Executive Assessment (EA) Practice Test PDF: A Comprehensive Study Plan

Preparing for the Executive Assessment (EA) requires a focused strategy, utilizing available practice tests and resources to achieve a target score of 165 or higher.

This comprehensive plan, based on a successful four-week study approach, will guide you through foundational review, targeted skill building, and full-length practice.

The EA, a 90-minute exam costing $350 with limited retakes, assesses verbal, quantitative, and integrated reasoning skills, mirroring a condensed GMAT experience.

Accessing official and third-party practice tests, alongside free resources, is crucial for familiarizing yourself with the exam format and identifying areas for improvement.

Understanding the Executive Assessment

The Executive Assessment (EA) serves as a crucial gateway for professionals seeking admission to top MBA programs, offering a streamlined alternative to the GMAT or GRE. Unlike its counterparts, the EA is specifically designed for experienced candidates, focusing on skills essential for executive leadership.

It’s a 90-minute exam, conveniently available both online and at testing centers, making it accessible to busy professionals. The cost of $350 and a limited two-attempt policy underscore the importance of thorough preparation. The exam’s structure comprises three distinct sections: Integrated Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Quantitative Reasoning, each demanding unique skill sets.

Notably, the EA omits geometry, a feature that differentiates it from the GMAT, but includes coordinate plane questions in the quantitative section. A strong understanding of arithmetic, algebra, and data interpretation is paramount. Success on the EA hinges on a strategic study plan, leveraging practice tests to pinpoint weaknesses and refine test-taking strategies.

What is the EA Exam?

The Executive Assessment (EA) is a standardized test accepted by a growing number of top-tier MBA programs as an alternative to the GMAT or GRE. It’s designed to evaluate the skills of working professionals, focusing on analytical thinking, problem-solving, and data interpretation. The exam is a 90-minute assessment, divided into three scored sections: Integrated Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Quantitative Reasoning.

Each section presents a unique challenge, requiring candidates to demonstrate proficiency in different areas. Integrated Reasoning tests the ability to synthesize information from multiple sources, while Verbal Reasoning assesses grammar, reading comprehension, and critical thinking. Quantitative Reasoning focuses on arithmetic, algebra, and data sufficiency – excluding geometry, but including coordinate plane questions.

The EA’s concise format and focus on practical skills make it an appealing option for experienced professionals. Scores range from 0-18 per section, and are valid for five years. Preparing with practice tests is vital for success.

EA Exam Format & Scoring

The EA exam consists of three distinct sections, each with a specific time limit and question type. Integrated Reasoning (IR) features 12 questions in 30 minutes, testing combined quantitative and verbal skills through tables, graphs, multi-source reasoning, and two-part analysis. Verbal Reasoning presents 14 questions in 30 minutes, evaluating grammar, critical reasoning, and reading comprehension.

Quantitative Reasoning also has 14 questions within a 30-minute timeframe, focusing on problem-solving and data sufficiency – without geometry, but including coordinate plane analysis. Each section is scored on a scale of 0-18, with higher scores indicating stronger performance. The total EA score is a composite of these three section scores.

Understanding the format and scoring is crucial for effective preparation. Practice tests help familiarize candidates with the question types and pacing, allowing them to optimize their performance and achieve their desired score.

Cost and Retake Policy

The Executive Assessment (EA) exam carries a fee of $350, representing a significant investment in your application process. It’s crucial to factor this cost into your overall MBA preparation budget. Your EA scores remain valid for five years, providing flexibility in your application timeline.

However, a key aspect to understand is the limited retake policy. Candidates are permitted to take the EA exam only two times. This restriction underscores the importance of thorough preparation and maximizing your performance on each attempt. Utilizing practice tests and a structured study plan is vital to avoid needing a retake.

Careful consideration of these financial and policy constraints is essential when deciding to pursue the EA as part of your MBA application strategy.

Four-Week Study Plan for a High EA Score (165+)

This structured plan, honed from a successful EA preparation experience, focuses on diagnostic testing, skill development, and consistent practice to achieve a 165+ score.

Week 1: Diagnostic & Foundational Review

Begin with an initial diagnostic test to pinpoint your strengths and weaknesses across all three EA sections: Integrated Reasoning, Verbal, and Quantitative. This baseline assessment informs your study focus.

Next, revisit fundamental concepts in both verbal and quantitative reasoning. For verbal skills, concentrate on grammar rules and sentence correction techniques, essential for the EA’s concise questions.

