APA exam-day guide
APA · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Government-issued photo ID
Bring the exact form of ID your scheduling confirmation names. Name on the ID should match your registration; if it does not, contact the provider before test day. Confirm accepted ID types with the provider.
Admission or scheduling confirmation
Print or save the confirmation email showing your appointment time, test center address (or online proctoring link), and any candidate ID number.
Know your test center route and arrival buffer
Do a dry run or map the route in advance. Plan to arrive well before your scheduled start; late arrivals may be refused entry. Confirm the required arrival time with the provider.
Test the online proctoring setup (remote candidates)
If testing remotely, verify camera, microphone, browser, and internet meet requirements ahead of time and complete any system check the provider offers.
Know what is prohibited in the room
Phones, smartwatches, notes, and study materials are typically barred from the testing area. Ask the provider where to store personal items.
Break and timing expectations
Review how breaks work and whether the clock runs during them. Break rules vary, so confirm specifics with the provider.
Scratch materials policy
Find out whether scratch paper, a marker board, or an on-screen calculator is provided and whether you may bring your own. Do not assume; confirm with the provider.
Calculator policy
Determine whether a calculator is permitted, provided on-screen, or prohibited. Confirm with the provider before relying on one.
Accommodations confirmed
If you requested extra time or other accommodations, verify they were approved and are noted on your registration. Bring any approval documentation the provider instructs.
Logistics: water, snack, medication
Plan for hydration and any necessary medication consistent with center rules. Access to personal items during the test is usually restricted; confirm with the provider.
Rest and arrival plan
Protect sleep the night before and build in margin for traffic or technical hiccups so you are not rushed.
Plan the day
Shift from new content to consolidation: review summary sheets, formulas, and your own error log. Take at most one light practice set to stay sharp rather than exhaust yourself. Reconfirm appointment time, location or proctoring link, and ID requirements.
Resolve any open logistics: accommodations status, calculator or scratch-material policy, and what you may bring into the room. Contact the provider with questions now rather than on test day.
Do a final light review only; stop studying early enough to wind down. Prepare your ID, confirmation, and any permitted items in one place. Set two alarms and confirm your route or your remote-testing setup. Aim for a full night's sleep.
Eat a normal meal, arrive early with your ID and confirmation in hand, and follow check-in instructions. Avoid last-minute cramming that raises anxiety. For remote testing, close other applications and clear your workspace before launching the session.
Read each question fully, flag uncertain items and return to them, and manage your pace against the clock. Use breaks as allowed to reset. If a technical problem occurs, stop and notify the proctor immediately rather than troubleshooting alone.
Rules to check
Bring valid government-issued photo ID matching your registration; without acceptable ID you may be turned away. Confirm accepted forms with the provider.
Follow all proctor instructions and center or remote-testing rules; prohibited devices and materials must be secured as directed.
Breaks are governed by provider policy and may or may not count against your time. Confirm the specific break rules for this exam with the provider.
Scoring and pass/fail determination follow the provider's published policy; do not rely on unofficial pass-mark claims. Check the official score report timeline with the provider.
Do not discuss, record, or share exam content; most programs treat question disclosure as a conduct violation.
If you need to reschedule or cancel, follow the provider's deadlines and fees; confirm the exact policy with the provider.
Report any technical failure or irregularity to the proctor immediately and note it, since remedies depend on timely reporting under provider policy.