Do CRNA Schools Require the GRE?
About half of accredited CRNA programs no longer require the GRE. Over recent admission cycles the trend has moved steadily toward dropping it, and many programs that still list the test will waive it under common conditions. If standardized testing is a weak spot, you can build a competitive school list that avoids the GRE entirely.
The catch: GRE policies change almost every year, and programs rarely announce it loudly. A list of "no-GRE schools" copied from a blog can be a cycle or two out of date. The reliable approach is to verify each program's current requirement directly — this guide shows you how, and what waiver triggers to look for.
Rule of thumb: never assume. Confirm the GRE requirement on each program's official admissions page for the cycle you're applying to, and email the program coordinator if the policy is ambiguous.
Common GRE Waiver Conditions
Even programs that "require" the GRE frequently waive it. The most common waiver triggers are:
| Waiver Trigger | Typical Threshold |
|---|---|
| Active CCRN certification | Holding a current CCRN |
| Cumulative GPA above a cutoff | Often 3.2, 3.4, or 3.5+ |
| Science GPA above a cutoff | Often 3.0–3.5+ |
| Prior graduate degree | Any completed master's or doctorate |
| Years of ICU experience | Sometimes 2+ years |
If you hold a CCRN and a 3.5+ GPA, you may qualify for a waiver at a large share of programs that otherwise list the GRE — effectively widening your no-GRE options well beyond the programs that have formally dropped it.
How to Build a No-GRE School List
- Start from our directory. Browse programs by state in the CRNA schools directory and open each program's website.
- Find the admissions/requirements page for the current cycle and search for "GRE."
- Note three states: GRE required, GRE optional, or GRE not required.
- Check the waiver clause. If required, see whether your CCRN or GPA qualifies you for a waiver.
- Confirm by email if anything is unclear — coordinators answer these questions constantly.
Because requirements shift yearly, treat this as a per-cycle task rather than a one-time list. Pair it with our application timeline so you test (or skip testing) at the right moment.
Should You Take the GRE Anyway?
If even a few of your target programs require it without a waiver path, taking the GRE keeps every door open. A strong score (above the 50th percentile in each section) can also strengthen an application with a borderline GPA. Weigh the prep time against how many of your realistic targets actually demand it — for many applicants, a CCRN plus a solid GPA makes the test unnecessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Roughly half of accredited programs still require it, while the other half have dropped it or made it optional. The trend has been toward removing the requirement.
Check each program's official admissions page, since policies change yearly. Many programs that still list the GRE will waive it for applicants who hold a CCRN or meet a GPA threshold, commonly 3.2 or 3.5.
Often yes. Common waiver criteria include holding an active CCRN, meeting a minimum GPA, holding a prior graduate degree, or having a certain number of years of ICU experience.