Timing of the Test
The GAMSAT test is made up of (5.25) hours of test time which includes 21 minutes of reading time plus 1 hour of recess time. It is not possible to guarantee start and finish times just in case unforeseen delays occur. Care should be taken when making return travel arrangements to allow adequate time at the test centre. You should anticipate being at the test centre for at least 8 hours.
The table below shows the structure of GAMSAT by section and time.
Section | Number of questions | Reading time | Writing time | Total test time |
Section I, Reasoning in Humanities | 62 | 8 minutes | 92 minutes | 100 minutes |
Section II, Written Communication | 2 | 5 minutes | 60 minutes | 65 minutes |
Section III, Reasoning in Biological and Physical Sciences | 75 | 8 minutes | 142 minutes | 150 minutes |
There is no break between Section I and II. Test takers may not leave their desk or access their personal belongings at this time.
There is a lunch break of 1 hour between Section II and Section III. Please note: there may not be canteen facilities at the test centres. All candidates are advised to bring their own packed lunch.
Test takers may use the bathroom during testing time, but this will not be in the last ten minutes of each section. No additional time will be granted for bathroom breaks.
Test takers may not leave the test centre before the full testing time has elapsed, except in the case of illness. Test takers leaving before the start of Section III will not receive their GAMSAT scores. Test takers leaving during Section III due to illness are expected to provide a medical certificate explaining their need to leave the test centre. This must be provided no later than three days after the test day; failure to do so may result in scores being withheld.
Once a test takers has departed the test centre it is not possible to re-enter and continue the test.