Back

How Long Is the Validity of GRE in 2025? Comprehensive Guide

11 Feb 2025
5 min read

Planning to join graduate school brings into focus the usefulness of your GRE score validity.  Your GRE validity or GRE exam validity term indicates that your scores will be valid for a specific number of years, which will provide you greater flexibility when applying. If you are going to discuss the admissibility of your GRE and TOEFL results simultaneously or just the GRE, knowing these schedules will expedite your educational process.

To provide clarity to this vital part of postgraduate education, this article addresses questions as follows: “For how many years GRE score is valid?” and “GRE marks validity?”

What is the Validity of GRE Scores in 2025?

The GRE scores from 2025 is valid up to 2030. The validity of the GRE results is five years from the time the test was taken. For example, if you took the GRE test early this year, let’s say on January 25th, your scores will be valid until January 24th 2030.

This validity period applies to test formats that include the traditional in-centre test and the modified GRE at home. It makes planning applications to institutions around the world easy when the accurate duration is known.

Key Points to Remember:

  • GRE scores are valid for five years.
  • The GRE home edition validity is the same as the in-person test.
  • GRE scorecard validity applies globally, but specific university requirements must be checked.

How to Check Your GRE Score Validity?

It's critical to monitor the validity of your GRE results to make sure they coincide with the application deadline. Here's how to verify:

  1. Log in to Your ETS Account: Test dates and the GRE validity period expiration date are among the facts regarding your GRE scores that are available on your ETS account dashboard.
  2. Review Your Score Report: Your scores' exact expiration date is mentioned in the official GRE score report.
  3. Contact ETS Support: Speak with ETS customer service for clarification if you are having trouble finding your score validity information.

Note:According to ETS, GRE results cannot be carried over the five-year limit. Applications can no longer use the scores after they have expired.

Why Do GRE Scores Have a 5-Year Validity?

There are a number of reasons why GRE score validity is set at 5 years: 

  • The student may not apply for studies abroad immediately after taking. Their situation might change and they may postpone higher studies. 5 year span is enough to account for most such cases. 
  • The skill of students in reasoning and competency can change in 5 years. Students can perform better in the next test. Or they can hold the same score and apply when they are ready. 
  • The Test is revised from time to time. Hence its validity needs to change to reflect the standards. 

Impact of GRE Validity on Applications

The GRE validity period has a direct effect on how you plan your application. Because using expired scores can result in your application being rejected, it's important to remember the following:

  • Application Deadlines: Check that your GRE score is valid when applying for a program.
  • Multiple Applications: If you applied for different programs, make sure all the deadlines you meet are within the period of the GRE’s validity.
  • GRE Expiry Management: For scores nearing expiration, consider retaking the GRE to extend your application timeline.

For example, all applications must be in by December 2025 or GRE scores will have to be taken again if the scores are no longer valid come December 2025.

When Should You Retake the GRE?

If you want to increase your score or if your scores are going to be invalid soon, then you might have to take the GRE again. Consider the following scenarios:

  • Scores Near-Expiry: Retake the GRE at least six months before your current scores expire.
  • Low Scores: If your GRE scores do not meet the requirements of your target programs, consider retesting.
  • Changing Goals: A shift in academic or career goals might require updated scores.

Arranging a retest guarantees you fulfil certain program requirements and keep your GRE score valid for applications.

Tips for Planning GRE Test Dates

Planning your exam date carefully is essential if you want to maximize your GRE validity period. Here are some pointers:

  1. Start Early: To allow for score reporting and retake options, take the GRE well before the deadline for your applications.
  2. Consider the 5-Year Window: Select a test date during the GRE validity period that allows you flexibility for subsequent applications.
  3. Plan for Retakes: Schedule your GRE test date early enough to allow time for retaking the test if needed.
  4. Align with TOEFL or IELTS: Coordinate your GRE and TOEFL score validity timelines to simplify your application process.
  5. Monitor Expiry Dates: Keep track of your GRE score validity to avoid last-minute surprises during application season.

Conclusion

Planning for graduate school effectively requires an understanding of the GRE validity period. As far as scores are concerned, they are reported for five years after the test date in 2025; therefore, your test-taking strategies should align with your academic and career plans. If the score is valid, there is no problem getting the application done, and timing the exam also plays an important role.

Acknowledging the validity of GRE scores assures you an extra edge when applying to programs in the US, Europe, or other countries that recognize the test.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How long is the validity of GRE scores?

After the test date, GRE results are good for five years.

2.Does the validity of the GRE at Home test match that of the in-person version?

Indeed, the GRE home edition has a five-year validity period as well.

3.What occurs when the validity of my GRE score expires?

GRE results that have expired cannot be applied for. To get a fresh score, you have to retake the GRE.

4.In which countries is the GRE valid?

Presently, the GRE is accepted by countries including the United States, Canada, Australia, and many countries across Europe and Asia.

5.Is it possible to prolong the GRE's validity period?

No, extensions past the five-year GRE validity term are not permitted by ETS.

Read More Articles

Chat with us
Chat with us
Talk to career expert