ACI exam-day guide
ACI · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Government-issued photo ID
Bring the original, unexpired ID you used to register. Confirm with the provider which forms are accepted and whether a second ID is required.
Appointment confirmation and testing location details
Have the confirmation email or printed notice with your test time, address, and any check-in instructions. Confirm with the provider how early to arrive.
Approved calculator
Confirm with the provider which calculator models are permitted and whether one is provided on-screen or you must bring your own.
Reference materials or code documents, if allowed
Check the current candidate handbook for whether any references are permitted and in what format (original bound copies vs. provided digital references). Do not bring materials unless explicitly allowed.
Personal items plan (phone, watch, bag, notes)
Most testing centers restrict phones, smartwatches, and personal notes. Confirm with the provider where these must be stored and what is prohibited in the testing room.
Comfort items permitted by policy
Water, snacks, and medication may be restricted to breaks or lockers. Confirm with the provider what you may bring into the room and what must stay outside.
Break and timing plan
Review the scheduled breaks and total appointment time in the candidate handbook. Confirm with the provider whether unscheduled breaks are allowed and how they affect your clock.
Scratch paper and writing instrument policy
Many providers supply or prohibit these. Confirm with the provider rather than bringing your own unless instructed.
Review key formulas and code organization the day before
Use your own summary sheets for a light review. Do not plan to learn new material in the final 24 hours.
Rest, meals, and travel buffer
Plan to arrive with time to spare and to be well rested. Arrive early enough to complete check-in without rushing.
Backup plan for technology or travel issues
Save the provider's contact number and know their reschedule/late-arrival policy. Confirm with the provider how to report an emergency.
needs_review: Exact arrival time and check-in window
Arrival cutoffs vary by provider and site. Confirm with the provider the latest arrival time and consequences of lateness.
Plan the day
Light review of your own notes and formula summaries; confirm appointment time, location, ID requirements, and calculator policy with the provider; prepare your bag and documents; protect sleep.
Stop heavy studying. Re-read the candidate handbook rules on conduct, breaks, and prohibited items. Lay out ID, confirmation, and approved items. Confirm travel route and backup plan. Get a full night's sleep.
Eat a normal meal, arrive early per provider instructions, complete check-in, store prohibited items as directed, and follow the proctor's instructions for starting the exam.
Read each question fully and watch for qualifiers. Answer easier questions first if the platform allows navigation and flagging; return to flagged items. Track time against the number of remaining questions. Use scheduled breaks as permitted; confirm with the provider how breaks affect your clock. Do not bring prohibited items into the room.
Rules to check
Bring the original government-issued photo ID you used to register; confirm with the provider which forms are accepted and whether a second ID is needed.
Follow all proctor instructions and the candidate handbook on conduct; prohibited items such as phones and smartwatches must be stored as directed.
Do not communicate with other candidates or attempt to access unauthorized materials during the exam; misconduct can lead to score invalidation.
Confirm with the provider the rules for scheduled and unscheduled breaks and whether the exam clock stops during breaks.
Confirm with the provider the scoring method, passing standard, and whether incorrect answers are penalized before you sit for the exam.
If you experience a technical problem or illness during the test, notify the proctor immediately and follow the provider's incident process.
Confirm with the provider the late-arrival, reschedule, and cancellation policies before test day.