CAOP exam-day guide
CAOP · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Government-issued photo ID
Bring the original, unexpired ID that matches the name on your registration. Confirm with the provider which specific ID forms are accepted and whether a secondary ID is required; do not assume a photocopy or digital copy will be allowed.
Exam appointment confirmation
Have your confirmation number, test date/time, and testing-center address or remote-proctoring link saved offline (screenshot or printed). Confirm with the provider the exact arrival or log-in time, since check-in windows vary.
Approved calculator
If a calculator is permitted, bring only the model type the provider lists as approved. needs_review: confirm with the provider whether a calculator is allowed, whether an on-screen calculator is supplied, and whether personal calculators are prohibited.
Reference materials or formula sheet
Bring only what the provider explicitly permits. needs_review: confirm with the provider whether any reference sheet, formula card, or code list is allowed and whether it is provided on-screen or must be brought.
Test-center logistics plan
For in-person testing, plan the route, parking, and arrival buffer, and note transit alternatives. For remote testing, arrange a quiet private room, stable internet, and a power source.
Remote-proctoring system check
If testing remotely, run any required equipment or browser check in advance and confirm your webcam, microphone, and screen-sharing work. Confirm with the provider the supported operating system and browser.
Personal items plan
Decide in advance where your phone, watch, bag, and notes will go. Most providers require these to be stored away from the testing area; confirm with the provider what is allowed at your seat.
Comfort and timing items
Bring water and a snack only if the provider permits them in the testing room or during scheduled breaks, and dress in layers. Confirm with the provider the break policy and whether access to personal items during breaks is allowed.
Review the candidate handbook
Read the current handbook for conduct rules, permitted and prohibited items, break rules, and scoring and reporting details. Policies change; use the version dated for your exam administration.
Rest and readiness plan
Protect sleep in the final nights, eat a normal meal before the exam, and avoid last-minute cramming of new material. Bring a light review sheet only if permitted.
Plan the day
Re-read the candidate handbook and confirm the appointment time, location or remote link, and ID requirements with the provider. Take one full-length timed practice set under exam-like conditions, then review only your error patterns rather than new content. Organize permitted materials, run any remote system check, and confirm travel or room logistics. Begin shifting sleep toward your exam-day wake time.
Do a light review of high-yield summaries, formulas, or definitions you already know. Pack your ID, confirmation, permitted calculator or reference materials, water or snack if allowed, and layers. For remote testing, clear your desk and test your equipment again. Confirm the arrival or log-in time once more. Stop studying by early evening, eat a normal meal, and prioritize sleep over extra review.
Eat a normal breakfast, hydrate moderately, and arrive or log in with a generous buffer as specified by the provider. Leave prohibited items such as phones, watches, and notes stored as directed. Do a brief calm review of key frameworks only if permitted, then focus on settling in. Follow all check-in and identity-verification steps exactly as instructed.
Read the instructions and note the time allowance and how to flag or skip questions. Work in passes: answer confident questions first, flag uncertain ones, and return to them. Watch the clock and reserve time for review and for any unscored or survey sections. Use scheduled breaks only as permitted, and if a technical problem occurs during remote testing, stop and contact the proctor immediately rather than troubleshooting alone.
Rules to check
Bring and present the original, unexpired government-issued photo ID that matches your registration name; confirm with the provider which ID forms are accepted before exam day.
Follow all proctor instructions and the candidate handbook on permitted and prohibited items. Do not bring phones, smartwatches, notes, or other unauthorized materials into the testing area.
Do not communicate with other candidates during the exam, and do not attempt to copy, photograph, record, or share exam content. Exam content is confidential.
Use only breaks the provider authorizes, and follow the rules on leaving and re-entering the testing room. Confirm with the provider whether personal items can be accessed during breaks.
If you test remotely, remain in view of the camera, keep your workspace clear, and avoid any behavior the proctor could interpret as unauthorized assistance.
Report any technical failure, interruption, or suspected security issue to the proctor immediately and follow their instructions; do not attempt to resolve it yourself.
Scoring, pass standards, and score reporting timelines are set by the provider and may include scaled scores or section requirements. Confirm with the provider how your exam is scored and when results are released.
If you need an accommodation or must reschedule, contact the provider as early as possible; deadlines and fees for changes vary and should be confirmed directly with the provider.