AHLEI CGSP exam-day guide
AHLEI CGSP · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Government-issued photo ID
Bring the original, unexpired ID in the name you registered with. Confirm with the provider which specific ID forms are accepted and whether a secondary ID is required.
Confirmation / appointment details
Have your registration confirmation, appointment time, and testing location or online-proctoring link accessible. Confirm with the provider exactly what documentation they require at check-in.
Know your delivery format
Confirm whether your exam is at a test center or remotely proctored, since equipment and room requirements differ. Verify this with the provider rather than assuming.
Test your computer and internet (remote only)
If remote proctored, run any system/equipment check the provider offers ahead of time and again the morning of. Confirm with the provider which browser and settings are required.
Quiet, private, well-lit room (remote only)
Clear your desk of notes, phones, and unauthorized materials; ensure a stable surface and adequate lighting. Confirm the provider's specific room and environment rules.
Arrive or log in early
Plan to arrive or connect ahead of your scheduled start to allow for check-in and ID verification. Confirm with the provider the recommended arrival/connection buffer.
Review logistics and scoring basics
Know the number of questions, time limit, and whether scoring is pass/fail or scaled. Confirm these specifics with the provider or official candidate handbook.
Plan breaks and refreshments
Check whether breaks are permitted and how they affect your time. Confirm with the provider; rules vary and unauthorized breaks may not be allowed.
Transportation and timing plan
For a test center, confirm the address, parking, and travel time; aim to arrive with margin. Double-check the location the day before.
Rest and practical preparation
Get adequate sleep, eat sensibly, and avoid last-minute cramming that increases anxiety. Bring water if permitted; confirm the provider's policy on drinks and snacks.
Know what NOT to bring
Leave unauthorized materials (notes, smart devices, watches) at home or stored as directed. Confirm with the provider the prohibited-items list and storage options.
Backup plan for technical issues (remote only)
Have the provider's support contact and a phone available in case of disconnection. Confirm with the provider how to reach support and what happens if the session drops.
Plan the day
Re-read your registration confirmation and the official candidate handbook. Confirm exam format, appointment time, location or link, ID requirements, and prohibited items with the provider. Verify travel or equipment needs and resolve any open questions now.
Do a focused review of your weakest topic areas using your own notes and study materials. Take one light practice set to gauge pacing, then stop heavy studying. Confirm any remote-proctoring system check passes.
Confirm logistics one final time: address or link, start time, and what to bring. Prepare your ID and confirmation in one place. Charge devices, set alarms, and get a full night's sleep.
Eat a normal meal, dress comfortably, and arrive or log in early per the provider's guidance. Do a final equipment check if remote. Keep the mood calm; avoid cramming new material.
Read each question fully and watch your pacing against the time limit. Answer confidently, flag uncertain items if the platform allows, and use only breaks the provider permits. If a technical issue occurs, pause and contact support as instructed.
Rules to check
Bring valid, unexpired government-issued photo ID matching your registration; confirm accepted ID forms with the provider before test day.
Follow all proctor instructions and the provider's rules on authorized materials, devices, and room setup; unauthorized items may lead to removal or score cancellation.
Do not communicate with others, use unauthorized aids, or attempt to capture exam content; treat all exam material as confidential.
Confirm with the provider whether breaks are allowed, how they affect your time, and whether you may leave and re-enter the session.
Understand the scoring method (for example, pass/fail or scaled score) and the reporting timeline by checking the official candidate handbook, not assumptions.
If a technical problem or interruption occurs, stop and follow the provider's support and incident-reporting process rather than improvising.
Arrive or connect on time; confirm with the provider the policy on late arrival and whether a missed appointment can be rescheduled or refunded.