ACCA LW exam-day guide
ACCA LW · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Photo ID
Bring the exact form of photo identification your exam provider requires (commonly a passport or driving licence). The accepted document types and name-matching rules vary by centre and delivery method, so confirm the specific requirement with your provider before exam day.
Exam appointment confirmation
Have your appointment/booking confirmation available, whether printed or on your phone, showing your candidate number, date, time and venue or online proctoring link.
Know your venue and travel plan
Confirm the exact test-centre address or your remote-sitting setup, and plan arrival with a buffer for security checks. For remote sittings, confirm the room and equipment requirements with your provider.
Arrive early
Aim to arrive well before your scheduled start to allow for ID checks and settling in. The exact cut-off for late arrival is set by the provider - confirm it rather than assuming.
Permitted items only
Check the provider's list of what may be taken into the exam room. Items such as phones, smart watches, notes and bags are typically not permitted at the desk; confirm the current list with your provider.
Calculator policy
Confirm whether an on-screen calculator, a permitted basic calculator, or both are allowed for your sitting, and whether any model restrictions apply.
Scratch paper / writing materials
Confirm what writing materials or on-screen scratchpad are provided. Do not assume you may bring your own paper or pens.
Review the exam format and timing
Re-read the official syllabus and exam structure so you know the number and type of questions and the overall time. ACCA LW is a two-hour computer-based exam; verify the current structure and any section weighting on the ACCA website.
Practise the exam software
Use any official specimen or practice platform the provider offers so the navigation, flagging and review functions are familiar before the day.
Rest and logistics
Plan sleep, meals and hydration so you are not managing logistics during the exam. For remote sittings, test your internet connection and equipment in advance.
Plan the day
Shift from learning new content to consolidation: review your summary notes on the main syllabus areas (the English legal system, contract law, tort law, employment law, agency, and business organisations including partnerships and companies). Do timed practice under exam conditions and review your errors rather than re-reading everything.
Re-confirm your booking details, venue or remote-sitting requirements, and the provider's list of permitted items. Resolve any uncertainty with the provider now, not on the day.
Do light revision only - skim key definitions, rules and case principles. Pack your ID and confirmation. Avoid cramming new material late at night; prioritise sleep.
Eat properly, check your travel or equipment one last time, and arrive early. Leave prohibited items at home or stored as the centre directs. Keep the pre-exam period calm and avoid last-minute debates with other candidates about content.
Read the instructions and check the on-screen timer. Note the number of questions and calculate a rough per-question pace so you leave time to review flagged items.
Answer every question; there is normally no penalty for guessing, so never leave a blank. Flag uncertain questions and move on, returning to them if time allows. Read each question carefully for words like 'not' or 'except'.
Use remaining time to check flagged questions and confirm all questions are answered. Submit only when you are satisfied; confirm the provider's rules on whether you can revisit answers before final submission.
Rules to check
Bring the exact photo ID the provider requires; if your ID does not match your booking details, you may be refused entry. Confirm acceptable ID and name-matching rules with your provider in advance.
Follow all instructions from invigilators and the on-screen rules. Attempting to use unauthorised materials, communicate with others, or access prohibited devices is misconduct and can lead to invalidation of your result.
Do not take phones, smart watches or notes into the exam room unless the provider expressly permits them; store them as directed. Confirm the current prohibited-items list with your provider.
Scoring: ACCA LW is marked out of 100 and the pass mark is 50. Verify the current pass mark and any sectional structure on the official ACCA website, as policies can change.
Breaks: scheduled breaks are generally not permitted during the exam. If you need to leave the room, raise your hand and follow invigilator instructions; confirm the provider's rules on leaving and re-entry.
For remote sittings, comply with the proctoring rules (identity checks, room scan, camera and microphone requirements). Confirm the full technical and conduct requirements with your provider beforehand.
If equipment fails or you experience a disruption, notify the invigilator or proctor immediately and follow their instructions; do not attempt to resolve it silently, as this may affect your ability to claim any remedy.
Keep to the time allowed and submit as instructed. Do not continue working after time is called; confirm the provider's rules on late submission and any consequences.