GTE FAQs for Test Takers and the General Public

Below are a list of questions commonly asked by test takers and the general public.

  1. How is the exam administered?
  2. How will my program access the exam?
  3. Is there a guide that I can refer to for additional exam information?
  4. Do all of the registered fellows in my training program need to take the exam on the same day?
  5. Do I need to notify the AGA Institute of the specific day in which my fellows will sit for the exam?
  6. How long is the exam?
  7. What are the minimum computer system requirements needed to administer the exam?
  8. If I experience technical difficulties when administering the exam who should I contact?
  9. What is the cancellation/refund policy?

  1. How is the exam administered?

    The GTE is a formal, closed-book exam that will only be administered online.

    Back to Top

  2. How will my program access the exam?

    The exam will be accessible via a web address/link (link will be provided to exam proctors in February), that will only be active during the exam testing window of March 1-15, 2012.

    Back to Top

  3. Is there a guide that I can refer to for additional exam information?

    Yes, an Administrative Handbook providing detailed specifications about the exam will be made available online in January at www.gastro.org/GTE.

    Back to Top

  4. Do all of the registered fellows in my training program need to take the exam on the same day?

    All fellows do not need to take the exam on the same day; however, they must complete the exam during the designated testing window of March 1-15, 2012.

    Back to Top

  5. Do I need to notify the AGA Institute of the specific day in which my fellows will sit for the exam?

    The AGA Institute does not need to be notified of the specific day in which fellows will sit for the exam. The AGA Institute relies on programs to “schedule” their fellows to sit for the exam provided it is within the designated testing window of March 1-15, 2012.

    Back to Top

  6. How long is the exam?

    The exam itself is 4 hours. However, we recommend that you reserve at least 4.5 hours (4 hours for the exam and 30 minutes for the brief orientation provided by the proctor to the fellows).

    Back to Top

  7. What are the minimum computer system requirements needed to administer the exam?

    • Internet Explorer 8.0 or 9.0, or Mozilla Firefox version 4.0 (or greater) or Google Chrome
    • High Speed Internet access
    • Three feet of space between each computer

    Back to Top

  8. If I experience technical difficulties when administering the exam who should I contact?

    Contact Yardstick, the AGAI's exam vendor, at support@getyardstick.com, 888-881-1005 or 587-881-1528.

    • Hours of support: Monday-Saturday, 8 a.m.-7 p.m., EDT

    24 hour overnight support will also be available on Wednesday, March 7 and Wednesday, March 14, 2012.

    Back to Top

  9. What is the cancellation/refund policy?

    The AGA Institute must receive cancellation notices by Thursday, Feb. 23, 2012. Cancellation notices must be in writing and sent by the training director. Cancellation notices must be e-mailed to GTE@gastro.org or faxed to 301-652-3890, attention GTE. Refunds will be processed upon cancellation. There is a $50 non-refundable registration fee for all cancellations.

    Back to Top