CHONC exam-day guide
CHONC · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Government-issued photo ID
Bring the original, unexpired ID in the name used on your registration. Confirm with the provider which specific ID types and name-matching rules it accepts before test day.
Confirmation / appointment details
Have your scheduling confirmation, appointment time, and test-center address or remote-proctoring link available. Confirm with the provider how and when login or check-in details are sent.
Know your exact appointment time and arrival window
Arrive or log in per the provider's stated window; late arrivals may be refused entry. Confirm with the provider the arrival/check-in cutoff for your format (in-person vs. remote).
Review the allowed-items list
Most testing programs restrict what you may bring to the desk. Confirm with the provider whether items like water, tissues, a watch, or a sweater are permitted and whether lockers are provided.
Personal items plan (phone, bag, keys)
Expect phones and personal belongings to be stored away or prohibited at the desk. Confirm with the provider the storage and phone-handling policy for your test format.
Any permitted reference or calculator
If your exam allows a calculator or reference sheet, verify the approved type/model and whether one is provided on-screen. Do not assume; confirm with the provider.
Remote-proctoring setup (if applicable)
If testing online, verify system requirements, camera/microphone, browser, and a quiet private room. Run any required system check in advance. Confirm with the provider the room and equipment rules.
Rest, food, and hydration plan
Plan a normal night's sleep and a light meal/snack timed to your appointment. Confirm with the provider whether food and drink are allowed at the desk or only during breaks.
Transportation and backup plan
Know your route and allow buffer time for traffic or technical issues. For remote testing, have a backup internet option if possible.
Break and timing expectations
Understand roughly how long the session runs and whether scheduled or unscheduled breaks exist. Confirm with the provider the exact break policy, since it varies by program.
Scoring and results expectations
Know how the exam is scored and when/how results are released. Confirm with the provider the score scale, passing standard, and reporting timeline rather than relying on secondhand information.
Emergency contact / provider support number
Save the provider's candidate-services contact in case of a scheduling, login, or test-center problem. Confirm with the provider the correct number or channel for day-of issues.
Plan the day
Stop learning new material. Do light review of weak areas and practice pacing/timing. Re-read the provider's candidate handbook for rules, allowed items, and check-in procedures. Confirm your appointment time, location or remote link, and ID requirements with the provider. Prepare and set aside your ID and confirmation.
If testing remotely, complete any required system/equipment check and test your camera, microphone, and internet. Clear your testing space of prohibited items.
Do a final light pass only; avoid cramming. Lay out ID, confirmation, and any permitted items. Confirm transportation or remote setup. Eat a normal meal, limit caffeine and alcohol, and aim for a full night's sleep. Set two alarms.
Eat a normal breakfast and hydrate moderately. Recheck your appointment time and route/link. Leave early with buffer time. Bring only permitted items and your ID. Stay calm and avoid last-minute cramming in the waiting area.
Follow staff or proctor instructions exactly. Present your ID, complete any security screening or room scan, and store prohibited items as directed. Ask the proctor about break rules before you begin if unsure.
Read each question fully and watch your pacing against the clock. Answer easier items first if the format allows and flag uncertain ones to revisit. Use only permitted breaks and follow proctor instructions. If a technical or personal issue arises, raise your hand or contact the proctor immediately rather than troubleshooting alone.
Confirm with the proctor that your session submitted successfully. Note any provisional score information the provider gives. Confirm with the provider when and how official results will be released.
Rules to check
Bring valid, unexpired government-issued photo ID matching your registration name; confirm with the provider the accepted ID types and name-change procedures.
Follow all proctor and test-center or remote-proctoring instructions; failure to comply can lead to dismissal or score cancellation. Confirm with the provider the full candidate conduct agreement.
Do not bring or use prohibited items (phones, notes, smart devices, unauthorized calculators) at the testing station; confirm with the provider the complete prohibited-items list.
Breaks are governed by the provider's policy and may be scheduled or unscheduled; leaving the testing area may be restricted. Confirm with the provider the exact break rules before test day.
Scoring, the passing standard, and results reporting are set by the provider; confirm the score scale and timeline with the provider rather than relying on unofficial sources.
Report any technical failure, illness, or irregularity to the proctor or provider immediately; do not attempt to resolve equipment problems on your own.
Do not discuss, record, or share exam content; most programs prohibit disclosing test questions. Confirm with the provider the confidentiality terms you agreed to.