ABGC Certification Examination (CGC) exam-day guide
CGC · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Government-issued photo ID
Bring the original, unexpired ID in the name you registered under. Confirm with the provider which specific forms of ID they accept and whether a secondary ID is required.
Confirmation / scheduling notice
Have your appointment confirmation, testing location or remote-testing link, and any candidate ID number available. Confirm with the provider how you will receive the link or admission ticket.
Login credentials for computer-based delivery
If testing remotely or on a computer, verify your account username/password and any required security questions in advance. Confirm with the provider whether a proctor-launched browser or lockdown software must be installed beforehand.
System readiness for remote testing
If testing at home, run any required system check (camera, microphone, browser compatibility, bandwidth) ahead of time. Confirm with the provider the minimum technical requirements and the check-in window.
Approved calculator or reference materials
Determine in advance whether any calculator, formula sheet, or reference is permitted and in what form. Confirm with the provider, since allowed aids vary by exam and delivery mode.
Testing-environment rules
For remote testing, prepare a quiet, private, clutter-free room and know what is prohibited on your desk. Confirm with the provider the specific room and desk requirements.
Arrival / check-in timing
Plan to arrive or log in early enough to complete identity verification and check-in. Confirm with the provider the recommended arrival time and late-arrival policy.
Break policy knowledge
Know before test day whether breaks are offered, whether they count against your time, and whether you may leave the testing area. Confirm with the provider.
Scoring and results knowledge
Understand how the exam is scored, whether there is a passing standard, and when/how results are released. Confirm with the provider.
Personal comfort items within policy
Plan for water, medication, or other necessities only if permitted. Confirm with the provider what personal items may be brought into the testing room.
Rest and logistics plan
Arrange transportation, parking, or a stable internet location, and protect sleep the night before.
Review of exam content outline
Skim the official content outline or domain list for orientation only; avoid cramming new material in the final hours.
Plan the day
Confirm appointment details, ID requirements, testing location or remote link, and any permitted aids with the provider. Run any required system check for remote delivery. Do light review of weak areas and the official content outline; avoid learning brand-new topics. Protect sleep.
Re-confirm logistics (time, address or link, transportation, parking). Prepare and lay out your ID, confirmation notice, and permitted items. Do a brief, calm review of high-level frameworks only. Stop studying early enough to sleep at your normal time. Avoid alcohol and heavy meals late in the day.
Eat a normal meal and hydrate. Re-check the appointment time and link/location. Arrive or log in with buffer time for check-in and identity verification. Keep the environment quiet and clear if testing remotely. Stay calm and read instructions carefully.
Read each question fully and watch for qualifiers. Answer easier items first if the platform allows navigation, and flag uncertain ones to revisit. Manage your time against the number of items and any stated time limit. Use breaks only as permitted and be aware of the clock. Review flagged items if time remains before submitting.
Rules to check
Bring and present valid, unexpired government-issued photo ID in your registered name; confirm with the provider which ID forms are accepted.
Follow all proctor instructions and the provider's conduct rules; unauthorized materials, devices, or communication during the exam may lead to invalidation. Confirm with the provider what is prohibited.
Know and follow the provider's rules on breaks, leaving the testing area, and whether break time counts against your exam time. Confirm with the provider.
Do not attempt to record, copy, or share exam content; doing so typically violates the candidate agreement. Confirm the specific terms with the provider.
Understand the scoring method and passing standard in advance; confirm with the provider how results are reported and when they are released.
If technical problems occur during remote testing, stop and follow the proctor's or provider's instructions rather than troubleshooting in a way that violates rules. Confirm the provider's technical-issue policy.
Arrive or log in on time; late arrival or late check-in may affect your ability to test. Confirm with the provider the late-arrival and rescheduling policies.
Review the provider's candidate handbook or agreement before test day so you know the exact conduct, ID, and scoring policies that apply to your exam.