API TES exam-day guide
API TES · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Government-issued photo ID
Bring the exact form of identification named in your admission or scheduling confirmation. If the name on your ID differs from your registration name, confirm with the provider before test day how to resolve it.
Admission or scheduling confirmation
Have a printed or downloaded copy showing your appointment time, test location or online link, and any candidate ID number. Confirm with the provider whether a printed copy is required.
Know your test delivery format
Verify whether your exam is in person at a test center, live online-proctored, or recorded remote. Each has different check-in steps and equipment rules; confirm the specifics with the provider.
Arrival time and check-in window
Confirm the required arrival time (often earlier than the appointment) and the late-arrival cutoff. These policies vary by provider and site.
Allowed aids and materials
Check the current candidate handbook for what is permitted (e.g., calculator, scratch paper, reference sheet). Do not assume any aid is allowed; confirm with the provider.
Prohibited items plan
Plan where to stow phone, smartwatch, notes, and bags. Most testing environments prohibit these in the testing room; confirm storage options with the provider.
Remote-testing equipment check (if applicable)
If testing online, verify camera, microphone, browser lock, and internet stability in advance, and run any required system test. Confirm technical requirements with the provider.
Break and timing expectations
Confirm whether breaks are scheduled or optional, whether the clock stops during breaks, and any room-exit rules. Do not rely on assumptions.
Scoring and result timing
Confirm how the exam is scored (e.g., pass/fail or scaled score), when results are released, and how they are delivered. These details vary and should be verified with the provider.
Rest, logistics, and backup plan
Plan travel time, parking or transit, and a backup route. For remote testing, have a backup internet option and a charged device.
Review the candidate agreement
Read the current confidentiality, conduct, and integrity rules before test day so you know what is expected. Confirm the latest version with the provider.
Plan the day
Re-read the candidate handbook and your admission confirmation. Confirm appointment time, location or online link, ID requirements, permitted aids, and arrival/check-in rules. Resolve any discrepancies with the provider now, not on test day.
Do a logistics check: route, parking or transit, and travel buffer. For remote testing, run the required system/equipment test and confirm your room meets any environment rules.
Shift from new material to consolidation: review summaries and weak areas, do light practice under timed conditions, and protect sleep. Avoid cramming new topics.
Pack your ID, confirmation, and any permitted items. Confirm the check-in time and set multiple alarms. Prepare clothing and layers appropriate for a testing room.
Confirm any last-minute instructions from the provider (e.g., rescheduling, weather, or technical notices). Get a full night's sleep; avoid heavy studying late.
Eat a normal meal, hydrate, and arrive with buffer time. Leave prohibited items secured. For remote testing, close other applications, plug in your device, and complete check-in steps early.
Read each question fully and watch for qualifiers like 'best,' 'except,' and 'most likely.' Answer confidently, flag uncertain items, and manage the clock so you leave time to review flagged questions.
If a break is offered, follow the proctor's instructions exactly and return on time. If a technical or environmental issue occurs, notify the proctor immediately and note what happened.
Confirm how and when results will be delivered, and keep your confirmation materials until results arrive in case follow-up is needed.
Rules to check
Bring only the identification and permitted items specified in your admission materials; confirm the exact list with the provider before test day.
Follow all proctor and test-center instructions, including check-in, seating, and room-exit procedures. Policies vary by provider and site, so confirm specifics in advance.
Do not access phones, smartwatches, notes, or other unauthorized materials during the test unless explicitly permitted. Confirm what counts as authorized with the provider.
Keep exam content confidential as required by the candidate agreement. Do not discuss, record, or share questions or answers.
If a scheduled break is offered, follow the proctor's rules on timing and permitted activities. Confirm whether the clock runs during breaks with the provider.
Report any technical, environmental, or conduct concern to the proctor immediately rather than after the fact.
Understand how your exam is scored and what constitutes a passing result before test day; confirm scoring and result-release details with the provider.
If you need an accommodation, arrive with approved arrangements confirmed in writing in advance. Accommodation processes and deadlines vary, so confirm with the provider.