ACG CxA exam-day guide
ACG CxA · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Government-issued photo ID
Bring the exact name-matching ID the provider requires; confirm the accepted ID types and name-match rule with the provider before test day.
Exam appointment confirmation
Have your confirmation number, test date/time, and delivery method (test center or remote proctored) accessible; confirm the delivery format with the provider.
Login/credentials for remote delivery
If testing remotely, verify your account credentials and system check ahead of time. Confirm the provider's specific remote-proctoring requirements with the provider.
Compatible computer and webcam (remote only)
Run any required system/equipment check in advance. Exact hardware and browser requirements should be confirmed with the provider.
Quiet, private room (remote only)
Arrange a distraction-free space and inform household members. Specific room and desk-clear rules should be confirmed with the provider.
Acceptable secondary items
Confirm what is allowed at your seat (e.g., writing materials, water, medication). Do not assume; verify permitted and prohibited items with the provider.
Know the arrival/check-in time
Plan to arrive or log in earlier than your start time. The exact check-in window should be confirmed with the provider.
Review scoring and results timing
Know the passing standard and when results are released. Confirm the current scoring policy and results timeline with the provider.
Confirm break policy
Ask whether breaks are permitted, counted against your time, or scheduled. Break rules vary; confirm with the provider.
Plan logistics (travel/parking or internet backup)
For a test center, plan route and parking; for remote, have a backup internet option. Confirm site-specific details with the provider.
Rest and hydration plan
Prioritize sleep and a normal meal; avoid last-minute cramming that disrupts rest.
Emergency contact / provider support number
Keep the provider's support contact handy in case of technical or scheduling issues on test day.
Plan the day
Stop learning new material; do targeted review of weak areas and practice interpreting scenario-style questions. Re-read the exam content outline so you know the domains and their weighting. Confirm your appointment, delivery format, and ID requirements with the provider.
Do a light review of key frameworks and terminology only. Run any remote system check and prepare your testing space. Lay out ID, confirmation, and permitted items. Confirm start time and logistics. Get a full night's sleep.
Eat a normal meal and hydrate moderately. Arrive or log in early per the provider's guidance. Do a final calm skim of high-level concepts only. Avoid heavy caffeine if it increases anxiety.
Read each question carefully and identify what is being asked before looking at options. Answer confident items first and flag uncertain ones if the interface allows. Eliminate clearly wrong options, then choose the best remaining answer. Watch the clock and reserve time to review flagged items. For scenario questions, focus on the role, constraints, and most appropriate action rather than the most technical-sounding answer.
Rules to check
Present valid, name-matching identification as required; confirm accepted ID types with the provider.
Follow all proctor instructions and the provider's rules on permitted and prohibited items; confirm these with the provider.
Do not communicate with others, use unauthorized materials, or attempt to capture or share exam content during the test.
Confirm the break policy with the provider before test day; if breaks are allowed, understand whether the clock continues to run.
Understand the scoring standard and whether wrong answers are penalized before deciding how to guess; confirm scoring details with the provider.
Report any technical problems immediately to the proctor or provider support rather than troubleshooting silently.
Arrive or log in by the required time; confirm the late-arrival and rescheduling policies with the provider.
Keep the testing environment secure and private for remote delivery, per the provider's requirements.