ACI Decorative Flatwork exam-day guide
ACI Decorative Flatwork · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Government-issued photo ID
Bring the same name exactly as it appears on your registration. Confirm with the provider which ID forms are accepted and whether a secondary ID is required.
Admission or confirmation document
Carry your scheduling confirmation, candidate number, or admission letter if one was issued. Confirm with the provider whether a printed copy is required or a digital copy is acceptable.
Approved calculator
If a calculator is permitted, bring a basic non-programmable model. Confirm with the provider whether calculators are allowed and which models are acceptable.
Writing materials
Bring a couple of pencils and a pen in case scratch paper or a sign-out sheet is provided. Confirm with the provider whether scratch paper or personal notes are allowed in the testing room.
Personal protective equipment (if a practical component applies)
If any portion of the assessment is hands-on or conducted at a site, bring clean safety glasses, gloves, and appropriate footwear. Confirm with the provider the exact PPE list and site dress code.
Travel and arrival plan
Know the exact address, parking situation, and check-in time. Build in a buffer for traffic and security screening. Confirm with the provider how early to arrive and the late-arrival cutoff.
Logistics for personal items
Plan for a secure place for your phone, watch, and bag, since many testing rooms restrict them. Confirm with the provider the storage policy and prohibited-item list.
Rest, hydration, and a light meal plan
Prioritize sleep the night before and plan a light meal that will not cause an energy crash mid-exam. Confirm with the provider whether food or water is allowed at the workstation.
Review of exam format only
Re-read the official candidate handbook for question count, time limit, and scoring method. Do not rely on third-party summaries. Confirm with the provider any details not clearly stated in the handbook.
Backup contact and payment method
Carry a card for any incidental fees and a phone contact for the test center. Confirm with the provider the reschedule and no-show policies before the day.
Medication or accommodation documentation
If you have an approved testing accommodation, bring any confirmation the provider requires. Confirm with the provider what documentation must be presented on the day.
Timepiece or pacing plan
If watches are restricted, learn to pace using the on-screen timer or clock. Confirm with the provider whether wristwatches are permitted in the room.
Plan the day
Read the official candidate handbook end to end: format, time limit, scoring, and prohibited items. Verify your appointment date, time, and location. Resolve any open questions with the provider by phone or email now, not on exam day.
Do light, high-yield review of broad concepts and terminology rather than cramming new material. Take one short practice set to calibrate pacing, then stop and rest.
Prepare and stage your documents, ID, approved calculator, and any required PPE in one bag. Confirm transportation and parking, and check the weather forecast for the route.
Confirm the appointment one last time and note the arrival time with a buffer. Charge devices, set two alarms, and locate your ID and confirmation document.
Eat a normal meal, avoid alcohol and heavy caffeine late in the day, and aim for a full night of sleep. Do not start new study topics.
Eat a light, balanced breakfast, hydrate moderately, and dress in layers. Leave earlier than the map suggests to absorb delays.
Leave restricted items at home or in the car. Do a final check of ID, confirmation, calculator, and required PPE before you walk in.
Follow check-in instructions, store personal items as directed, and listen carefully to the proctor's rules. Read each question fully and watch the clock, budgeting time to revisit flagged items.
Answer every question, since unanswered items usually score as incorrect. Use breaks only as permitted, and ask the proctor for clarification on logistics, not content.
Rules to check
Bring valid government-issued photo ID matching your registration name exactly. Confirm with the provider which forms of ID are accepted and whether a second ID is needed.
Arrive at the check-in time stated in your confirmation. Confirm with the provider the late-arrival and no-show policies, since these can affect your ability to sit or your fees.
Follow all proctor instructions and the prohibited-item list. Phones, smart watches, notes, and outside materials are commonly restricted. Confirm with the provider the exact list before the day.
Do not communicate with other candidates about exam content during the test or afterward. Sharing or soliciting live exam questions is typically prohibited. Confirm with the provider the specific confidentiality terms you agreed to.
Use only approved aids such as a permitted calculator or provided scratch paper. Confirm with the provider what is allowed and whether scratch paper must be returned.
Breaks are generally governed by the provider's policy, and the timer may or may not pause. Confirm with the provider the break rules and whether unscheduled breaks are permitted.
Scoring methods, passing standards, and retake rules vary. Read the official handbook for the reported score scale and retake waiting periods, and confirm with the provider any detail that is unclear.
If you have an approved accommodation, follow the provider's process for arranging and documenting it in advance. Confirm with the provider the deadlines and required paperwork.