Responsible Gambling Services (RCG) exam-day guide
Responsible Gambling Services (RCG) · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Government-issued photo ID
Bring the original, unexpired ID in the name used for your registration. Confirm with the provider which forms are accepted and whether a secondary ID is required.
Exam appointment confirmation and candidate number
Have the confirmation email or letter and any candidate/admission number accessible, printed or on your phone, in case the test centre asks for it at check-in.
Provider-approved reference materials
Confirm with the provider whether the exam is open-book and which printed or digital materials are permitted. Do not bring notes or study guides unless the provider explicitly allows them.
Two working pens or pencils
Bring spares in case scratch paper or a paper answer sheet is used. Confirm with the provider whether writing implements are supplied at the venue.
Water and a light snack for the break
Check the venue's rules on food and drink in the testing room; items may need to stay in a locker. Confirm with the provider whether breaks are scheduled and whether water is allowed at the desk.
Route plan and arrival time
Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before the start time to allow for check-in and ID verification. Confirm the venue address, parking, and public transport options the day before.
Watch or silent timer
A simple non-smart watch helps you pace yourself if the test room clock is not visible. Confirm with the provider whether wristwatches are permitted; smartwatches are commonly prohibited.
Knowledge of the exam format and pass mark
Review the number of questions, time limit, question style, and passing score from the official candidate handbook. If these details are not in your handbook, confirm with the provider rather than relying on hearsay.
Review of responsible gambling service fundamentals
Re-read your own summary of key topics: identifying and responding to gambling harm, self-exclusion and cooling-off options, staff roles and escalation, record-keeping, and privacy. Use only provider-approved source material.
Arrangements for personal items
Leave valuables at home. Confirm with the provider where bags, phones, and coats must be stored during the test, as lockers may be limited.
Accessibility or special arrangements confirmation
If you requested extra time, a separate room, or other accommodations, confirm the approval in writing before exam day. Mark as needs_review until confirmed with the provider.
Emergency contact and provider phone number
Save the test provider's contact number in case of delay or illness. If you cannot attend, contact the provider as early as possible to ask about rescheduling rules.
Plan the day
Re-read the official candidate handbook and confirm the exam format, permitted materials, ID requirements, venue address, and start time. If any detail is unclear, contact the provider now rather than on exam day.
Do a final review of responsible gambling service topics using your own notes and provider-approved materials. Focus on areas you find weakest; avoid cramming new material in the last day.
Check your travel plan, including backup routes and parking, and confirm any accommodation booking. Prepare your ID and confirmation documents in one place.
Confirm the venue's opening time and check-in process, and re-check travel updates. Set two alarms and aim to arrive early.
Pack your bag: ID, confirmation, pens, water, snack, and any provider-approved materials. Leave prohibited items such as smartwatches and study notes at home unless the provider confirms otherwise.
Get a full night's sleep and avoid last-minute intensive study. A short review of key concepts is fine, but stop early enough to rest.
Eat a normal breakfast, dress comfortably in layers, and leave with enough buffer to arrive at least 30 minutes early. Re-check that your ID and confirmation are in your bag.
At check-in, follow staff instructions for ID verification and storage of personal items. Ask where the restrooms are and confirm the break policy before the test begins.
Read each question fully and watch for words like 'except' or 'best'. Answer easier questions first if the format allows, and flag uncertain items to revisit.
Pace yourself against the time limit, leaving a few minutes to review flagged questions and check that every question has an answer if there is no penalty for guessing. Confirm the provider's guessing policy beforehand.
If you take a scheduled break, note the time and return promptly. Follow all instructions about leaving and re-entering the testing room.
Follow the provider's instructions on when and how results are released. Do not discuss specific exam questions with other candidates, as this may breach the provider's confidentiality rules.
Rules to check
Bring valid, unexpired government-issued photo ID in the same name as your registration. If you are unsure which documents are accepted, confirm with the provider before exam day; candidates without acceptable ID may be refused entry.
Arrive at the venue at the time stated in your confirmation, allowing at least 30 minutes for check-in. Late arrival rules vary, so confirm with the provider what happens if you are delayed.
Follow all instructions from invigilators about personal items, phones, smartwatches, and permitted materials. Electronic devices are commonly required to be switched off and stored; confirm the exact policy with the provider.
Do not communicate with other candidates during the test, and do not copy, photograph, or share exam content. Breaches of test security can lead to invalidation of your result.
If breaks are offered, take them only when instructed and return within the stated time. Confirm with the provider whether unscheduled breaks are allowed and whether the clock stops during breaks.
Understand the scoring and pass mark before you sit the exam. If the pass mark, question weighting, or retake policy is not clearly stated in your handbook, confirm with the provider rather than assuming.
If you need to reschedule or cancel due to illness or an emergency, contact the provider as soon as possible and ask about their policy. Do not simply fail to attend without notifying them.
Declare any accessibility needs or special arrangements well before exam day and keep written confirmation. If you have not received confirmation, treat the arrangement as needs_review and follow up with the provider.