DSTC exam-day guide
DSTC · 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.
Appointment confirmation and test-center address
Save a screenshot or printout of your confirmation, including the exact address, room, and arrival time. Verify the location the day before.
Know whether your test is in-person or remote-proctored
The two formats have different requirements. Confirm your format with the provider and review the specific equipment or check-in rules that apply to it.
Acceptable calculator or reference materials
Check the provider's list of permitted aids. If a calculator is allowed, confirm the approved models; do not assume a standard scientific calculator is permitted.
Valid, unexpired admission ticket or authorization
Some programs issue an admission document or authorization number. Confirm with the provider whether one is needed and what it must contain.
Arrival buffer
Plan to arrive with time to spare before your scheduled start. Confirm the provider's late-arrival and cutoff policy in advance.
Remote-testing equipment check (if applicable)
If testing remotely, confirm camera, microphone, browser, and internet requirements with the provider, and run any required system check ahead of time. needs_review
Quiet, private room (remote only)
Arrange a distraction-free space with a clear desk and reliable power. Confirm the provider's room and desk-clearance rules. needs_review
Logistics: transport, parking, and payment
Plan your route and payment for parking or transit. Confirm test-center parking availability with the provider if unsure.
Rest, food, and hydration plan
Sleep well the night before and eat a normal meal. Confirm the provider's rules on food, drink, and breaks during the test.
Leave prohibited items at home or in the car
Phones, smartwatches, notes, and bags are commonly restricted. Confirm the provider's prohibited-items list and storage options.
Backup plan for problems
Note the provider's contact number or support channel in case of a technical failure, delay, or emergency. Confirm how to report an issue during or after the test.
Plan the day
Re-read the provider's candidate handbook and rules. Confirm your appointment time, location or remote setup, and ID requirements. Do a light review of weak areas only; avoid cramming new material.
Confirm transport or remote-equipment setup. Gather your ID and any permitted aids in one place. Check that your calculator, if allowed, works and is on the approved list.
Stop heavy studying. Do a short, calm review of key formulas or concepts. Prepare clothes and items. Set two alarms. Get a full night's sleep.
Eat a normal breakfast, hydrate, and arrive early. Bring only permitted items. Do a final check that your ID and confirmation are with you.
Follow the proctor's instructions, present your ID, and store prohibited items as directed. Ask the proctor about break rules and the clock before you begin if unclear.
Read each question fully, budget time per section, and flag and return to hard questions. Answer every question unless the format penalizes wrong answers, which you should confirm with the provider. Use breaks only as allowed.
Note any technical problems or irregularities and report them to the provider promptly if required. Confirm how and when results are released.
Rules to check
Bring valid, unexpired government-issued photo ID matching your registration name. Confirm with the provider which ID forms are accepted and whether a secondary ID is required.
Follow all proctor instructions and the provider's prohibited-items policy. Phones, smartwatches, notes, and unauthorized aids are commonly restricted; confirm the exact list with the provider.
Do not communicate with other candidates during the test and do not share, copy, or reproduce exam content. Confirm the provider's specific conduct and confidentiality rules.
Breaks are governed by the provider's policy. Confirm in advance whether breaks are permitted, whether the clock stops, and what you may access during a break.
Scoring rules, including whether wrong answers are penalized and how sections are weighted, vary by program. Confirm the scoring policy with the provider rather than assuming.
Arrive by the provider's cutoff time. Confirm the late-arrival policy in advance, as it may affect admission or fees.
If you test remotely, follow the provider's environment and equipment rules, including desk clearance and room privacy. Confirm these requirements with the provider.
Report any technical failure, interruption, or suspected irregularity to the provider as soon as possible. Confirm the reporting window and process with the provider.