GRE Subject Test: Physics Practice Test

212 questions available

Build your confidence for GRE Subject Test: Physics. Practice the concepts, understand the answers, and strengthen your knowledge one question at a time.

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Certification exam
100 Exam questions
2 hours 50 minutes Time Limit
Your practice
212 Practice questions
3 hours 32 minutes Practice Time
Try 5 free questions
No account needed. A free account includes 20 questions for this exam.
The bank 212 Practice questions checked against the official objectives.
Official objectives from ETS
ETS212 practice questionsBank updated 2026-09-26
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Exam overview and details

The GRE Subject Test: Physics Practice Test is a comprehensive assessment designed for undergraduate physics majors and recent graduates who are preparing for graduate school applications. This practice exam covers the full breadth of topics typically included in the official GRE Physics Subject Test, including Classical Mechanics, Electromagnetism, Laboratory Methods, Quantum Mechanics and Atomic Physics, Special Relativity, Optics, Wave Phenomena, Specialized Topics (nuclear, particle, solid state), and Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics. The test consists of 35 carefully constructed questions that mirror the style, difficulty, and distribution of the actual exam. It is intended for serious learners who wish to gauge their readiness, identify strengths and weaknesses, and build confidence before taking the official test. By completing this practice exam, test-takers will gain a realistic sense of time management, question complexity, and the interdisciplinary thinking required. The content emphasizes conceptual understanding, problem-solving skills, and the ability to apply fundamental principles across multiple domains of physics. This practice test is not a substitute for comprehensive review but serves as a critical diagnostic tool and a benchmark for progress.

Sample Questions

Choose an answer and explore the explanation to see how practice works.

Specialized Topics (nuclear, particle, solid state)

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Classical Mechanics

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Specialized Topics (nuclear, particle, solid state)

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Laboratory Methods

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Specialized Topics (nuclear, particle, solid state)

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Exam insights and study advice

Mastering the material on this practice test matters because the GRE Physics Subject Test is often a key component of graduate school admissions in physics and related fields. A strong score can distinguish an applicant in a competitive pool, potentially opening doors to top-tier programs, research assistantships, and fellowships. Beyond admissions, the process of preparing for this exam deepens your understanding of core physics principles that underpin real-world technologies-from quantum computing and medical imaging to renewable energy systems and semiconductor devices. The analytical rigor and problem-solving habits developed here translate directly into research competence and professional expertise. In short, this practice test is not just about a score; it is about building the foundational fluency that defines a capable physicist.

What this exam covers

Use the published domain weights to plan your study. Practice results do not predict your certification exam score.

01Specialized Topics (nuclear, particle, solid state)

25%

02Classical Mechanics

20%

03Electromagnetism

18%

04Quantum Mechanics and Atomic Physics

12%

05Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics

10%

06Special Relativity, Optics, Wave Phenomena

9%

07Laboratory Methods

6%

Exam Details GRE-PHYS | $150 USD | 2 hours 50 minutes

Exam Code GRE-PHYS
Vendor ETS
Exam Cost $150 USD
Time Limit 2 hours 50 minutes
Exam questions 100
Question TypesMultiple Choice, Select All That Apply, Numeric Entry, Essay (constructed response)
Retake Policy GRE General: once every 21 days, maximum 5 times in any continuous rolling 12-month period. GRE Subject Tests: offered only 3 times per year (Sep, Oct, Apr); one attempt per administration. TOEFL iBT: once every 3 days; unlimited attempts. Praxis: retake policies vary by state; typically a 21-28 day waiting period after a failed attempt.
Exam Format Paper-based (linear); Prometric test centers only
Online Proctoring Available
Exam rules No personal items, notes, books, or electronic devices permitted in the testing room. ETS ScoreSelect option available for GRE: choose which scores to send to institutions. For at-home GRE and TOEFL: must be alone in a quiet room, no second monitors, must use ETS-approved browser with lockdown software installed. Scratch paper provided at test centers; online whiteboard provided for at-home.

Frequently Asked Questions

How should I use this practice test most effectively?

Is this practice test harder or easier than the actual GRE Physics Subject Test?

What if I haven't taken courses in all the specialized topics like nuclear or solid state physics?

How much time should I spend on each question?

Should I memorize formulas for this test?