In quantitative areas, refresh arithmetic skills and basic algebra, as the EA tests mathematical reasoning without complex geometry. Dedicate specific time blocks to each foundational area, utilizing practice questions to solidify understanding.

Focus on building a strong base, recognizing that the EA demands efficient problem-solving and accurate application of core principles. Consistent practice during this week sets the stage for more advanced strategies later.

Initial Diagnostic Test

The cornerstone of your preparation begins with a full-length diagnostic EA practice test, simulating the actual exam environment as closely as possible. This initial assessment isn’t about achieving a high score, but rather about honestly evaluating your current skill level.

Allocate the full 90 minutes, adhering to the section time limits (30 minutes each for Integrated Reasoning, Verbal, and Quantitative). Treat it as a real test, minimizing distractions and avoiding external help.

After completion, meticulously analyze your performance, identifying areas where you struggled and the types of questions that proved most challenging.

Categorize errors – were they due to content gaps, timing issues, or careless mistakes? This detailed analysis will dictate your study plan for the following weeks, ensuring focused and efficient preparation.

Verbal Foundations: Grammar & Sentence Correction

A strong grasp of grammar and sentence correction is vital for the EA’s Verbal section, which tests both linguistic precision and logical reasoning. Begin by revisiting fundamental grammar rules, focusing on areas like subject-verb agreement, pronoun usage, and modifier placement.

Utilize grammar workbooks or online resources to practice identifying and correcting common grammatical errors. Pay close attention to sentence structure and clarity, aiming for concise and grammatically sound phrasing.

Practice identifying errors in complex sentences, as the EA often presents challenging sentence correction questions.

Focus on understanding the underlying grammatical principles rather than memorizing rules, enabling you to apply them effectively to unfamiliar sentence structures.

Quantitative Foundations: Arithmetic & Basic Algebra

The Quantitative section of the EA assesses your arithmetic and basic algebra skills, demanding both accuracy and speed. Begin by reviewing fundamental arithmetic operations – addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division – ensuring fluency with whole numbers, decimals, and fractions.

Reinforce your understanding of basic algebraic concepts, including solving equations, inequalities, and working with variables. Practice simplifying expressions and manipulating formulas.

Don’t neglect foundational skills like percentages, ratios, and proportions, as these frequently appear in EA quantitative problems.

Revisiting long division by hand, as one test-taker noted, can be surprisingly beneficial for building mental math agility and reinforcing core arithmetic principles.

Week 2: Integrated Reasoning & Verbal Deep Dive

This week focuses on mastering Integrated Reasoning (IR) and strengthening your Verbal Reasoning skills. For IR, concentrate on the four problem types: Tables, Graphs, Multi-Source Reasoning, and Two-Part questions.

Develop strategies for efficiently extracting and synthesizing information from multiple sources, a key skill tested in the IR section. Practice identifying relevant data and drawing logical conclusions.

In Verbal Reasoning, delve into Critical Reasoning techniques, focusing on identifying assumptions, drawing inferences, and evaluating arguments. Enhance your Reading Comprehension by practicing passage analysis and question types.

Remember the EA Verbal section tests grammar, meaning, logical reasoning, and comprehension, requiring a well-rounded approach.

Integrated Reasoning (IR) Strategies & Practice

The Integrated Reasoning section presents a unique challenge, requiring you to synthesize information from multiple sources – tables, graphs, text, and more. Effective strategies involve quickly identifying key data points and understanding their relationships.

Prioritize questions based on perceived difficulty, as the IR section is untimed within the 30-minute block. Practice navigating different question formats, focusing on Multi-Source Reasoning, which often proves most challenging.

Develop a system for eliminating incorrect answer choices and focusing on the most logical conclusions based on the provided information. Remember, the EA IR section tests your ability to think critically and solve problems using integrated data.

Consistent practice with realistic IR questions is crucial for building speed and accuracy.

Critical Reasoning Techniques

The Verbal section’s Critical Reasoning questions assess your ability to analyze arguments, identify assumptions, and draw logical inferences. Mastering these skills is vital for success on the EA.

Focus on identifying the conclusion and premises of each argument, then evaluate the strength of the reasoning connecting them. Pay close attention to keywords like “however,” “therefore,” and “because,” which signal shifts in logic.

Practice identifying common logical fallacies, such as ad hominem attacks or straw man arguments. Learn to anticipate potential weaknesses in the argument and evaluate answer choices accordingly.

