ABPP School Psychology exam-day guide
ABPP School Psychology · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Government-issued photo ID
Bring the original ID you used for registration; the name must match your registration exactly. needs_review: confirm accepted ID types and name-change rules with the provider before exam day.
Exam appointment confirmation or admission document
Save a copy offline and print it if the provider requires a paper copy. needs_review: confirm whether an admission ticket, confirmation email, or scheduling receipt is required at check-in.
Test platform login credentials
Verify your username, password, and any access code at least 72 hours before the exam. Store them securely and have a backup way to retrieve them. Confirm password-reset procedures with the provider.
Compatible computer, webcam, microphone, and charger
If the exam is remote, use a computer that meets the provider’s technical requirements. Run the system check early and again the day before. needs_review: confirm required operating system, browser, and camera/microphone specifications with the provider.
Reliable internet connection and backup plan
Use a stable wired or high-speed wireless connection. Have a phone hotspot or alternate location ready. Save the provider’s technical-support phone number and email before test day.
Quiet, private, well-lit room
Clear your desk of unauthorized materials. Tell household members not to enter during the exam. needs_review: confirm room-scan, door, and privacy requirements with the provider.
Allowed comfort items
Prepare water, tissues, medications, and a small snack only if permitted. needs_review: confirm food, drink, medication, and break policies with the provider before bringing items to the desk.
Layers or comfortable clothing
Room temperature may vary. Choose clothing that does not violate proctoring or dress rules. Confirm any restrictions with the provider.
Pen or pencil and blank paper only if permitted
Some exams prohibit scratch paper or require it to be destroyed after use. needs_review: confirm allowed note-taking materials with the provider; do not assume paper is allowed.
Silent watch or timer only if permitted
Use the on-screen clock if personal timing devices are prohibited. needs_review: confirm whether watches, timers, or phones may be used for timekeeping.
Provider contact information and emergency plan
Save the provider’s phone number and email for scheduling, technical, or check-in problems. Know whom to call if the platform fails or you cannot log in.
Final logistics review completed
Reconfirm exam date, start time, time zone, modality, location or link, and check-in window. needs_review: confirm late-arrival and rescheduling policies with the provider.
Plan the day
Confirm exam modality, start time, time zone, location or remote link, and ID requirements with the provider. Read the candidate handbook and note rules on breaks, allowed materials, scoring, and technical failure. Run the official system check and test your webcam, microphone, and internet.
Do a focused review of high-yield school psychology domains rather than new material. Practice timed questions to rehearse pacing. Protect sleep by keeping a consistent bedtime.
Arrange travel, childcare, work coverage, and backup transportation or internet. Gather ID, confirmation documents, charger, and allowed comfort items in one place.
Pack your bag and prepare the testing room. Charge all devices and run the system check again. Log in to the platform if permitted to confirm credentials work.
Confirm the start time in your local time zone and set two alarms. Avoid cramming; limit review to brief notes or summary sheets. Eat regular meals and get a full night’s sleep.
Eat breakfast, take prescribed medications, and avoid unusual amounts of caffeine. Log in or arrive at the required check-in time, allowing extra buffer for technical or security checks.
Keep your ID and confirmation document within reach. Close unnecessary applications, silence your phone, and follow proctor instructions for room scan or identity verification. Use the restroom before the exam begins.
Read all instructions carefully before starting. Note the number of questions and total time, and set a sustainable pace. Do not spend too long on any single item; flag uncertain items and return if review is allowed.
Use breaks exactly as permitted. If a technical problem occurs, stay calm, contact the proctor or support immediately, and document what happened. Confirm with the provider whether time adjustments or rescheduling are available.
Follow the provider’s instructions for submitting or ending the exam. Do not discuss specific exam content with others. Confirm score-reporting timelines and next steps with the provider.
Rules to check
Bring a government-issued photo ID whose name matches your registration exactly. Confirm accepted ID forms and any name-change procedure with the provider before exam day.
Follow all proctor and platform instructions. Do not bring unauthorized materials, devices, or other people into the testing room. Confirm allowed items with the provider rather than relying on informal advice.
Do not assume break rules. Confirm the number and length of breaks, whether the clock stops, and whether food, drink, or medication may be accessed during breaks with the provider.
Scoring and pass standards vary by board and exam component. Confirm the passing standard, score-reporting timeline, and retake policy with the provider; do not rely on hearsay.
Report technical failures immediately to the proctor or technical support. Ask the provider in advance how time adjustments, exam rescheduling, or incident documentation are handled.
Maintain academic integrity: do not copy, share, photograph, or discuss exam content. Follow the confidentiality agreement and all testing-platform terms.
Arrive or log in by the required check-in time. Confirm late-arrival and rescheduling policies with the provider, since missed check-in windows may affect eligibility.
If the exam is remote, consent to proctoring and room-scan procedures as required. Confirm privacy expectations and what will be visible on camera before the exam begins.