APC Written Assessment exam-day guide
APC Written Assessment · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Confirmation email and booking/candidate number
Save an offline copy (screenshot or PDF) plus a printed copy. You may be asked to show it at check-in. Confirm with the provider whether a printed copy is required or a digital copy is acceptable.
Acceptable photo ID
Bring the original government-issued photo ID in the name used for your registration. Confirm with the provider which ID types are accepted, whether a signature is required, and whether a second form of ID is needed. Expired ID is commonly refused.
Login credentials and system check (remote/proctored sittings only)
If you are sitting remotely, install any required browser/lockdown software and run the provider's system test a few days ahead. Confirm with the provider the exact platform, device requirements and the latest time you may launch the test.
Approved calculator (if permitted)
Bring a silent, non-programmable calculator with fresh batteries. Confirm with the provider whether calculators are allowed, which models are permitted, and whether the on-screen calculator is the only one available.
Clear water bottle and permitted snacks
Bring a transparent, label-free bottle. Confirm with the provider whether drinks and snacks are allowed at the desk or only during scheduled breaks.
Simple analogue watch
Many centres display a clock but do not guarantee it, and smart watches are almost always prohibited. Confirm with the provider whether any watch is permitted.
Approved access arrangements documentation
If you have approved extra time, a separate room, or a medical device, bring the written approval. Confirm with the provider the deadline and how the centre will be notified.
Personal medication, glasses, and any required medical items
Bring what you need for the duration of the sitting and tell the invigilator in advance if you may need to access it. Confirm with the provider how items must be declared and stored.
Travel plan with a backup route and an arrival buffer
Rehearse the route, check for engineering works or road closures, and plan to arrive well before the published reporting time. Confirm with the provider the reporting time and the cut-off for admission.
Provider contact number
Save the test centre or provider helpline number so you can call immediately if transport fails or the platform will not load.
Knowledge of the test format and instructions
Re-read the current candidate handbook and any tutorial or practice test so the navigation, timing and question types are familiar. Confirm with the provider that you are using the current version of the handbook.
Clothing in layers
Room temperature is often outside your control and some centres ask you to remove outer layers or empty pockets. Dress accordingly.
Plan the day
Confirm the date, start time, venue or remote-session link, and ID requirements with the provider. Re-check the current candidate handbook for any late change of format or rules. Complete any final practice questions under timed conditions, then stop learning new content and switch to consolidation of your weakest two or three topics.
Sort logistics: print or download your confirmation, pack your ID and approved items in one bag, plan the journey, and arrange childcare or work cover. Protect sleep - do not plan late-night study sessions in this window.
Do a light review of summaries and formula sheets only; no new material. For remote sittings, run the system/equipment check at the same time of day as the test. Prepare clothes, food and water. Set two alarms. Confirm with the provider how to reach them if a problem arises on the day.
Check the venue or session is still going ahead (email, website, helpline) and note any last-minute instructions. Aim for a normal night's sleep; if you cannot sleep, rest quietly rather than studying.
Eat a normal meal, limit caffeine to your usual amount, and arrive early - aim to be at the venue or logged in before the published reporting time. Leave phones, smart watches and notes outside the testing room. Read the on-screen instructions and tutorial carefully before the clock starts, and note how many questions there are against how much time you have.
Budget time per question and keep to it; flag uncertain items and return to them. Answer every question unless the format penalises wrong answers - confirm the guessing rule with the provider beforehand. If a screen freezes, the timer behaves oddly, or you lose connection, stop and alert the invigilator or proctor immediately and note the time; do not keep working silently through a technical fault.
Use scheduled breaks only, and leave the room only with permission. Keep track of the time remaining at each quarter of the test. If you finish early, use remaining time to check that no questions were left unanswered.
Before leaving, confirm what was submitted and obtain any receipt or confirmation the provider offers. Note anything unusual that happened for a possible later query, and confirm with the provider the expected results date and appeal window.
Rules to check
Bring the original ID specified by the provider. If the name or photo does not match your registration, or the ID is expired or not an accepted type, you may be refused entry and lose your fee - confirm the accepted ID list with the provider before the day.
Electronic devices, smart watches, notes, and unauthorised materials must be switched off and stored as directed, usually outside the testing room. Possession at the desk is typically treated as misconduct even if unused.
Arrive by the published reporting time. Late arrivals may be refused admission or may be admitted without extra time - confirm the provider's late-arrival policy rather than assuming an allowance.
Follow all instructions from the invigilator or remote proctor immediately, including identity checks, pocket checks, and room scans. Do not communicate with other candidates at any point during the sitting.
Breaks, if any, are usually only at scheduled points and are taken within the total test time. Confirm with the provider whether unscheduled breaks are allowed, whether the clock stops, and what identification is needed to re-enter.
Do not record, copy, discuss, or reproduce any test content. Assessment materials are confidential, and sharing recalled questions can result in invalidation of your result or further sanctions.
Results are typically reported against a standard set by the provider rather than a simple percentage pass mark. Confirm the scoring method, any scaling, and the pass standard with the provider rather than inferring it from practice scores.
If you believe a technical failure, disturbance, or illness affected your performance, report it to the invigilator or provider at the time and follow their stated process. Confirm the deadline and evidence requirements for any special-consideration or appeal request.