CA ANZ Core 2: Risk, Technology and AI exam-day guide
CA ANZ Core 2: Risk, Technology and AI · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Photo ID in your registered name
Bring a current passport or driver licence showing the exact name used for your CA ANZ registration. Confirm accepted ID forms, expiry rules and the name-change process with CA ANZ before exam day; mismatched or expired ID can delay or block entry.
Exam booking confirmation and candidate details
Save your booking reference, candidate number, start time and time zone. Re-check the CA ANZ portal about 72 hours before the session because login links, proctor details or timing instructions can change.
Reliable computer, charger and backup power
Use a stable laptop with the charger connected and a backup power option. Run the provider's system check early, update the browser, close background apps and disable notifications before login.
Primary internet plus backup connection
Test your broadband in the exact room you will use and have a phone hotspot or second connection ready. Avoid public or shared networks; instability is one of the most common avoidable exam-day problems.
Working webcam, microphone and speakers
If the exam is remotely proctored, confirm camera, microphone and audio work and that your face, hands and desk can be shown clearly. Check camera angle and lighting in advance.
Approved calculator
Check whether a non-programmable calculator is permitted and which models are excluded. Have it ready, but do not assume it is allowed until you have confirmed the current rule with CA ANZ.
Scratch paper and pen if permitted
Confirm whether blank paper and a pen are allowed and whether you must show them to the proctor at the start and destroy them afterwards. Prepare only the permitted quantity.
Open-book materials and a concise index
If the exam is open book, prepare a short index of Core 2 notes covering risk, technology, data analytics, AI governance and ethics. Do not rely on extensive searching under time pressure; confirm the exact resource rules with CA ANZ.
Quiet, well-lit room with a clear desk
Close the door, tell household members, remove notes from walls unless permitted, silence your phone and keep it out of reach. Light your face, not just the screen, and avoid interruptions.
Exam support contact details
Save CA ANZ exam support and proctor contact details before the session. Know how to report a technical issue and what information to note, such as time, error message and screenshot if safe.
Plan the day
Confirm booking, ID, start time, time zone and system requirements. Run the equipment test, update the browser and email support with any accessibility, ID or technical questions. Do not leave these checks to the morning.
Build a one-page index of Core 2 topics: risk identification and treatment, IT general controls, data quality and analytics, AI governance and bias, professional scepticism and ethics. Practise applying concepts to scenarios rather than memorising definitions.
Complete one timed mixed-topic set and review errors. Identify two or three weak areas and write a short corrective note for each. Stop adding new content after this point.
Prepare the room and devices, charge everything, save the booking confirmation and lay out ID, calculator and permitted materials. Re-read the open-book and conduct rules, confirm your start time in local time and sleep.
Do light review only: your index, weak-area notes and pacing plan. Avoid marathon study, alcohol and late screen time. Set two alarms and plan to be at the desk early.
Eat, hydrate and do a brief index review. Test internet, camera and microphone, close non-approved applications, keep your phone away and log in at the provider's recommended time.
Have ID ready, follow proctor instructions, complete any room scan and read the exam navigation rules. Set a rough pace: about 1.5 minutes per multiple-choice question and more for scenario or calculation items.
Answer confident questions first, flag long calculations and return later. For scenario questions identify the risk, control weakness, stakeholder impact and best professional response. Watch the clock and answer every question unless a penalty is confirmed.
Review flagged items and confirm no blank answers. Check that you have submitted correctly and do not change answers without a clear reason.
Rules to check
Bring ID that matches your registration exactly. Confirm accepted forms, expiry and name-change requirements with CA ANZ before exam day; if anything is unclear, resolve it in advance rather than at check-in.
Use only approved materials, devices and resources. Unauthorised communication, secondary screens, phones or notes may be treated as misconduct. Confirm the exact open-book scope with CA ANZ.
Follow all proctor or invigilator instructions, including room scans, desk clearance and ID checks. Ask questions before the timer starts if instructions are unclear.
Confirm the break policy with the provider. Scheduled breaks may be proctored and unapproved breaks may not stop the clock; plan hydration and restroom use around the permitted rules.
If a technical failure occurs, note the time, take a screenshot only if safe, contact exam support immediately and follow their instructions. Do not keep troubleshooting silently while the clock runs.
Confirm with the provider whether wrong or unanswered questions attract a penalty. If there is no penalty, answer every question, even when you are uncertain.
Do not share, record or discuss exam content. Collusion, impersonation and unauthorised collaboration are prohibited and can lead to serious consequences.
Manage time deliberately: flag difficult items, return after completing easier questions and leave time to review flags and submission.