ABAA CABS exam-day guide
ABAA CABS · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Government-issued photo ID
Bring the exact form of identification the testing provider requires. Confirm with the provider which IDs are accepted and whether the name must match your registration exactly.
Confirmation of appointment details
Have your appointment confirmation, test location or remote-testing link, and start time accessible. Confirm with the provider how and when this is delivered.
Know your test format and delivery mode
Verify whether you are sitting an in-person or remote-proctored exam and review the provider's technical and room requirements. Confirm with the provider.
Allowed reference materials
Check the provider's list of permitted references, calculators, or scratch materials. Do not assume any item is allowed; confirm with the provider.
Personal items plan
Plan where your phone, bag, and other personal items will go. Most testing centers restrict items in the testing room; confirm the specific storage rules with the provider.
Rest and logistics plan
Plan travel time, parking or transit, and arrival buffer so you are not rushed. Confirm the provider's recommended arrival time.
Break and timing expectations
Review the scheduled breaks and total seat time in advance. Confirm with the provider whether breaks are optional and whether the clock stops.
Scoring and results timeline
Understand how the exam is scored and when results are released. Confirm with the provider; do not rely on secondhand reports.
Accommodations confirmation
If you requested accommodations, confirm approval and logistics with the provider well before exam day. needs_review
Remote-testing technical check
If testing remotely, run the provider's system check and test your camera, microphone, and connection ahead of time. Confirm requirements with the provider. needs_review
Plan the day
Re-read the provider's candidate handbook and testing rules. Confirm appointment time, location or remote link, and ID requirements. Do a light review of high-level concepts rather than cramming new material. Protect sleep.
Prepare and lay out your ID, confirmation, and any permitted items. Confirm travel or technical setup. Avoid last-minute schedule changes. Get a full night's sleep and eat normally.
Eat a normal meal, arrive with buffer time, and bring only permitted items. Do a final check of ID and confirmation. Stay calm and follow staff or proctor instructions.
Read each question carefully, manage your time against the clock, and flag uncertain items to revisit. Use scheduled breaks as permitted. Follow all proctor instructions and do not communicate with others.
Rules to check
Bring valid government-issued photo ID; confirm accepted forms and name-matching rules with the provider.
Arrive or log in at the required time; late arrival policies vary, so confirm with the provider.
Follow all proctor and testing-center instructions, including room and desk rules.
Do not bring unauthorized materials, devices, or notes into the testing area; confirm the permitted-items list with the provider.
Do not communicate with other candidates during the exam or attempt to share or record exam content.
Understand break rules before you start; confirm with the provider whether breaks are optional and whether the clock stops.
Review the scoring and results-release process in advance; confirm with the provider rather than relying on hearsay.
If something goes wrong during the exam, notify the proctor or provider immediately and follow their instructions.