ABR IR/DR exam-day guide
ABR IR/DR · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Government-issued photo ID
Bring the exact form of identification your scheduling confirmation names; the name must match your registration. If your ID name differs from your registration (e.g., maiden vs. married name), confirm with the provider before test day how to resolve it.
Scheduling/admission confirmation
Print or save the confirmation email or portal page with your test date, time, and location or remote-testing link. Confirm with the provider whether printed confirmation is required.
Know your exact report time and arrival buffer
Arrive earlier than the stated report time; security and check-in add time. The specific buffer (e.g., 30 vs. 60 minutes) varies by center-confirm with the provider.
Test-center logistics confirmed
Verify address, parking, and building/room entry in advance. For remote testing, run the required system/equipment check and confirm the platform and proctor requirements with the provider.
Permitted personal items only
Bring only what your admission materials list as allowed. Lockers or storage rules for phones, watches, and bags vary-confirm with the provider.
No personal reference materials
Do not bring notes, textbooks, or study sheets into the testing area unless the provider explicitly permits specific resources. Assume they are prohibited unless told otherwise.
Medications and accessibility accommodations
If you need medication, food, or extra time/breaks for a documented need, confirm approval and procedures with the provider well before test day; do not assume on-the-spot accommodation.
Rest and practical comfort
Prioritize sleep the night before, eat a normal meal, and bring water if allowed. Avoid last-minute cramming that disrupts sleep.
Review the exam interface and format
Know the question format, how to navigate, and how to flag/review items using the provider's tutorial or practice materials. Confirm any interface details you are unsure of with the provider.
Confirm scoring and reporting basics
Understand pass/fail structure and when results are released by checking the provider's official materials; do not rely on secondhand reports.
Backup plan for delays
Have a contact number for the test center or provider and a plan for traffic or tech failure. Confirm the provider's late-arrival and reschedule policy in advance.
Plan the day
Stop learning new material. Do light review of high-yield concepts only. Reconfirm test date, time, location or remote link, and ID requirements with the provider. Prepare and pack your ID and confirmation. Protect sleep.
Do a short, low-stress review or none at all. Lay out clothes, ID, confirmation, and any permitted items. Check transportation or run the remote-testing system check. Eat well and go to bed at a normal time.
Eat a normal meal, arrive early, and leave buffer for delays. Bring only permitted items. Follow check-in instructions exactly. Stay calm and read each question stem carefully.
Read the full question before looking at options. Answer confidently, flag uncertain items, and use remaining time to review flagged questions. Manage the clock so you do not run out of time on the final section. Take permitted breaks as allowed.
Note any technical issues immediately with the proctor or provider. Confirm how and when results will be reported.
Rules to check
Bring the exact government-issued photo ID named in your registration; name mismatches can bar entry. Confirm resolution steps with the provider beforehand.
Follow all proctor instructions and the provider's prohibited-items list; unauthorized materials or devices in the testing area can void your result.
Confirm the provider's policy on breaks, including whether breaks are timed and whether the clock stops, and plan accordingly.
Do not communicate with other examinees about test content during or after the exam; sharing or reproducing exam content violates testing-integrity rules.
Arrive by the stated report time; late arrival may forfeit your seat or fee. Confirm the specific late-arrival policy with the provider.
If a technical or environmental problem occurs, stop and notify the proctor or support immediately and document it; do not attempt to resolve it silently.
Understand the scoring and reporting structure from official provider materials before test day; do not rely on unofficial sources.
Follow the provider's rules on personal items, food, and medication; request any needed accommodation well in advance.