AIO exam-day guide
AIO · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Government-issued photo ID
Bring the exact ID the provider requires; name must match your registration. Confirm accepted ID types and name-match rules with the provider before test day.
Confirmation / appointment details
Have your appointment confirmation, test location or remote-proctoring link, and any candidate ID number accessible. Confirm the exact check-in process with the provider.
Know the test format and timing
Review the published number of questions, time limit, and whether sections are timed separately. Confirm current format details with the provider, as they can change.
Know the scoring and pass standard
Understand how the exam is scored and what constitutes a passing result. Confirm the current passing standard with the provider.
Review allowed and prohibited items
Check the provider's list of permitted aids (e.g., calculator, scratch paper) and prohibited items (e.g., phones, notes). Do not assume; confirm with the provider.
Remote-proctoring system check (if applicable)
If testing remotely, verify your computer, camera, microphone, and internet meet requirements and run any required system test in advance. Confirm software and room requirements with the provider.
Plan travel and arrival buffer
For in-person testing, plan to arrive early per the provider's guidance and account for traffic, parking, and security screening. Confirm the required arrival time with the provider.
Rest and logistics the night before
Arrange sleep, meals, hydration, and transportation so test morning is low-stress. Avoid last-minute cramming of new material.
Break policy awareness
Know whether breaks are offered, timed, and whether you can leave the testing area. Confirm the break rules with the provider.
Emergency contact / provider support number
Save the provider's candidate support contact in case of scheduling or technical issues. Confirm the correct number with the provider.
Plan the day
Shift from learning new material to consolidating: review your own summary notes, flagged weak areas, and practice under timed conditions. Confirm all logistics (ID, confirmation, location or remote setup) and re-read the provider's candidate handbook.
Do a light review only; stop heavy study early. Prepare everything you will bring, lay out clothes and ID, confirm travel or remote-setup plans, and get a full night's sleep. Avoid alcohol and late screen time.
Eat a normal meal, hydrate, and arrive or log in with buffer time. Do a final calm review of high-level frameworks only, not new facts. Keep stress low and follow check-in instructions exactly.
Read each question fully and watch for qualifiers like 'best' or 'except.' Answer easier items first if the platform allows navigation, flag uncertain ones, and return to them. Pace against the clock, leave time to review flagged items, and do not leave blanks if there is no penalty for guessing-confirm the guessing policy with the provider.
Rules to check
Bring only permitted items into the testing area; confirm the exact allowed and prohibited list with the provider, as policies vary.
Present valid, unexpired government-issued photo ID matching your registration; confirm accepted ID types and name-match requirements with the provider.
Follow all proctor instructions and the provider's conduct rules; unauthorized materials, communication, or devices can result in score cancellation. Confirm specific conduct rules with the provider.
Understand the break policy before test day-whether breaks are timed, whether the clock stops, and whether you may leave the room. Confirm with the provider.
Know the scoring method and passing standard, and whether unanswered questions are penalized; confirm the current policy with the provider.
If testing remotely, follow the provider's room, camera, and environment requirements exactly; confirm these requirements with the provider in advance.
Report any technical or scheduling problems to the provider's support channel immediately and follow their documented process; confirm the correct contact with the provider.