With the launch of the GMAT Focus Edition, many test-takers have welcomed the option of taking the exam from the comfort of their own homes. On the surface, it sounds like a dream: no commute, no test center anxiety, and the convenience of choosing your own testing environment. However, a growing number of students who opted for the at-home version have shared frustrating and even distressing experiences online that raise red flags. Here’s why you might want to reconsider taking the GMAT Focus at home.

1. Proctoring Nightmares

A frequent complaint among test-takers is the inconsistent and sometimes overbearing behavior of online proctors. Many report delays in getting connected to a proctor, sudden disconnections during the test, or even being accused of rule violations for minor issues like looking away from the screen for a second.

"I was disconnected twice and had to wait nearly 30 minutes to be reconnected. It broke my focus and ruined my rhythm," wrote one Reddit user. "The proctor accused me of cheating because I leaned back to stretch. I had to explain myself mid-test!" said another on GMAT Club.

2. Technical Glitches Are a Real Threat

Unlike a test center with controlled, professional-grade equipment, your home setup might not meet the rigorous demands of the GMAT software. Even if you pass the initial system check, issues can still arise during the test.

"My screen froze during the Quant section. I had no choice but to restart everything. Pearson told me to file an incident report, but I never got a clear answer about my score," reported a frustrated test-taker.

Some students also complain that their scores never arrived due to technical issues, or were invalidated after the fact because of alleged connectivity or proctoring irregularities.

3. Stress of Environment Control Falls on You

At a testing center, the conditions are uniform and distraction-free. At home, you’re responsible for making sure your space is perfectly quiet, well-lit, and meets all the rules — something that's harder than it sounds.

"I thought I had everything set up, but my neighbor started mowing the lawn in the middle of my Verbal section," one student shared.

"The proctor made me take down a picture frame on my wall during the check-in. It was extremely stressful," another said.

This extra layer of stress can take a mental toll before the test even begins.

5. Unnecessary Anxiety

Even if everything goes smoothly, the extra layers of check-in, environmental control, and fear of doing something "wrong" in your own home can create added anxiety that wouldn’t exist in a traditional testing center.

"I was more worried about moving too much or my internet cutting out than focusing on the test," said a test-taker who later retook the exam at a center and performed significantly better.

Final Thoughts

While the at-home GMAT Focus Edition may seem convenient, the reality often doesn’t match the promise. Technical problems, proctoring stress, unpredictable environments, and limited customer support can add unnecessary risk to an already challenging experience. For those who want to maximize their performance and minimize distractions, taking the GMAT Focus at an official test center remains the safer and smarter choice.

If you're serious about your score, don’t let a buggy webcam or spotty Wi-Fi determine your future.