is your second language, work on verbal reasoning and reading comprehension. Business schools are looking for a decent squares in both areas, a very strong score in one can not offset a weak score in another area.
5. Simulate Test Conditions
Time your practice sessions. Mimicking real test environments builds stamina and confidence. Work in a undisturbed setting and make sure you sit down to attempt the tests with a winning mindset and a "I've got this" attitude.
Final Thoughts
Excelling in the admission test for EMBA programs requires a smart strategy, not just hard work. Whether you're targeting INSEAD, London Business School, HEC Paris, or another elite institution, understanding your testing options—and knowing how to present your candidacy—is essential.
If you’re unsure whether to take the test or pursue a waiver, or if you're aiming for a top-tier score, we offer 1:1 support to help you navigate every step of the EMBA admissions process.
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