ABAI exam-day guide
ABAI · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Government-issued photo ID
Bring the exact name-matching ID your provider requires. Confirm with the provider which forms of ID are accepted and whether a secondary ID is needed.
Exam authorization / admission letter
Print or save the confirmation showing your test window, eligibility number, and test center or remote-proctoring details. Confirm with the provider whether a hard copy is required.
Scheduling confirmation and test-window details
Know your exact appointment time, time zone, and check-in deadline. Confirm with the provider how early to arrive or log in.
Login credentials and system check (remote testing)
If testing remotely, verify your account login, run any required equipment/system test, and confirm browser and webcam/microphone requirements. Confirm with the provider the supported setup.
Acceptable calculator or none
Check whether a calculator is permitted, provided on-screen, or prohibited, and which models are allowed. Confirm with the provider; do not assume.
Scratch materials policy
Determine whether scratch paper, a whiteboard, or an on-screen notepad is allowed and how it is collected. Confirm with the provider.
Personal items plan
Plan where to store phone, watch, bag, and notes, since most testing rooms prohibit them at the workstation. Confirm with the provider what storage is available.
Break and timing plan
Know the number and length of breaks and whether the clock runs during them. Confirm with the provider the exact break structure for your exam.
Rest and logistics
Arrange transportation, sleep, meals, and hydration so you arrive calm and on time. For remote testing, secure a quiet, private room.
Accessibility or accommodation arrangements
If you have approved accommodations, confirm logistics and documentation in advance. Confirm with the provider how accommodations are delivered on test day.
Provider contact information
Save the provider's phone number and support email in case of technical or scheduling problems. Confirm with the provider the best day-of contact channel.
Plan the day
Re-read the official candidate handbook and testing rules. Confirm appointment time, location or remote setup, and ID requirements with the provider. Do a light review of weak areas only; avoid cramming new material. Protect sleep.
Pack ID, confirmation, and any allowed items. Run any remote system/equipment check. Scout the route or set up your testing room. Stop heavy studying early, eat a normal meal, and get a full night's sleep.
Eat a normal breakfast, hydrate moderately, arrive or log in with the provider's recommended buffer. Leave prohibited items stored away. Do a brief calm warm-up, not a new-topic deep dive.
Follow proctor instructions exactly, present ID, and complete any security or identity verification. Ask the proctor about break rules and materials before the clock starts.
Budget time per section, flag uncertain items and return to them, and read each question fully. Use scheduled breaks to reset, and monitor the on-screen clock. If a technical issue occurs, pause and notify the proctor immediately.
Follow the provider's process for score release and any post-exam survey. Note what worked for future planning.
Rules to check
Present valid, unexpired, name-matching photo ID; confirm with the provider which ID types are accepted.
Follow all proctor instructions and the provider's candidate conduct agreement; prohibited behavior can void your score.
Keep phones, watches, notes, and other unauthorized items out of the testing area; confirm with the provider what is permitted.
Do not communicate with others about exam content during the test or breaks, and do not share exam content afterward.
Understand the break policy before you start: confirm with the provider whether breaks are optional, timed, and whether the clock runs.
Know the scoring and reporting policy, including pass/fail thresholds and retake rules; confirm with the provider rather than relying on secondhand information.
Report technical problems or rule questions to the proctor immediately rather than trying to resolve them alone.
If you have approved accommodations, use them only as authorized and confirm day-of logistics with the provider.