AHLEI CHA exam-day guide
AHLEI CHA · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Government-issued photo ID
Bring a current, unexpired photo ID such as a driver's license or passport. The exact ID requirements and accepted forms are set by the testing provider, so confirm with the provider before test day.
Confirmation of your exam appointment
Have your appointment confirmation, registration number, or authorization-to-test details ready. Confirm with the provider how and whether you must present this at check-in.
Know your test delivery format and location
Confirm whether your CHA exam is delivered at a testing center or online with remote proctoring, and note the address or the technical setup required. Verify this with the provider since delivery options vary.
Program-authorized reference materials (if permitted)
Some AHLEI exams allow specified reference materials or a calculator. Confirm with the provider exactly what is permitted and what is prohibited before you arrive.
Calculator (only if allowed)
If a calculator is permitted, confirm the approved type with the provider. Do not assume one is allowed or provided.
Review the exam content outline and your study notes
Bring concise summary notes for a final review. Focus on the published CHA content domains and your weakest areas rather than re-reading everything.
Plan your travel and arrival time
Arrive with buffer time before your scheduled start. Confirm with the provider how early you should arrive and what happens if you are late.
Rest, hydration, and a light meal
Prioritize sleep the night before and eat a light meal beforehand. Avoid heavy caffeine if it increases anxiety.
Know the exam length and question format
Confirm the number of questions, time limit, and question format with the provider so you can pace yourself. Do not rely on secondhand figures.
Confirm break and scoring policies
Ask the provider in advance whether breaks are allowed, whether they count against your time, and how the exam is scored (for example, pass/fail or scaled score).
Backup plan for technical issues (remote testing)
If testing remotely, confirm system requirements and have a phone available for support. Follow the provider's technical-check instructions in advance.
A calm, positive mindset
Use breathing techniques and positive self-talk. Read each question carefully and manage your time.
Plan the day
Do targeted review of your weakest content domains using the official CHA content outline. Take one or two timed practice sets to build pacing. Stop heavy new learning and focus on consolidation. Confirm your appointment details, ID, and delivery format with the provider.
Light review of summary notes and key concepts only. Prepare your ID, confirmation, and any permitted materials. Confirm travel route or remote-testing setup. Get a full night's sleep; avoid cramming late.
Eat a light meal, hydrate, and arrive or log in early per the provider's instructions. Do a brief calm review of high-level notes. Complete check-in procedures and follow proctor instructions exactly.
Read each question fully and watch for qualifiers like 'best' or 'except.' Answer easier questions first if the platform allows navigation, flag uncertain items, and return to them. Pace yourself against the time limit and reserve a few minutes to review flagged questions. If a break is permitted, confirm how it affects your time.
Rules to check
Bring valid, unexpired government-issued photo ID; the exact accepted forms and any secondary ID requirements are set by the testing provider, so confirm with the provider.
Follow all proctor and testing-center instructions, including rules on personal items, electronics, and prohibited materials. Confirm the specific prohibited-items list with the provider.
Do not bring unauthorized materials, notes, or devices into the testing area unless the provider has explicitly permitted them.
Confirm the provider's policy on breaks in advance, including whether breaks are allowed and whether they count against your testing time.
Understand how the exam is scored before test day. Confirm with the provider whether results are reported as pass/fail, a scaled score, or another format, and when results are released.
If you experience a technical problem or emergency during the exam, notify the proctor or support immediately and follow the provider's documented procedure; do not attempt to resolve it silently.
Maintain academic integrity: no sharing of exam content, no communication with others during the exam, and no attempts to record questions.
Confirm the provider's rescheduling, cancellation, and retake policies before test day so you understand your options and any deadlines.