ALTA Competency Exam (CALT) exam-day guide
ALTA Competency Exam (CALT) · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Government-issued photo ID
Bring the original ID (not a photocopy). Make sure the name matches your registration exactly; if it does not, contact the provider before test day to correct it. Confirm with the provider which specific ID forms are accepted.
Appointment confirmation / registration email
Have the confirmation (printed or on your phone) with your test date, time, location or remote-testing link, and any candidate ID number.
Login credentials for remote proctoring (if testing online)
If your exam is delivered remotely, verify your username, password, and any proctoring software in advance. Confirm with the provider what platform and browser are required.
Headset with microphone
A combined headset-and-mic is commonly required for speaking/listening sections in remote delivery. Confirm with the provider whether equipment is supplied or you must bring your own.
Quiet, private, well-lit room
For remote testing, arrange a space with a closed door, no other people, and a clear desk. Confirm with the provider what room and desk-clearance rules apply.
Stable internet plus a backup connection
Test your connection beforehand and have a phone hotspot or second network ready as a fallback in case of dropout.
Charged device and power cable
If you are supplying the device, charge it fully and bring the charger. Confirm with the provider whether a computer is provided at the test center.
Knowledge of the test format and section order
Review the sections (for example reading, listening, writing, speaking), the approximate timing, and how the speaking portion is recorded. Confirm the exact structure and timing with the provider.
Approved accommodations documentation
If you requested accommodations, confirm they were approved and bring any confirmation the provider asks you to show.
Water and a light snack
Bring these only if the provider permits them in the testing room or during a scheduled break. Confirm with the provider before bringing food or drink.
Travel plan and arrival buffer
Plan your route and leave extra time. Confirm with the provider how early you should arrive and what happens if you are late.
Review of scoring and retake policy
Read the candidate handbook section on how results are reported, when they are released, and whether retakes are allowed. Confirm the details with the provider.
Plan the day
Re-read the appointment confirmation and the candidate handbook. Verify that your ID name matches your registration and that your ID has not expired; resolve any mismatch now, not on test day.
Run a full technical check if testing remotely: install or update the proctoring software, test your camera, microphone, and speakers, and confirm your login works.
Do a light review of the format and section order rather than cramming new content. Confirm the start time in your local time zone, especially if the test center is in a different zone.
Protect your sleep. Two nights of normal rest before the exam will help your listening and speaking performance more than extra late-night study.
Pack your bag: ID, confirmation, charger, headset, and anything the provider allows. Lay out clothes and confirm your travel route and departure time.
Confirm the room or test-center logistics: parking, building entrance, check-in desk, or the remote check-in link and the time you should click it.
Silence work and other commitments for the exam window. Do a final light review of format and instructions only, then stop studying and get to bed on time.
Eat a normal meal and hydrate. Avoid heavy caffeine if you are prone to jitters, especially before a speaking section.
Arrive or log in early as advised by the provider. Silence and stow your phone, and have your ID out and ready for check-in.
Do a short warm-up in the target language: read a paragraph aloud and say a few sentences to yourself so your speaking voice is ready.
Read each set of instructions fully before starting, and note the time allowance for each section so you can pace yourself.
On speaking tasks, speak clearly at a natural pace, keep going rather than stopping to self-correct, and use the full response time.
If something breaks (connection drop, audio problem, page error), stop and signal the proctor or use the provider's support channel immediately rather than trying to fix it silently.
Take breaks only as the rules allow. Between sections, stretch, breathe, and reset rather than reviewing what you have already done.
Rules to check
Bring the original government-issued photo ID required by the provider; the name must match your registration. Confirm the accepted ID forms with the provider before test day.
Follow all proctor instructions. In remote testing this typically includes a room scan, showing your desk, and staying within camera view; confirm the specific check-in steps with the provider.
Do not use unauthorized materials, notes, dictionaries, second devices, or other people. Using them may result in score cancellation rather than just a warning; confirm the exact misconduct policy with the provider.
Your speaking responses may be recorded and your session may be monitored or recorded. Confirm with the provider how recordings are used and retained.
Breaks are only permitted where the rules allow them, and unscheduled breaks may be logged or may end your session. Confirm the break policy with the provider before you start.
Results are reported according to the provider's stated timeline and scale. Do not assume a retake is available or free; confirm the retake and rescheduling terms with the provider.
If you need to reschedule or cancel, do so within the provider's stated window. Confirm the deadline and any fee with the provider.
Raise any technical or accommodation issue with the proctor or provider immediately. Report it on test day; post-hoc reports are harder to resolve.