AACE PSP exam-day guide
AACE PSP · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Government-issued photo ID
Bring the exact form of ID the testing provider requires; confirm acceptable ID types and name-matching rules with the provider before test day.
Confirmation/authorization to test
Bring or have access to your exam appointment confirmation and any authorization-to-test document the provider issues; confirm whether a printed copy is required.
Appointment details and test-center location
Save the address, arrival time, and check-in instructions. If testing remotely, confirm the platform and system requirements in advance.
Know the allowed reference materials policy
Ask the provider whether any reference materials, formula sheets, or notes are permitted or provided on-screen; do not assume. Mark as needs_review until confirmed.
Know the calculator policy
Confirm whether a calculator is permitted, provided on-screen, or prohibited, and which models are allowed. Mark as needs_review until confirmed.
Personal items plan
Plan for secure storage of phone, watch, bag, and notes; most testing centers restrict items in the testing room. Confirm the specific rules with the provider.
Review exam logistics: length, format, scoring
Know the number of questions, time limit, question format, and how the exam is scored or scaled; confirm these details with the provider rather than relying on memory.
Rest and logistics the night before
Confirm travel time, parking or transit, and set two alarms. Aim for normal sleep rather than last-minute cramming.
Light review plan, not new material
Prepare a short list of key formulas, definitions, and process steps to skim in the final day; avoid learning new topics at the last minute.
Break and timing strategy
Decide in advance how you will pace yourself across the time limit and whether scheduled or unscheduled breaks are available; confirm break rules with the provider.
Backup plan for technical or travel problems
Save the provider's contact number and know their policy for late arrival, rescheduling, or technical issues. Confirm these policies with the provider.
Water and a light snack for before/after
Stay hydrated and eat normally before the exam; confirm whether food or drink is allowed during breaks at your specific location.
Plan the day
Confirm appointment time, location or remote-testing setup, and ID requirements with the provider. Do a final pass over your summary notes and formula list. Take one short practice set to check pacing, then stop adding new material. Protect sleep.
Light review only: skim key definitions, formulas, and process steps. Prepare your ID, confirmation, and any permitted items. Check travel or system requirements. Set alarms, eat a normal meal, and go to bed at a reasonable hour.
Eat a normal breakfast, arrive early per the provider's instructions, and bring only permitted items. Do a brief calm review of your summary sheet, not a deep dive. Arrive at the test center or log in early and complete check-in without rushing.
Read each question fully, flag uncertain items, and keep an eye on the clock. Answer easier questions first if the platform allows navigation. Use breaks only as permitted, and reserve time to review flagged questions before the end.
Note any topics that felt weak for future study or retake planning, and confirm with the provider how and when results are reported.
Rules to check
Bring the exact ID the provider requires; name and photo must match your registration. Confirm acceptable ID types with the provider in advance.
Follow all check-in and security procedures, including any item restrictions, sign-in steps, and proctor instructions.
Do not bring unauthorized materials, notes, or devices into the testing room; confirm the permitted-items list with the provider.
Breaks are governed by the provider's rules; confirm whether breaks are scheduled or optional and whether the clock stops during them.
Scoring, passing standards, and result timing are set by the provider; confirm how results are reported rather than assuming a score you will see immediately.
If you arrive late or have a technical problem, follow the provider's stated policy; contact them promptly and confirm rescheduling or incident-report procedures.
Maintain exam integrity: no communication with others about content during the exam, and no sharing of exam questions afterward.