ACCA PM exam-day guide
ACCA PM · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Confirm your exam format and venue
Check whether your sitting is at a test centre or remote/online, and confirm the address or the technical requirements. If you are unsure which format applies to you, confirm with the provider.
Photo identification
Bring the exact form of ID the provider requires (commonly a valid passport or driving licence). Check the name matches your exam booking. If you are unsure which IDs are accepted, confirm with the provider.
Exam appointment confirmation
Have your booking confirmation or candidate number available, either printed or on your phone, in case you are asked for it at reception.
Approved calculator
Bring a non-programmable calculator you are comfortable using; practise with the same model beforehand. Check the provider's list of permitted models if unsure.
Stationery (paper-based sittings)
Bring black pens, a pencil, an eraser and a ruler. For computer-based sittings, confirm whether any stationery is provided.
Printed formula sheet and workings paper
The PM exam provides a formulae sheet on screen or in the exam. Do not rely on bringing your own formula notes unless the provider permits it; confirm with the provider.
Timepiece
Bring a simple watch if the venue clock may be hard to see. Smart watches and phones are not permitted at your desk.
Know your route and arrival time
Plan to arrive with a comfortable margin before your start time; late arrivals may be refused entry. Confirm the required arrival time with the provider.
Revision summary, not new material
Bring a one-page summary of formulas, ratios and exam technique to review in the waiting area, then put it away before entering.
Food, water and medication
Bring water and a snack for before or after the exam. If you need medication or an access arrangement, confirm the process with the provider in advance.
Read the exam instructions carefully
On the day, read the on-screen or invigilator instructions on timing, navigation and how to flag questions before you begin.
Plan the day
Stop learning new topics. Rework your weakest two or three syllabus areas using short questions, and revisit the PM formulae sheet and key ratios until you can recall them without notes.
Complete one full timed mock under exam conditions, then mark it honestly. Spend the remaining time fixing the specific errors it exposed rather than doing more mocks.
Practise exam technique: reading requirements first, allocating roughly 1.8 minutes per mark, and writing concise workings. Review the structure of Section C-style answers (workings, then a short written commentary).
Do a light review of your summary sheet only. Confirm your ID, calculator, confirmation and travel plan are ready. Check the venue location and journey time. Aim for a normal night's sleep rather than last-minute cramming.
Eat a proper meal, arrive early, and avoid discussing topics with other candidates to keep anxiety down. Do a five-minute skim of your summary sheet, then put it away.
Read the instructions, note the total time, and skim the paper or section list to plan your order. Start with questions you can answer confidently to build momentum.
Watch the clock against mark allocation, show workings for method marks, and flag and move on from anything stalling you. Leave a few minutes at the end to check you have attempted every question and that no answer is blank.
Rules to check
Bring and present the ID the provider requires; you will normally be refused entry without it. If you are unsure which documents are acceptable, confirm with the provider.
Phones, smart watches and unauthorised notes must be switched off and stored away from your desk; possession at your desk may be treated as misconduct.
Only use an approved calculator and the stationery the provider permits; check the permitted list in advance.
Follow invigilator or proctor instructions at all times, including on leaving the room and on when you may start and stop writing.
Do not communicate with other candidates during the exam, and do not attempt to copy or share questions afterwards.
If you need to leave the room, raise your hand and wait to be accompanied; lost time is generally not added back, so confirm the policy with the provider.
Marks are awarded for workings as well as final answers, so show your method even when the final figure is uncertain.
If something goes wrong (technical failure, illness, disruption), tell the invigilator or proctor immediately and note the details; then confirm the special-consideration process with the provider.