GRE Physics Test

The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) physics test is an examination administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS). The test attempts to determine the extent of the examinees' understanding of fundamental principles of physics and their ability to apply them to problem solving. Many graduate schools require applicants to take the exam and base admission decisions in part on the results.

TypePaper-based standardized test^[1]

AdministratorEducational Testing Service

Skills testedUndergraduate level physics:

• Classical mechanics
• Electromagnetism
• Optics and wave phenomena
• Thermodynamics and statistical mechanics
• Quantum mechanics
• Atomic physics
• Special relativity
• Laboratory methods
• Specialized topics^[2]

PurposeAdmissions in graduate programs (e.g. MS and PhD) in physics (mostly in universities in the United States).

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Graduate Record Examination (Physics Subject Test)

Type	Paper-based standardized test[1]
Administrator	Educational Testing Service
Skills tested	Undergraduate level physics: Classical mechanics Electromagnetism Optics and wave phenomena Thermodynamics and statistical mechanics Quantum mechanics Atomic physics Special relativity Laboratory methods Specialized topics[2]
Purpose	Admissions in graduate programs (e.g. MS and PhD) in physics (mostly in universities in the United States).
Duration	2 hours [1]
Score range	200 to 990, in 10-point increments[3]
Score validity	5 years[3]
Offered	3 times a year, in September, October, and April through May.[4]
Regions	Worldwide
Languages	English
Annual number of test takers	~5,000-6,000 yearly
Prerequisites	No official prerequisite. Intended for physics bachelor degree graduates or undergraduate students about to graduate. Fluency in English assumed.
Fee	US$ 150[5] (Limited offers of "Fee Reduction Program" for U.S. citizens or resident aliens who demonstrate financial need, and for national programs in USA that work with under-represented groups.[6])
Used by	Physics departments offering graduate programs (mostly in universities in the U.S.).
Website	www.ets.org/gre/test-takers/subject-tests/about/content-structure.html

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The scope of the test is largely that of the first three years of a standard United States undergraduate physics curriculum, since many students who plan to continue to graduate school apply during the first half of the fourth year. It consists of 70 five-option multiple-choice questions covering subject areas including the first three years of undergraduate physics.

The International System of Units (SI Units) is used in the test. A table of information representing various physical constants and conversion factors is presented in the test book.