ACF Sous Chef (CSC) exam-day guide
ACF Sous Chef (CSC) · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Government-issued photo ID
Bring the original, unexpired ID (driver's license or passport) matching the name on your registration. Confirm with the provider which forms of ID are accepted and whether the name must match exactly.
Exam admission/confirmation document
Print or save the confirmation notice or admission ticket sent by the provider. Confirm with the provider whether a printed copy is required or a digital copy is acceptable.
Know your test location and route
Confirm the exact address, building entrance, and parking or transit options in advance. Do a dry run or map the route so you arrive with margin for delays.
Arrival time buffer
Plan to arrive well before your scheduled start; late arrivals may be refused entry. Confirm with the provider the exact check-in window and cutoff time.
Calculator policy
Confirm with the provider whether a basic calculator is permitted, provided on-screen, or prohibited, and whether any calculator must be cleared of stored data.
Personal items plan
Expect phones, smartwatches, notes, and bags to be stored away or prohibited at your seat. Confirm with the provider what secure storage is available and what is banned.
Clothing and comfort layers
Wear neat, comfortable clothing and bring a layer in case the room is cold. Avoid anything that could be read as a uniform or contain printed notes.
Water and a light snack for breaks
Confirm with the provider whether food and drink are allowed at the desk or only during scheduled breaks, and whether sealed bottles are permitted.
Rest and readiness the night before
Prioritize sleep over last-minute cramming; fatigue hurts performance on applied and calculation questions more than one extra hour of review helps.
Read the candidate handbook
Review the provider's candidate handbook for conduct, ID, timing, and scoring rules. This guide is general and does not override official policy.
Plan the day
Confirm logistics: re-check your test date, time, and location against your confirmation; verify your ID is valid and the name matches; confirm calculator and personal-item rules with the provider.
Shift from learning to consolidating. Review your own summary notes and formula or method sheets rather than starting new topics. Focus on weak areas flagged by practice results.
Do one timed practice set under exam-like conditions to rehearse pacing, then review every miss and understand the reasoning, not just the answer.
Light review only: skim key methods, safety principles, and calculation steps. Prepare and pack your ID, confirmation, and any permitted items. Plan meals and transport.
Set an alarm with extra margin, avoid alcohol and heavy screen time, and aim for a full night's sleep.
Eat a normal breakfast, dress comfortably, and leave earlier than the map suggests. Re-check you have your ID and confirmation before departing.
Follow staff instructions, present your ID, store prohibited items as directed, and note where restrooms and break areas are before you are seated.
Read instructions fully, note the time and question count, and set a rough pace. Answer easier questions first if the format allows, flag hard ones, and return to them.
For calculation or scenario questions, write out the given values, identify what is asked, and check units and reasonableness before selecting an answer. Do not leave items blank unless the format penalizes guessing; confirm the provider's guessing policy beforehand.
Use remaining time to confirm you have answered every question and to review flagged items. Submit only when you are satisfied or time is called.
Rules to check
Bring valid government-issued photo ID; the name must match your registration. If your documents differ in any way, confirm with the provider before test day.
Follow all staff and proctor instructions. Prohibited items such as phones, smartwatches, and notes must be stored as directed; unauthorized items at your seat can void your result.
Confirm with the provider in advance whether unscheduled breaks are allowed, how they are logged, and whether the clock stops. Do not assume you can leave and return freely.
Confirm with the provider how the exam is scored, including pass mark, whether wrong answers are penalized, and whether sections are weighted. Do not rely on secondhand claims.
Do not communicate with other candidates during the test or attempt to view others' screens or papers. Suspected misconduct may lead to removal and score cancellation.
If you feel unwell or have an equipment problem, raise your hand and notify staff immediately rather than troubleshooting on your own.
Any accommodations (extra time, separate room, medical needs) must be requested and approved before test day; confirm the provider's deadline and process.
Keep your confirmation and any result documentation; confirm with the provider how and when results are released and what the appeal or retake process is.