AHIP PHIAS exam-day guide
AHIP PHIAS · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Government-issued photo ID
Bring the exact form of identification your testing provider requires. Confirm with the provider which IDs are accepted and whether the name must match your registration exactly.
Confirmation and scheduling documents
Have your appointment confirmation, registration number, and any admission ticket available, printed or on your phone as the provider allows. Confirm with the provider whether printed copies are required.
Know your test format and delivery method
Confirm whether you are testing at a test center or via live remote proctoring, and review the provider's rules for each. Confirm with the provider.
Know the appointment length and arrival time
Check how early you must arrive or log in and how much total seat time you have. Confirm with the provider; do not assume standard times.
Know the rules for permitted and prohibited items
Ask in advance about phones, watches, notes, calculators, food, and water. Assume personal items must be stored away unless the provider says otherwise.
Remote-testing environment check (if applicable)
If testing remotely, verify your computer, camera, microphone, and internet meet the provider's requirements and that your room meets their rules. Confirm with the provider.
Plan your route or log-in early
Know the location, parking, and travel time, or set up your device and workspace well before the start time.
Rest and practical comfort
Sleep, eat, and hydrate normally. Bring only comfort items the provider permits.
Review logistics, not new content
In the final hours, focus on format, timing strategy, and question-reading habits rather than cramming unfamiliar material.
Confirm exam content outline and scoring from official sources
Use only the official program materials and your testing provider's candidate handbook for content domains, scoring, and pass standards. Confirm with the provider.
Plan the day
Re-read the provider's candidate handbook: ID rules, permitted items, arrival or log-in time, break policy, and scoring. Resolve any logistics questions now.
Do a final review pass over your weak areas using official materials, then stop adding new topics.
Confirm your appointment time and location or remote-testing setup. Check travel or internet backup plans.
Lay out your ID and confirmation documents. Charge devices. Avoid last-minute schedule changes.
Get a normal night's sleep; avoid heavy cramming the night before.
Eat a normal meal, arrive or log in per the provider's required time, and leave buffer for delays.
Read each question fully, watch for qualifiers such as 'except' and 'best', and answer every question since there is generally no penalty for guessing unless the provider states otherwise. Confirm with the provider.
Pace yourself against the number of questions and time allowed; flag uncertain items and return if the interface permits.
Take only the breaks the provider allows and follow all proctor instructions exactly.
Follow the provider's process for score reporting and next steps; do not rely on unofficial score claims.
Rules to check
Bring the exact ID the provider requires and ensure your name matches your registration. Confirm with the provider.
Follow all proctor and test-center instructions; failure to comply can result in dismissal or a voided score. Confirm with the provider.
Do not bring prohibited items into the testing area; store personal items as directed.
Breaks are typically limited and may be monitored; confirm the break policy and whether leaving the testing area is allowed. Confirm with the provider.
Do not communicate with others, use unauthorized materials, or attempt to record exam content; this is misconduct.
Scoring, pass standards, and retake rules are set by the program and provider; verify them in official materials rather than assuming. Confirm with the provider.
If you test remotely, keep your face and workspace visible and follow room and environment rules exactly. Confirm with the provider.
If a technical or personal issue occurs, notify the proctor immediately and follow the provider's incident process rather than continuing silently.