Time management is key; practice identifying the core of the argument quickly and eliminating irrelevant information.

Reading Comprehension Skill Building

The EA’s Reading Comprehension section tests your ability to understand and analyze complex texts efficiently. Effective strategies are crucial for maximizing your score within the time constraints.

Begin by skimming the passage to grasp the main idea and overall structure before diving into detailed reading. Identify the author’s purpose, tone, and key arguments.

Actively engage with the text by underlining or highlighting important information and summarizing paragraphs in your own words. This enhances comprehension and recall;

When answering questions, refer back to the passage to find direct evidence supporting your answer. Avoid making assumptions or relying on outside knowledge.

Week 3: Quantitative Mastery & Practice

This week focuses on solidifying your quantitative skills and tackling challenging problem types prevalent in the EA’s Quant section. Prioritize mastering Data Sufficiency and Problem Solving techniques.

Data Sufficiency requires evaluating whether given statements provide enough information to answer a question. Practice identifying sufficient vs. insufficient data and avoiding unnecessary calculations.

For Problem Solving, review fundamental arithmetic, algebra, and coordinate plane concepts. Focus on translating word problems into equations and applying appropriate formulas.

Consistent practice with timed questions is essential to build speed and accuracy. Analyze your mistakes to identify weak areas and refine your approach.

Data Sufficiency Strategies

Mastering Data Sufficiency is crucial for EA success, demanding a unique approach unlike traditional problem-solving. Begin by isolating the question stem and determining what information is needed to answer it.

Then, analyze each statement independently – is it sufficient on its own? If not, combine statements. Avoid performing calculations until you’ve determined sufficiency.

Remember the five answer choices: (A) Statement 1 sufficient, (B) Statement 2 sufficient, (C) Both statements together sufficient, (D) Neither statement sufficient.

Practice identifying keywords indicating sufficiency (e.g., “always,” “never”) and insufficiency (e.g., “sometimes,” “could be”). Focus on logical reasoning, not computation.

Problem Solving Techniques

The Quantitative section’s Problem Solving questions test arithmetic and algebraic skills, requiring efficient and accurate execution. Prioritize understanding the question before diving into calculations; identify the core concept being tested.

Employ backsolving – plugging in answer choices – when appropriate, especially if the question involves numbers. Look for opportunities to simplify the problem or estimate the answer.

Be mindful of units and ensure consistency throughout your calculations. Practice mental math to improve speed and accuracy, but don’t hesitate to write things down if needed.

Since geometry is absent, focus on mastering arithmetic, algebra, and coordinate plane concepts; efficient time management is key to tackling all 14 questions.

Coordinate Plane Practice

The EA’s Quantitative section includes questions involving the coordinate plane, testing your understanding of lines, slopes, and intercepts. Thorough practice is essential, as this topic appears frequently and can be time-consuming.

Familiarize yourself with key formulas: slope calculation, distance formula, and midpoint formula. Visualize the coordinate plane and practice plotting points accurately.

Pay attention to the orientation of the axes and the signs of coordinates. Understand how changes in the equation of a line affect its graph.

Practice identifying parallel and perpendicular lines based on their slopes; mastering these concepts will significantly improve your speed and accuracy on the exam.

Week 4: Full-Length Practice Tests & Refinement

This final week centers on simulating the actual EA exam experience with two full-length practice tests. The first test should be taken under realistic conditions, strictly adhering to the 90-minute time limit.

Following the first test, dedicate ample time to a detailed analysis of your performance. Identify areas of weakness – specific question types, content gaps, or timing issues – and create a targeted review plan.

The second practice test serves as a final check, allowing you to implement the refinements from your analysis. Focus on pacing, strategy adjustments, and maintaining composure under pressure.

Prioritize a final review of key concepts and formulas, solidifying your understanding and boosting your confidence before exam day.

Full-Length Practice Test 1: Analysis & Weakness Identification

After completing your first full-length EA practice test, a thorough analysis is paramount. Begin by reviewing every question, regardless of whether you answered it correctly or incorrectly.

Focus on understanding the reasoning behind the correct answer and identifying why incorrect options were flawed. Categorize your errors: were they due to content gaps, careless mistakes, or timing issues?

Pay close attention to the Integrated Reasoning section, noting the specific problem types that posed the greatest challenge. In the Verbal and Quantitative sections, pinpoint recurring error patterns.

Create a detailed spreadsheet or document outlining your weaknesses, prioritizing areas that require immediate attention and focused practice. This data will drive your study plan for the remainder of the week.

