CHIA exam-day guide
CHIA · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Government-issued photo ID
Bring the original, unexpired ID you used at registration. The name must match your registration record exactly, including middle names or suffixes. Confirm with the provider which document types are accepted and whether a digital copy is permitted; most proctored exams require the physical original.
Appointment confirmation and testing receipt
Have your confirmation email, scheduling number, or candidate ID accessible on your phone or printed. You may be asked to show it at check-in or to quote the number to support staff if the platform fails to load your session.
Platform login credentials
Verify your username and password the day before, not the morning of. If the exam uses single sign-on or a one-time code sent by email or SMS, confirm the email address and phone number on file are current so you are not locked out at start time.
Computer with webcam and microphone (remote-proctored sittings)
If you are testing remotely, use a reliable computer rather than a phone or tablet unless the provider explicitly allows mobile devices. Run the provider's system check in advance and confirm the minimum browser and operating system versions with the provider.
Stable internet connection plus a backup
Wired or strong Wi-Fi is preferable to public networks. Have a phone hotspot ready as a fallback, and know how to switch networks quickly. Confirm with the provider what happens to your timer if connectivity drops mid-exam.
Calculator, if permitted
CHIA-style exams involve metrics such as occupancy, ADR, RevPAR, and margin calculations. Confirm with the provider whether a physical calculator is allowed or whether only an on-screen calculator is provided. Do not assume; an unauthorized device can void your sitting.
Scratch paper and writing instrument, if permitted
Many proctored exams prohibit all outside materials, while some allow a small number of blank sheets that must be shown and destroyed afterward. Confirm the exact rule with the provider before packing anything.
Cleared, quiet, well-lit testing space
For remote proctoring, remove notes, books, phones, smart watches, and secondary screens from the desk and surrounding area. Close other applications and notifications. Expect a room scan and a desk check before the timer begins.
Water and a light snack for authorized breaks
Keep these off the desk unless the provider permits them. If breaks are allowed, ask in advance whether the clock pauses and whether you may leave the camera view. Confirm break rules with the provider.
Provider support contact information
Save the technical support phone number or chat link before test day. If you hit a login, audio, or proctor-connection problem, contact support immediately rather than troubleshooting alone, and note the time and agent name for your records.
Time-zone and check-in time confirmation
Your appointment time may be shown in the provider's local time zone, not yours. Convert it carefully and plan to check in 15 to 30 minutes early, as the provider requires. Confirm the check-in window and late-arrival policy with the provider.
Review of the provider's candidate handbook
Read the current handbook for allowed materials, identification requirements, break policy, scoring, and retake rules. Policies change, and the handbook on the provider's site is the authoritative source rather than older forum posts or study-group summaries.
Plan the day
Confirm your appointment date, time, and time zone in the provider portal. Run any required system or equipment check, update your browser, and test your webcam, microphone, and speakers. Read the current candidate handbook for identification, materials, break, and scoring rules. Locate your photo ID and confirm the name matches your registration. Shift your sleep schedule toward the exam start time, and finish heavy new-topic study; spend remaining sessions on weak areas and formula recall for metrics such as occupancy, ADR, RevPAR, GOPPAR, and penetration indices.
Do a light review of core definitions, formulas, and common interpretation traps rather than a full mock exam. Reconfirm the appointment and check for any provider emails about rescheduling or platform maintenance. Prepare your testing space: clear the desk, charge devices, and set out your ID and confirmation details. Decide on meals and hydration for the next morning. Avoid cramming late into the night; sleep is more valuable than one more review pass.
Eat a normal meal and hydrate, but avoid heavy caffeine if you are already anxious. Log in or arrive at the test center well before the check-in window. Close all unrelated applications, silence your phone, and put away any materials the provider does not allow. Have your ID and confirmation details within reach. Take a few slow breaths and remind yourself of your time-per-question plan before the timer starts.
Read the instructions and any calculator or scratch-paper rules before beginning. Answer confident questions first and flag anything that needs a second pass; do not let one hard calculation consume a disproportionate share of the clock. Watch the remaining time at planned checkpoints. If the platform freezes or the proctor disconnects, stop and contact support immediately, note the time, and follow the provider's incident process rather than restarting on your own. Review flagged items if time permits before submitting.
Rules to check
Bring the original government-issued photo ID used at registration, with a name that matches your registration exactly. Confirm with the provider which document types are accepted and whether expired IDs are rejected.
Do not bring notes, textbooks, smart watches, earbuds, or other unauthorized materials into the testing environment. Confirm in advance whether a physical calculator or scratch paper is allowed; if you are unsure, assume it is prohibited and ask the provider.
If you test remotely, expect a room scan, desk check, and continuous monitoring. Stay within camera view, do not talk to anyone, and do not leave the session unless the provider's break rules explicitly permit it.
Ask in advance whether breaks are scheduled or unscheduled, whether the timer pauses, and whether you may leave the camera view. Treat any unapproved departure as a conduct risk and confirm the rule with the provider.
Scoring and the passing standard are set by the provider and are typically reported on a scaled score rather than as a raw percentage. Do not rely on a remembered cut score from a study group; confirm the current passing standard and score report timeline with the provider.
If a technical failure occurs, contact provider support immediately and document the time, the error, and any agent reference number. Do not attempt repeated logins or a self-directed restart without guidance, as this can complicate an incident review.
Retake, rescheduling, and cancellation policies vary and often include deadlines and fees. Confirm the current terms with the provider before your appointment so you understand your options if something goes wrong.