ACI CQTM exam-day guide
ACI CQTM · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Government-issued photo ID
Bring the exact form of identification the testing provider requires. The name on your ID should match the name on your registration; if it does not, confirm the correction process with the provider before test day.
Appointment confirmation
Have your confirmation email, registration number, and the test center address or remote-proctoring link available. Reconfirm the exact start time and time zone the day before.
Test-center vs. remote logistics
If testing in person, plan arrival with buffer time and confirm parking or transit. If testing remotely, confirm the software check, camera, microphone, and a quiet private room. Specific remote rules vary - confirm with the provider.
Allowed reference materials
Confirm in advance whether any standards, formulas, or reference sheets are permitted and in what form. Do not assume; the allowed-materials policy is set by the provider.
Calculator policy
Determine whether a calculator is permitted, and if so which models. Some providers supply an on-screen calculator instead. Confirm with the provider.
Scratch paper and writing tools
Many providers supply these and prohibit bringing your own. Confirm what is allowed at your specific venue or platform.
Personal items and storage
Expect phones, watches, bags, and notes to be stored away or prohibited in the testing room. Plan for where your belongings will go.
Comfort and timing items
Bring water and a snack for before or after the exam if the venue allows it outside the testing room. Dress in layers since room temperature varies.
Exam-day plan for breaks and timing
Know the total appointment length versus actual testing time, and whether scheduled or unscheduled breaks exist. Confirm the break policy with the provider.
Study strategy for the final day
Light review only: skim your own summary notes, key formulas, and definitions. Avoid learning new material in the last 24 hours.
Rest and logistics plan
Protect sleep the night before, set two alarms, and map the route or test your remote setup in advance.
Provider contact details
Save the provider's support phone number and your registration ID in case of a scheduling, technical, or ID issue on test day.
Plan the day
Finish active studying. Do a final pass over your weakest two or three topic areas, then stop drilling new problems. Reconfirm appointment time, location or remote link, and ID requirements.
Take one last timed practice set only if it will build confidence rather than cause fatigue. Review mistakes for patterns, not new content. Assemble your ID, confirmation, and any permitted items in one place.
Light review of summary sheets and key formulas only. Confirm travel or remote-setup logistics, charge devices, and check the weather or transit advisories. Go to bed at a normal hour.
Eat a normal meal, hydrate, and arrive or log in early per the provider's instructions. Do a final calm skim of your notes, then put them away. Avoid cramming new material.
Read each question fully before answering. Answer easier questions first if the platform allows navigation and flagging. Watch the clock but avoid checking it compulsively; budget roughly even time per question and leave a buffer at the end.
If navigation is allowed, return to flagged questions and ensure no question is left blank unless the scoring penalizes wrong answers - confirm the guessing policy with the provider. Submit deliberately and confirm the submission screen.
Rules to check
Bring the exact ID the provider requires and ensure your registered name matches it; if there is a mismatch, resolve it with the provider before test day.
Follow all proctor instructions. Prohibited items typically include phones, smart watches, notes, and unauthorized devices; confirm the full list with the provider.
Do not communicate with other candidates during the exam, and do not attempt to record, photograph, or share exam content - doing so typically violates the candidate agreement.
Break availability, duration, and whether the clock stops during breaks vary by provider and delivery mode; confirm the break policy in advance and plan hydration accordingly.
Scoring rules, including whether unanswered questions or incorrect answers are penalized, are set by the provider; confirm the guessing policy before the exam.
If a technical problem occurs during a remote or computer-based test, stop and contact the proctor or provider support immediately rather than troubleshooting silently, so the issue is documented.
Know the score-report timeline and retake policy before you sit; these are provider-specific, so confirm them rather than assuming.
Arrive or log in early as instructed; late arrival or setup delays may affect your ability to test, and the exact cutoff is set by the provider.