NSW Check-in Assessment exam-day guide
NSW Check-in Assessment · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Device and charger (if testing on a school-managed device)
The NSW Check-in Assessment is delivered online, usually on a school-managed laptop or tablet. Confirm with your school which device you will use and whether you must bring your own. If you bring your own, bring the charger and any required adapter as well.
Student identification
Bring whatever identification your school normally requires for assessments. The exact ID requirement varies by school, so confirm with the provider (your school's assessment coordinator) rather than assuming a specific document is accepted.
Login credentials or access instructions
You may need a student username, password, or a session code supplied on the day. Confirm with your school in advance how you will log in and what to do if your credentials do not work.
Pens and pencils
Even in an online test, bring a pen and a couple of pencils plus an eraser. You may be given working-out paper or need to note down a technical issue.
Working-out paper and a calculator if permitted
Some sections may allow rough paper or a calculator. The rules differ by section and year level, so confirm with the provider what is permitted before the day.
Water bottle and a light snack
Bring a clear water bottle if your school allows it in the testing room, and a snack for the break between sessions if one is scheduled. Confirm the room rules with your school.
Know your session time and room
Find out your exact start time, room, and reporting point at least a week ahead. Arrive with time to spare so a login problem does not eat into your testing time.
Check the device the day before
If you are using your own device, charge it fully, restart it, and confirm it connects to the school network and opens a browser. Report faults early rather than on the morning.
Read the on-screen instructions before starting
The assessment usually begins with instructions and possibly a practice or familiarisation item. Read them carefully so you understand how to move between questions and how to flag a question for review.
Plan for reading time and pacing
Note how many questions or sections there are and how long you have. Decide roughly how long to spend on each part so you do not run out of time at the end.
Know the procedure if technology fails
If the screen freezes or you are logged out, raise your hand and tell the supervisor immediately. Do not keep restarting or clicking repeatedly. Confirm the school's technical-support process beforehand.
Arrange transport and a backup plan
Confirm how you are getting to school and who to contact if you are delayed or unwell. Ask your school in advance about catch-up or alternate sessions if you miss the scheduled sitting.
Plan the day
Confirm the date, start time, room, and device arrangements with your school. Check whether any sections permit a calculator, rough paper, or other aids, and note the answer format for each section. Get a full night's sleep for the next few nights rather than cramming late.
Do a short familiarisation session if your school provides practice material, focusing on the interface rather than new content: how to select answers, move between questions, flag items, and submit. Review your own notes on reading comprehension strategies, mental arithmetic, and how to approach multi-step problems. Stop heavy study at least a day before.
Charge your device fully and pack your bag: identification if required, pens and pencils, eraser, water bottle, and any permitted aids. Confirm your transport and set two alarms. Eat a normal dinner, avoid a late night, and skim only a brief summary of key strategies rather than learning anything new.
Eat breakfast and arrive at school with time to spare. Report to the correct room and follow the supervisor's instructions for logging in. If a device or login problem occurs, tell the supervisor straight away rather than trying to fix it silently.
Read the on-screen instructions and any sample item carefully. Check the timer and the number of questions, then set a rough pace. Start with questions you find straightforward and flag anything that stalls you so you can return to it.
Work steadily and keep an eye on the remaining time. For reading questions, go back to the text to check your evidence rather than relying on memory. For numeracy, show working on rough paper where permitted and check units and reasonableness of answers. If you finish early, review flagged questions before submitting.
Make sure every question has an answer unless the format penalises guessing, and that flagged items have been revisited. Submit only when the supervisor or on-screen instructions indicate, and confirm the submission screen before closing anything.
Rules to check
Follow all instructions from the test supervisor. They control seating, start and finish times, and what may be on your desk, and their directions take priority over anything you expected.
Bring only permitted items to your desk. Bags, phones, smart watches, and other devices are usually stored away; confirm with the provider exactly what counts as permitted equipment for each section.
Do not communicate with other students during the test and do not look at another student's screen. Any suspected misconduct is handled under your school's assessment procedures, so confirm those procedures with the provider.
Use of calculators, dictionaries, or other aids varies by section and year level. Do not assume an aid is allowed; confirm with the provider before the day and follow the on-screen instructions.
Breaks and movement during the test are at the supervisor's discretion. If you need to leave the room, raise your hand and wait to be accompanied, and confirm the school's break arrangements beforehand.
If technology fails, report it immediately to the supervisor. Do not attempt to re-enter the test on your own or use another student's device; the school will advise on restarting or resuming.
Scoring and reporting arrangements, including how results are used and when they are released, are set by the provider. Ask your school for the specifics rather than relying on second-hand information.
If you are unwell or unable to sit the test, tell your school as early as possible. Catch-up or alternative arrangements depend on school and provider policy, so confirm the process with them.