Preparing for the GMAT Focus Edition? You’ve probably got your study plan, practice tests, and favorite snacks lined up. But here’s one detail you don’t want to overlook: the breaks.

Yes — breaks matter more than you think, especially on a high-stakes exam like the GMAT. Here’s what you need to know:

🕒 How Many Breaks Are There in the GMAT Focus Edition?

You get one optional 10-minute break during the GMAT Focus Edition.

That’s it — just one.

It may not sound like much, but how and when you use that break can make a big difference in your stamina, focus, and score.

📌 When Does the Break Happen?

The break is offered after the first section of the test, before the second section begins. Since you can choose the order of the three sections — Quantitative, Verbal, and Data Insights — the break comes after whichever one you start with.

🧭 Example: If you choose the section order: Verbal ➝ Break ➝ Quant ➝ Data Insights, Your 10-minute break happens right after Verbal Reasoning.

💡 Tips for Using the Break Effectively

You only have one, so make it count. Here are some tips from successful test-takers:

✅ Take the break, even if you feel okay.

Skipping the break might seem like a way to power through, but mental fatigue builds fast. Ten minutes of rest could mean sharper thinking for the final sections.

🥤 Hydrate and refuel — wisely.

Bring water and a light snack (like a banana or a granola bar). Avoid sugary drinks or anything heavy that could spike and crash your energy levels.

🧘 Reset your brain.

Step away from the screen. Stretch. Close your eyes. Breathe. A short mental reset helps clear cognitive clutter and prepares you to refocus.

🚫 Don’t overthink your performance so far.

Use the break to relax — not to replay every question you answered. That kind of second-guessing can lead to anxiety and throw you off your game.

⏰ Watch the clock.

You have exactly 10 minutes. If you're even a second late returning to your workstation, the test resumes without you — and that’s a risk you don’t want to take.

🧭 Final Thoughts

The GMAT Focus Edition is shorter and more flexible than the old version, but it still demands focus and stamina. That one break is your only chance to recharge — so use it smartly.

With a clear strategy and a well-timed breather, you’ll boost not just your endurance but potentially your score too.