Full-Length Practice Test 2: Timed Conditions & Endurance

This second full-length practice test should be taken under strict timed conditions, replicating the actual EA exam environment. Simulate the 90-minute time limit, allocating 30 minutes per section – Integrated Reasoning, Verbal, and Quantitative.

Resist the urge to spend excessive time on any single question; practice pacing yourself and strategically skipping challenging problems to return to later. Focus on maintaining concentration and managing test anxiety.

After completion, analyze your performance, but this time, prioritize identifying areas where timing constraints hindered your accuracy. Did you rush through sections, leading to careless errors?

Assess your endurance and mental stamina; were you able to maintain focus throughout the entire exam? This test is crucial for building the mental fortitude needed for success.

Final Review & Strategy Consolidation

In the final week, shift focus from new learning to solidifying existing knowledge and refining your test-taking strategy. Review your performance across all practice tests, pinpointing persistent weaknesses in Integrated Reasoning, Verbal, or Quantitative sections.

Revisit key concepts and practice question types where you consistently struggle, but avoid overwhelming yourself with extensive new material. Focus on reinforcing your strengths and minimizing preventable errors.

Consolidate your pacing strategy, ensuring you can comfortably complete each section within the allotted 30-minute timeframe. Practice skipping difficult questions and returning to them strategically.

Most importantly, build confidence in your preparation and approach the EA exam with a calm and focused mindset. Remember the goal is a 165+ score!

Resources for EA Practice

Effective EA preparation relies on diverse resources, including official practice tests, third-party materials, and freely available questions for comprehensive skill development.

Official EA Practice Tests

The most valuable resources for EA preparation are the official practice tests offered by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC), the creators of the exam. These tests accurately replicate the EA’s format, question types, and scoring algorithm, providing an authentic assessment of your current skill level. While the availability of official EA practice tests might be limited compared to the GMAT, securing access to them is paramount.

These tests allow you to familiarize yourself with the online testing interface, practice time management, and identify your strengths and weaknesses. Thoroughly reviewing your performance on these official tests is crucial; analyze incorrect answers to understand the underlying concepts and refine your strategies. Remember, the EA is a shorter version of the GMAT, so leveraging GMAT resources can also be beneficial, but prioritize official EA materials whenever possible for the most accurate preparation.

Third-Party EA Practice Materials

While official EA practice tests are ideal, supplementing your preparation with third-party materials can be highly beneficial, particularly for targeted skill development. Several test preparation companies offer practice questions and mock exams designed to mimic the EA’s style and difficulty. These resources often provide detailed explanations for both correct and incorrect answers, aiding in your understanding of key concepts.

However, it’s crucial to critically evaluate the quality of these materials, as they may not always perfectly align with the official EA exam. Focus on resources that emphasize integrated reasoning, verbal reasoning, and quantitative problem-solving, mirroring the EA’s core components. Remember to cross-reference with official materials to ensure accuracy and avoid developing misconceptions. Utilizing a combination of official and third-party resources can create a well-rounded and effective study plan.

Free EA Practice Questions & Resources

Numerous free resources are available online to supplement your Executive Assessment preparation, offering valuable practice without financial investment. Websites dedicated to GMAT preparation often contain questions applicable to the EA, given the exams’ overlapping content in verbal and quantitative reasoning. Explore online forums and communities where test-takers share practice questions and discuss strategies.

However, be mindful of the source and quality of these free materials, as they may vary significantly. Focus on resources that provide explanations and allow you to analyze your mistakes. While free resources are helpful, they shouldn’t be your sole source of preparation; combine them with official practice tests and potentially paid materials for a comprehensive approach. Consistent practice, even with free resources, is key to success.

Utilizing GMAT Resources for EA Prep

Given the Executive Assessment’s similarities to the GMAT, leveraging GMAT preparation materials can be a highly effective strategy. The EA shares core skills tested on the GMAT – verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical skills – making many GMAT resources directly applicable. Focus on areas like sentence correction, critical reasoning, reading comprehension, problem-solving, and data sufficiency.

However, remember the EA omits geometry and the essay section found on the GMAT, so tailor your study plan accordingly. Utilize GMAT practice questions and full-length tests, but prioritize the sections relevant to the EA’s format. Many GMAT prep courses and books offer foundational concepts and strategies that will significantly benefit your EA preparation, providing a robust and cost-effective study approach.