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Division of Research and Graduate Studies

Test Information

Whether you are planning to go to graduate school or just exploring your options, you are taking an important step toward your future. There are different national standardized tests that prospective graduate students need in order to get admission to a graduate program.

General Record Examination (GRE)

The GRE General Test gives you the Power of Confidence to help you do your best. With the GRE General Test, you decide which scores to send to schools. If you feel you didn't do your best on test day, that's okay. You can retake the test and then send only the scores you want schools to see.

The GRE revised General Test features question types that closely reflect the kind of thinking you'll do in graduate school.

  • Verbal Reasoning — Measures your ability to analyze and evaluate written material and synthesize information obtained from it, analyze relationships among component parts of sentences and recognize relationships among words and concepts.
  • Quantitative Reasoning — Measures problem-solving ability using basic concepts of arithmetic, algebra, geometry and data analysis.
  • Analytical Writing — Measures critical thinking and analytical writing skills, specifically your ability to articulate and support complex ideas clearly and effectively.

Here are a few tips to prepare well, answer correctly, and finish your test on time for your upcoming GRE test.

  • If you find a question difficult, mark it for later review and move on to the next one. It will help save time; you can get back to the question later and view it with a fresh perspective.
  • Time yourself for each question or each section and ensure you stick to the timeline. Doing so will ensure that you finish the test on time and do not miss out on any questions.
  • Take timed tests during preparation so that you know which sections are faster to finish and which questions take more time. It will help you set a timeline for the actual test.

Fresno State Professional Examination Services administers campus specific exams, CSU system-wide tests and national standardized tests to current and prospective students. Testing accommodations are provided for students with special needs and proctoring services are offered for distance learning students. Tests are administered in controlled classrooms and private rooms.

Contact the Professional Examination Services office for current hours and services at 559.278.2457.

Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT)

Quality graduate business programs rely on the GMAT to make admissions decisions, so if you’re serious about business school, then the GMAT is your best first step.

  • The GMAT exam measures the skills you have and the skills schools need. Showcase the skills that matter most – to schools and businesses – with the GMAT exam's unique Integrated Reasoning section.
  • A proven measure of your success. Decades of research confirm that the GMAT exam is a valid and reliable predictor of your academic performance in today’s graduate management programs. 
  • The GMAT exam is relied on more by graduate business schools worldwide. The GMAT exam works – for you and them – and is accepted by more programs and schools than any other individual graduate management school exam.

There are different tips to study and take the GMAT. Click here to watch the videos.

Unfortunately Fresno State does not offer the GMAT. Find the closest location by visiting the GMAT website.

Visit the GMAT Resources page for a variety of materials that will help you study for the GMAT. 

For a detailed breakdown of what the GMAT is, visit Understanding the GMAT.

Millers Analogies Test (MAT)

Miller Analogies Test (MAT) is a high-level test of analytical ability that requires solving problems stated as analogies. The MAT consists of 120 partial analogies that you have 60 minutes to complete. The test measures your ability ti recognize relationships between ideas, your fluency in the English language, and your general knowledge of the humanities, natural science, mathematics, and social sciences.

 

Important MAT Announcement for Future Testing Cycles:
The Miller Analogies Test® (MAT) was retired on November 15, 2023.  No MAT testing dates, MAT Practice Tests, and Study Guides will be offered after November 15, 2023.  All test-takers may continue to request Official Transcripts and Personal Score Reports through the Pearson website until November 2024.  

CALIFORNIA BASIC EDUCATIONAL SKILLS TEST™ (CBEST)

 The California Basic Educational Skills Test™ (CBEST®) was developed to meet requirements of laws relating to credentialing and employment. This test requirement does not replace any of the other requirements of subject matter knowledge, professional preparation, and practice teaching or field experience applicable to the issuance of credentials. The CBEST is designed to test basic reading, mathematics, and writing skills found to be important for the job of an educator; the test is not designed to measure the ability to teach those skills.

There are different tips to study and take the CBEST. Click here to read more about the CBEST.

Unfortunately Fresno State does not offer the CBEST. Find the closest location by visiting the CBEST website.

 Visit the CBEST Resource Page for a variety of materials that will help you study for the test.

Check with the desired program of interest for minimum scores or additional tests.

Other Test Preparation Resources

Fresno State has test preparation resources available to students.