The Ultimate Guide to Understanding the Executive Assessment Test

For busy professionals, the Executive Assessment (EA) is a great alternative to traditional tests. But one question often arises: how long does it take to prep for executive assessment? This depends on several factors, including your starting point, familiarity with the material, and availability for study sessions. Generally, most test-takers spend around 4–8 weeks in executive assessment prep to reach their target scores.

This guide will walk you through every detail of the EA, from structure and scoring to executive assessment prep strategies, so you can confidently start your journey.

What is the Executive Assessment?

The EA is a graduate business school test, much like the GMAT but shorter and more streamlined. Accepted by many EMBA and other MBA programs, the test evaluates the same core areas as the GMAT—Quantitative, Verbal, and Integrated Reasoning skills—but is specifically designed for working professionals who may not have the time to prepare extensively. The EA takes just 90 minutes to complete, and because it’s less demanding, it requires a lower overall study commitment.

Why Take the Executive Assessment?

If you’re looking to apply to an EMBA or certain MBA programs, your EA score could be crucial. While not every business school requires it, many prestigious programs value it highly. And though the EA may require less prep time than the GMAT, it’s still a significant factor in admissions. A competitive EA score demonstrates your readiness for advanced studies, proving you have the foundational skills to succeed.

Understanding EA Scoring and Structure

The EA is scored on a scale of 100-200, with a typical “good” score ranging between 150-155. Schools may not expect a perfect score, but a high score can strengthen your application. Here’s a breakdown of the sections and what they cover:

How Long Does It Take to Prep for Executive Assessment?

Most candidates find that they need between 20-50 hours of preparation time. While GMAC recommends 20-30 hours, many test-takers report that dedicating 30-50 hours allows them to cover all necessary content effectively. This preparation can be broken down into manageable study sessions that fit into your busy lifestyle.

How to Prepare for the EA: Tips for Busy Professionals

Assess Your Current Skills

Before diving into an executive assessment prep course, take an initial practice test to gauge your starting point. Resources like GMAC’s free practice test will give you a sense of what to focus on and help you estimate the prep time required. While GMAC recommends 20-30 hours, candidates aiming for a competitive score often prepare for around 30-50 hours.

Create a Realistic Study Plan

Busy professionals should develop a tailored study plan that suits their schedule. Here’s a sample plan:

Weekdays: 1 hour in the morning or evening, 3-4 days a week.

Weekends: 2-3 hours for focused study, ideally including an executive assessment practice test.

This approach gives you 8-10 hours a week, fitting most recommended prep times within a month.

Sample Study Schedule

This sample schedule provides a balanced approach to preparing without overwhelming yourself.

2 ​​Effective Strategies to Ace the EA from MBA House

Focus on Practice and Timed Tests

Practice is key to building familiarity with the question format and managing time effectively. Completing sections with a timer simulates test-day conditions and helps reduce mistakes from rushing or overthinking.

Develop a Strategy for Each Section

Understanding how to approach each question type, whether by elimination, estimating or back-solving, can make a significant difference in scoring.

Recommended Prep Resources

For efficient studying, official materials designed for the EA are your best bet. These focus directly on EA content, saving you time compared to generalized MBA test materials. Here are the top resources:

1. Official EA Prep Book: Developed by GMAC, it includes targeted practice questions and tests.
2. Best EA Exam Prep Course: Platforms like MBA House, TTP, and Magoosh offer adaptive learning tools to optimize study efficiency.
3. EA Practice Tests: Taking timed practice tests allows you to become comfortable with the 90-minute structure.

For those looking for comprehensive support, MBA House offers an array of specialized courses tailored to GMAT, GRE, and EA test prep. Our packages include everything from unlimited tutoring and private sessions to full application support, including interview training and scholarship strategies. 

With both in-person and online options, along with a dedicated support team in New York and Miami, MBA House could be an excellent choice if you’re seeking a complete, guided prep experience.

Common Questions About Executive Assessment Preparation

How long does it take to prep for executive assessment?

While 20-30 hours is suggested, the exact time varies based on your comfort with quantitative and verbal material. Many professionals find 30-50 hours optimal, spread over several weeks.

How hard is it to get 150 on the executive assessment?

Scoring 150 is achievable with consistent study and strategic preparation. While the EA has no complex geometry or essay section, the time constraint can be challenging, so practice is crucial.

What resources should I use?

Use official materials from GMAC and consider enrolling in an executive assessment prep course for structured guidance.

How can I balance work and study?

Create a flexible study schedule that allows you to dedicate specific times each week for focused preparation without compromising your professional responsibilities.

What if I need more time?

If you find that you’re struggling with certain concepts, don’t hesitate to extend your study timeline beyond the recommended hours.

EA vs. GMAT

In comparing EA vs. GMAT, the Executive Assessment (EA) is indeed a shorter, less intensive exam than the GMAT, making it a good choice for busy professionals and executives. While both tests cover similar skill areas—quantitative, verbal, and integrated reasoning—the EA is more streamlined and has fewer questions, allowing test-takers to complete it in about 90 minutes. This shorter format reduces test fatigue and is better suited for those with demanding schedules.

EA Test Day Tips

1. Arrive early, well-rested, and avoid last-minute cramming.

2. Stay calm, focus on accuracy, and manage your time effectively.

Table of Recommended Prep Time Based on Background

Conclusion

Preparing for the Executive Assessment doesn’t have to be overwhelming, even with a full schedule. By starting with a solid EA exam prep plan, focusing on executive assessment test prep resources, and keeping a positive mindset, you can efficiently achieve a competitive score. Remember, the EA is designed to fit your life as a busy professional, so embrace the flexibility it offers, practice with purpose, and bring your best to test day.

For tailored guidance, MBA House offers Ivy-league trained Tutors and Consultants who have helped over 2,000 students secure admission to top MBA programs globally, earning more than $50 million in scholarships. With options like unlimited private tutoring, extensive live classes, and e-learning support, we provide the resources to help you confidently prepare and fast-track your business school journey.

Reach out to us today at [email protected], and let’s work together to maximize your MBA admission chances. 

Whether you’re just starting or fine-tuning your study plan, you’ll find the support, expertise, and encouragement to reach your goals. Good luck!