AFCT exam-day guide
AFCT · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Government-issued photo ID
Bring the exact form of identification the testing office specifies. Confirm with the provider which ID types are accepted and whether a second form is required.
Admission/authorization document
Bring any printed or digital authorization, appointment confirmation, or eligibility letter the provider issues. Confirm with the provider whether a printed copy is required.
Know your test location and arrival time
Verify the address, room, and report time in advance. Confirm with the provider how early you should arrive and what happens if you are late.
Know the item format and time limits
Review the official format description so you know how many sections there are, whether it is timed per section, and whether you can move back and forth between questions.
Know the scoring and retake policy
Understand how the test is scored and whether there is a waiting period before a retake. Confirm with the provider for the current policy.
Know the permitted-calculator and materials policy
Confirm with the provider whether any calculator, scratch paper, or reference materials are allowed, and which models are permitted if calculators are allowed.
Plan transportation and a buffer
Build in extra time for traffic, parking, and security screening. Arrive rested rather than rushing.
Prepare for secure storage of personal items
Expect that phones, watches, bags, and notes may need to be stored away. Confirm with the provider what is allowed in the testing room.
Sleep and nutrition plan
Prioritize a normal sleep schedule in the days before and a light, familiar meal beforehand. Avoid trying new caffeine levels on test day.
Physical comfort items
Dress in layers and bring water only if the provider permits it. Confirm with the provider what may be brought to your seat.
Backup plan for tech issues
If your test is delivered on a computer or remotely, confirm the provider's procedures for technical failures before test day.
Emergency contact and provider phone number
Save the testing center's contact number in case of a delay or emergency.
Plan the day
Re-read the official format and instructions. Do light review of your weakest areas rather than cramming new material. Confirm your appointment, location, and ID requirements. Lay out everything you need to bring.
Stop heavy studying. Do a short, confidence-building review. Check transportation and weather. Set two alarms. Get a full night's sleep.
Eat a normal meal. Recheck your ID and admission documents. Leave with a buffer. Avoid last-minute cramming that raises anxiety.
Follow staff instructions, present your ID, store prohibited items, and read any instructions screens carefully before starting.
Read directions fully. Pace yourself against the clock, flag and skip items that stall you, and return to them if the format allows. Answer every item if there is no penalty for guessing, and confirm with the provider whether guessing is penalized.
Take only the breaks the provider allows and return on time. Confirm with the provider whether breaks are scheduled or optional and whether the clock runs during breaks.
Note how you felt about each section while it is fresh. Confirm with the provider how and when scores are reported.
Rules to check
Bring only the identification and materials the provider permits. Confirm with the provider what is prohibited in the testing room.
Follow all proctor and staff instructions. Failure to comply can result in dismissal, so confirm with the provider what conduct rules apply.
Do not communicate with other candidates during the test or attempt to view others' work.
Do not use unauthorized aids, notes, or devices. If you are unsure whether an item is allowed, ask staff before the test begins.
Take breaks only as permitted. Confirm with the provider whether break time counts against your testing time.
Understand how your score is calculated and whether unanswered or incorrect answers affect it. Confirm with the provider whether there is a guessing penalty.
Report any testing irregularity, technical problem, or distraction to staff immediately rather than waiting until afterward.
Confirm with the provider in advance the policies on cancellations, rescheduling, retakes, and score reporting.