APS Graduate Exam exam-day guide
APS Graduate Exam · 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 ID types are accepted and whether a secondary ID is required.
Admission or scheduling confirmation
Have your appointment confirmation, registration number, or admission document available (printed or digital) as directed by the provider.
Know your test center logistics
Confirm the exact address, entrance, parking or transit options, and arrival time. For remote testing, confirm the platform, system check, and room requirements with the provider.
Arrival time buffer
Plan to arrive well before your scheduled start; late arrival can mean forfeiture of your seat. Confirm the provider's specific cutoff.
Acceptable calculator (if permitted)
Check the provider's calculator policy in advance; some exams supply one on-screen or prohibit personal devices. Confirm with the provider.
Approved writing materials
Bring only what the provider allows (e.g., pencils, eraser, scratch paper if supplied). Unapproved materials may be confiscated. Confirm with the provider.
Comfort items within policy
Layers, water, or snacks may be restricted to designated break areas. Confirm what is allowed at your seat versus in a locker.
Leave prohibited items behind or in a locker
Phones, smartwatches, notes, and study materials are typically banned from the testing room. Confirm the provider's rules on storage.
Review break and timing rules
Know how many breaks you get, whether they count against your time, and whether you can access food, medication, or the restroom. Confirm with the provider.
Accessibility or special accommodations
If you requested accommodations, confirm approval and how to invoke them on test day. Confirm with the provider.
Emergency contact and provider phone number
Save the test center or provider contact in case of delay, illness, or a technical problem during a remote session.
Rest and fuel plan
Prioritize sleep and a normal meal; avoid last-minute cramming of new material the night before.
Plan the day
Confirm appointment details, ID requirements, test center or remote-testing setup, and permitted items with the provider. Do a final review of weak topics using summaries, not new material.
Take one short practice set under timed conditions if you have not recently, then stop heavy study. Note any logistics gaps (transport, parking, childcare, tech check).
Pack your ID, confirmation, and approved materials. Lay out clothes and plan the route or set up your testing space. Confirm start time and arrival buffer. Get a full night's sleep.
Eat a normal meal, hydrate, and arrive early. Leave prohibited items secured. Do a brief, calm warm-up only if it helps; avoid stressful last-minute review.
Follow staff or proctor instructions, present your ID, and store belongings as directed. Ask about break timing before the clock starts.
Read each question fully, manage your pace against the clock, flag uncertain items and return to them, and use breaks as allowed. If a technical or facility problem occurs, notify the proctor immediately.
Note how you felt about timing and content while it is fresh, and confirm with the provider how and when scores are released.
Rules to check
Bring the original, unexpired government-issued photo ID matching your registration name; confirm accepted ID types with the provider.
Arrive by the provider's stated cutoff; late arrivals may be denied entry or have time deducted. Confirm the specific policy with the provider.
Do not bring phones, smartwatches, notes, or other prohibited items into the testing room; store them as directed or leave them at home.
Follow all proctor instructions and the provider's conduct rules; suspected cheating or prohibited behavior can lead to score cancellation.
Breaks are typically taken only at designated times and may or may not count against your time; confirm the break structure with the provider.
If you need to leave the room for an emergency or illness, notify the proctor; unapproved absences may end your session. Confirm the provider's policy.
Scoring and score-reporting timelines vary; confirm how and when results are released and what the retake policy is with the provider.
If a technical or facility problem disrupts your test, report it immediately to the proctor and follow the provider's incident process.