HCAFA exam-day guide
HCAFA · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Government-issued photo ID
Bring the original, unexpired ID in the name you registered under. Confirm with the provider which forms of ID are accepted and whether a secondary ID is required.
Confirmation / scheduling notice
Print or save the appointment confirmation with your test date, time, and location or online access link. Confirm with the provider whether a printed copy is mandatory.
Login credentials for online proctoring
If testing remotely, verify your username and password work and that you can complete any required system or identity check ahead of time. Confirm the provider's specific proctoring software and requirements.
Compatible device and stable internet
For remote testing, use a device meeting the provider's published technical requirements and a reliable connection. Run any system check the provider offers in advance.
Testing-environment rules review
Re-read the provider's rules on permitted items, workspace, and room requirements. Do not assume a policy; confirm anything unclear with the provider.
Approved calculator or reference materials
Only bring tools the provider explicitly permits. Confirm with the provider whether a calculator, scratch paper, or reference sheet is allowed and in what form.
Water and a light snack for before/after
Plan hydration and a light meal around the test. Confirm with the provider whether any food or drink is allowed at your seat during the exam.
Backup plan for travel or technology
Know a secondary route to the test center or a backup device/connection for remote testing. Confirm the provider's policy on technical failures and rescheduling.
Arrival timing
Plan to arrive or log in earlier than your scheduled start to allow for check-in. Confirm the provider's recommended arrival window and late-arrival policy.
Rest and preparation the night before
Protect sleep, avoid cramming new material, and set two alarms. Treat this as a personal readiness step, not a provider requirement.
Plan the day
Confirm appointment details, ID requirements, and testing format with the provider. Complete any system checks for remote testing. Do focused review of weak areas and practice under timed conditions rather than learning new topics.
Lay out ID, confirmation, and any approved materials. Re-read the provider's conduct and permitted-items rules. Confirm travel or login logistics. Get a full night's sleep and stop heavy studying early.
Eat a light meal, hydrate, and arrive or log in with buffer time. Do a final check that your ID and confirmation are in hand and your device/connection works if testing remotely.
Read instructions and any tutorial screens carefully. Track time, flag uncertain items and return to them, and answer every question unless the provider's rules penalize guessing (confirm with the provider). Use scheduled breaks only as the provider permits.
Rules to check
Present valid, unexpired government-issued photo ID in your registered name; confirm accepted ID forms with the provider.
Follow all permitted-items and workspace rules; do not bring unauthorized materials, devices, or notes into the testing area.
Do not communicate with others about exam content during the test, and do not attempt to access outside help or unauthorized resources.
Understand the provider's break policy before test day; confirm whether unscheduled breaks are allowed and how they affect timing.
Know how the exam is scored and whether unanswered questions count against you; confirm the scoring and guessing policy with the provider.
If a technical failure occurs during remote testing, follow the proctor's or provider's instructions and document the issue; confirm the provider's remediation policy.
Report any suspected irregularity or problem to the proctor or provider promptly rather than resolving it on your own.
Review and follow the provider's academic-integrity and candidate-conduct agreement; confirm any unclear rule with the provider before test day.