CSC (AACN) exam-day guide
CSC · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Government-issued photo ID
Bring original ID with your name matching your CSC registration exactly. Confirm accepted ID types and whether a second piece is required with CSI/the test provider.
Appointment confirmation
Have your exam date, start time, time zone, and test-centre address or online-proctoring link saved offline.
Login credentials and platform check
For online exams, confirm your CSI/proctoring username and password work, and complete any required system test in advance.
Approved calculator
Confirm with CSI which calculator models are permitted. Some online exams provide an on-screen calculator; do not assume a physical calculator is allowed.
Scratch paper or whiteboard
Confirm the provider's rule for scratch paper, erasable whiteboards, or virtual whiteboards. Use only the approved method.
Formula reference
Confirm whether a formula sheet is provided. If not, memorise key ratios and formulas you expect to use.
Quiet, private room (online exams)
Use a closed room with a clear desk, reliable lighting, and no interruptions. Remove notes, phones, and smart devices from reach.
Charged device and charger
For online exams, plug in your laptop and keep the charger connected. Test webcam, microphone, and internet stability beforehand.
Arrival or login buffer
Arrive at the test centre or log in early. Confirm the exact check-in window with the provider; 15–30 minutes early is a common recommendation but verify it.
Candidate handbook review
Read the current CSI candidate handbook for conduct, ID, calculator, and technical-failure rules before exam day.
Plan the day
Confirm your appointment, location or online link, ID validity, and calculator/scratch-paper rules with CSI. Run the online system check if applicable. Review weak topics and key formulas rather than starting new material. Protect sleep.
Do one timed practice set under exam conditions to rehearse pacing. Each CSC exam is typically 100 multiple-choice questions in 2 hours; confirm your specific sitting's format and timing with CSI.
Light review only: formula sheet, common ratios, and a few flagged practice questions. Prepare ID, confirmation, calculator, charger, and any approved materials in one place. Avoid cramming late at night.
Eat and hydrate. For an online exam, close unnecessary applications, plug in your device, and log in early. For a test centre, allow extra travel time and arrive within the provider's check-in window.
Read each question carefully and watch the clock-roughly 1.2 minutes per question if there are 100 questions in 2 hours. Answer easy questions first, flag uncertain ones, and return to them. Leave time to confirm you have answered every question.
If the platform freezes or your connection drops, stop and contact the proctor or provider immediately. Do not keep working or troubleshoot alone unless instructed.
Rules to check
Bring valid government-issued photo ID; your name must match your registration. Confirm accepted ID with CSI/the provider.
Only approved items may be at your desk. Phones, smartwatches, notes, and unauthorised calculators must be stored away.
The timer normally runs continuously, and scheduled breaks are not typically provided. Confirm the break policy for your sitting with the provider.
For online exams, remain in camera view, keep your face and desk visible, and do not communicate with anyone in the room.
Each CSC exam is generally 100 multiple-choice questions with a 60% passing mark. Confirm current scoring, results timing, and retake rules with CSI.
Answer every question; there is typically no penalty for guessing. Confirm this for your exam version.
Use only the approved scratch-paper or whiteboard method. Do not write on your body, ID, or unauthorised surfaces.
If a technical failure occurs, contact the proctor or provider immediately and follow their instructions rather than continuing alone.