ACCA BT exam-day guide
ACCA BT · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Valid photo ID
Bring the original photo ID named on your booking (typically a passport or photocard driving licence). It must be in date. Check with your exam provider or centre which ID types they accept before travelling - a photocopy or expired document will usually be refused.
Appointment/booking confirmation
Have your candidate number and appointment details with you. Confirm with your provider whether a printed copy is required at the centre or whether the booking can be shown on your phone at reception.
Arrival plan and timing
Plan to reach the centre well before your start time - a common expectation is around 30 minutes early for ID and security checks, but confirm the exact arrival window with your centre, as late arrivals may be refused entry.
Remote invigilation setup (only if sitting online)
Test your device, webcam, microphone, browser and internet connection in advance; use a quiet, well-lit, private room with a clear desk, and have a charger and your ID ready for the check-in process. Follow your provider's system test instructions.
Practise the computer-based exam (CBE) interface
Work through the free specimen/demo tests so you are familiar with navigation, the on-screen calculator, flagging questions, the navigator panel and the review screen before exam day.
Calculator
A calculator function is available on screen. Check with your centre whether a physical calculator is permitted in the exam room and, if so, which models are allowed - do not assume.
No notes or study materials at the desk
Leave revision notes, textbooks, smart devices and smart watches out of the exam room; only items approved by the invigilator may be on your desk.
Belongings stored as instructed
Expect to place bags, phones and personal items in a locker or designated area. Confirm the centre's storage arrangements in advance if you are travelling with valuables.
Time-management plan
The exam is 2 hours and worth 76 marks, so budget roughly 1.5 minutes per mark and keep a reserve of about 10 minutes for reviewing flagged questions.
Knowledge of the exam structure
Know that BT is assessed by objective test and multi-task questions covering the whole syllabus - there is no choice of questions and no written long-form answers, so every area can be examined.
Water/drink and comfort arrangements
Check your centre's policy on bringing a drink into the exam room and on rest breaks, as rules vary between centres and delivery methods.
Plan the day
Re-read your summary notes and weak areas rather than starting new material. Complete at least one full timed mock under exam conditions and review every wrong answer to understand the reasoning, not just the correct option.
Reconfirm your appointment date, start time, centre address or remote session link, and accepted ID. Plan your journey or set up your workspace, and shift your sleep pattern so you are alert for the exam slot.
Do light revision only - key definitions, lists and formulas (for example costing terminology, ratios and business-structure concepts). Pack your ID and confirmation, charge devices, prepare clothes and travel money, and avoid last-minute cramming.
Stop studying early enough to get a normal night's sleep. Being rested is worth more than one extra topic at this stage.
Eat properly, arrive at the centre with time to spare (or log in early for remote invigilation) and complete ID and security checks calmly. Avoid discussing questions or cramming with other candidates outside the room.
Read the on-screen instructions, check the timer, and settle into a pace of roughly 1.5 minutes per mark. Note that objective test questions can be answered quickly, leaving more time for the multi-task scenarios.
Answer every question - there is no penalty for a wrong answer in BT objective testing, so never leave a question blank. Flag anything you are unsure of and move on; return to flagged items in your review window.
For multi-task questions, read the scenario once carefully and then answer each sub-requirement on its own merits; do not let one difficult part consume time meant for the rest of the paper.
Use the navigator to confirm no question is unanswered, revisit flagged items, and submit before the timer expires. Note that the system may submit automatically when time runs out.
Rules to check
Follow all instructions from the invigilator or remote proctor immediately; failure to do so can result in your exam being voided.
Bring and present the ID specified on your booking. If your ID is missing, expired or does not match your booking details, you may be refused entry - check the requirement with your provider beforehand.
Only approved items may be at your desk. Phones, smart watches, notes and unauthorised devices must be switched off and stored as directed.
No communication with other candidates during the exam, and no attempt to access unauthorised material. Suspected misconduct is reported and can lead to disciplinary action and loss of your result.
If you need to leave the room or take a comfort break, raise your hand and wait for the invigilator; whether breaks are allowed and whether the clock stops is centre-specific - confirm with your provider.
There is no negative marking in the BT objective tests, so attempt every question rather than leaving blanks.
The pass mark for BT is 50%. Confirm with your provider how and when your result will be released for your delivery method (centre-based or remote on-demand).
If something goes wrong - a technical failure, illness, or a disruption at the centre - tell the invigilator or proctor immediately and follow your provider's procedure for reporting it.