The Executive Assessment (EA) serves as a standardized entry examination specifically tailored for individuals seeking admission to an Executive Master of Business Administration (MBA) program.

Typically, graduate business school programs mandate the submission of either the GMAT or the GRE, assessing reasoning, quantitative, and analytical skills. The EA evaluates these same competencies but adds a distinctive element by considering the candidate's professional experience. Opting for the EA can exempt you from taking the GMAT or GRE, provided the school and program you are applying to recognize it and you meet the experience prerequisites.

This article will delve into the details of the EA, its scoring system, and help you determine whether it aligns with your preferences as the preferred entrance examination.

What is the Executive Assessment?

The Executive Assessment (EA) is a specialized standardized test designed for experienced professionals seeking admission to Executive Master of Business Administration (EMBA) programs. Introduced by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC), the EA is tailored to assess the skills and aptitudes crucial for success in executive roles.

Unlike traditional entrance exams like the GMAT or GRE, the Executive Assessment takes into account both the academic capabilities and the professional experience of candidates. It provides a more comprehensive evaluation of the skills needed for advanced business education at the executive level.

The EA is recognized by select business schools worldwide as a valid alternative to the GMAT or GRE for admission to their EMBA programs. However, acceptance of the Executive Assessment varies among institutions, and candidates should check the specific requirements of the schools and programs they are interested in.

What is included in the Executive Assessment?

The Executive Assessment comprises three segments: integrated reasoning, verbal reasoning, and quantitative reasoning. Similar to the GMAT, these sections evaluate distinct skills. Notably, the Executive Assessment does not include an essay section, distinguishing it from the GMAT. 

Additionally, it has a significantly shorter completion time of 90 minutes compared to the GMAT's 3.5 hours, with a total of 40 questions to answer. Let's delve into the specifics of each section.

1. Integrated Reasoning: This section, lasting 30 minutes, involves completing 12 questions. These assess your capacity to interpret graphics and tables, analyze intricate problems, and respond to multiple-choice questions. Emphasizing logic and reasoning, this section presents questions aimed at evaluating your ability to assess information derived from various sources and formats.
2. Verbal Reasoning: With a duration of 30 minutes, this section consists of 14 questions. It evaluates your skills in reading comprehensive passages, assessing arguments, and correcting sentences. The objective is to gauge your ability to read, interpret, and edit effectively.
3. Quantitative Reasoning: Spanning 30 minutes, this section encompasses 14 questions designed to evaluate your ability to interpret data and solve problems. The emphasis is on assessing how well you draw conclusions and analyze data using mathematical and reasoning skills. The math component involves basic arithmetic and some algebraic concepts.

Preparing for Success on the Executive Assessment

Understand the Exam Structure:

Familiarize yourself with the three main sections of the Executive Assessment: Integrated Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Quantitative Reasoning. Understanding the format and types of questions in each section is crucial for targeted preparation.

Leverage Official EA Resources:

Utilize the official resources provided by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC), the organization that administers the EA. These resources include practice exams, sample questions, and the Official Guide for the Executive Assessment. They offer valuable insights into the exam format and help you gauge your readiness.

Align Study Strategies with Professional Experience:

Recognize the unique focus of the EA on assessing both academic and professional skills. Tailor your study strategies to leverage your professional experience, ensuring that your preparation reflects the real-world competencies expected of executive-level candidates.

Create a Realistic Study Schedule:

Develop a study plan that aligns with your professional commitments. Given the busy schedules of executive professionals, effective time management is crucial. Allocate dedicated study sessions, and be consistent in your efforts leading up to the exam.

Focus on Integrated Reasoning Skills:

The Integrated Reasoning section assesses your ability to interpret complex information from various sources. Practice interpreting graphics, tables, and solving problems based on multiple formats. Emphasize logical reasoning skills as you prepare for this section.

Enhance Verbal Reasoning Proficiency:

Work on improving your reading comprehension, argument evaluation, and sentence correction skills for the Verbal Reasoning section. Practice with a variety of texts and questions to strengthen your ability to read, interpret, and edit effectively.

Sharpen Quantitative Reasoning Abilities:

The Quantitative Reasoning section evaluates your data interpretation and problem-solving skills. Practice drawing conclusions, analyzing data, and using basic arithmetic and algebraic concepts. Strengthen your quantitative reasoning skills to perform well in this section.

Take Practice Exams Under Timed Conditions:

Simulate exam conditions by taking practice exams under timed conditions. This not only helps you become familiar with the pacing of the exam but also builds your endurance for the actual test day.

Is the Executive Assessment the Right Choice for You?

While there are no strict prohibitions on taking the Executive Assessment (EA), it's not a universally suitable option for all graduate business program applicants. The eligibility criteria for each program vary, influencing the type of test accepted and the requisite level of professional experience expected from candidates. It is imperative to delve into these program-specific requirements before deciding on the entrance exam that aligns with your goals.

Here are three essential questions to help you determine whether the EA is the optimal entrance exam for your circumstances:

Does Your Chosen School Accept the Executive Assessment?

While an increasing number of schools embrace the Executive Assessment, acceptance is not universal. Before committing to a specific entrance exam, ensure that the schools on your application list acknowledge and consider EA results in their admissions process.

What Type of Program Are You Applying For?

The suitability of the EA depends on the type of MBA program you are interested in. This exam is specifically designed for executive MBA programs. If your aspirations lie in other graduate business programs, alternative tests may be a more suitable fit. However, this can also vary across different schools. For instance, Duke University's Fuqua School of Business accepts the EA for various programs, including global executive, management business analytics, and accelerated daytime MBA programs.

Do You Meet the Experience Requirement?

Many graduate business programs, especially executive MBA programs, impose experience prerequisites. Typically designed for seasoned professionals with 10 to 15 years of experience, including some in management, executive MBA programs have specific eligibility criteria. Thoroughly research the experience requirements of the schools and programs you intend to apply to before selecting your entrance exam.