AAPA exam-day guide
AAPA · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Government-issued photo ID
Bring the original, unexpired ID in the name you registered with. Confirm with the provider which specific ID types are accepted and whether a secondary ID is required.
Admission confirmation / scheduling notice
Print or save the confirmation email showing your appointment time, date, and test-center location or online-proctoring link.
Know your login credentials
If testing online or on a computer-based system, verify your username and password work before exam day. Do not rely on autofill.
Confirm test format and delivery mode
Verify whether your exam is in-person at a test center or remote-proctored, and note any software or system checks required beforehand. Details vary by provider-confirm with the provider.
Review the allowed-materials policy
Confirm what you may bring (calculator, scratch paper, notes, reference sheets). Do not assume any item is permitted.
Confirm break and timing rules
Ask the provider whether breaks are scheduled or optional, whether the clock stops during breaks, and how many breaks are allowed.
Plan your route and arrival time
Confirm the required arrival time (often before the scheduled start) and plan travel to arrive early. For remote testing, secure a quiet, private space with reliable internet.
Charge and test your equipment
For remote or computer-based testing, charge your device, test your camera/microphone, and run any required system check in advance.
Prepare permitted comfort items
Water, snacks, and layers may or may not be allowed in the testing room. Confirm the provider's policy; many require items to be stored outside the room.
Know the scoring and results policy
Confirm the passing standard, whether results are immediate or delayed, and how score reports are delivered. Do not rely on assumptions.
Review the reschedule/cancellation policy
Note deadlines and fees in case of emergency. Confirm with the provider for exact terms.
Rest and logistics the night before
Set two alarms, lay out your ID and confirmation, and get adequate sleep. Avoid last-minute cramming that disrupts rest.
Plan the day
Confirm appointment details, ID requirements, allowed materials, and break rules with the provider. Do a final content review focused on weak areas rather than new material. Run any required system or equipment checks for remote testing.
Light review only-skim summaries and key formulas. Prepare your ID, confirmation, and permitted items. Confirm travel plan or quiet testing space. Avoid alcohol and heavy meals; prioritize sleep.
Eat a normal meal, hydrate moderately, and arrive or log in early per the provider's instructions. Re-check your ID and confirmation. Keep the pre-exam routine calm and avoid discussing difficult topics with others.
Read each question fully, watch the clock, and pace yourself. Answer easier items first if the format allows, flag uncertain items, and return to them. Use breaks only as permitted. If technical issues occur, notify the proctor immediately.
Rules to check
Present valid, unexpired government-issued photo ID matching your registration name; confirm accepted ID types with the provider.
Follow all proctor instructions and the provider's conduct policy; prohibited behavior can lead to score cancellation.
Do not bring unauthorized materials into the testing area; confirm the allowed-materials list with the provider before exam day.
Understand the break policy before you start-confirm whether the clock runs during breaks and whether leaving the room is permitted.
For remote testing, remain in view of the camera and in the testing space for the duration; confirm specific monitoring rules with the provider.
Report any technical malfunction or interruption to the proctor immediately and follow their instructions.
Review the scoring, passing-standard, and score-report timeline policies in advance; confirm details with the provider.
Confirm the reschedule, cancellation, and retake policies and their deadlines before exam day.