CA Program Core 4: Tax (Australia) exam-day guide
CA Program Core 4: Tax (Australia) · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Photo identification (current, government-issued)
Bring the exact ID specified in your candidate admission notice. Acceptable forms and name-match requirements vary by provider and test centre-confirm with the provider or your CA ANZ enrolment confirmation. Ensure the name matches your enrolment record; if it does not, contact the provider before test day.
Admission ticket or confirmation email
Print or save the confirmation showing your candidate number, test centre address, and session time. Some centres require a printed copy; confirm with the provider whether digital copies are accepted.
Approved calculator
Confirm the calculator model is on the provider's approved list. Tax calculations require arithmetic; a non-approved calculator may be removed. Check battery and bring spares if permitted.
Printed or digital permitted materials
The CA Program Core 4 Tax exam may be open-book with specified permitted resources. Check the current candidate guide for what is allowed (e.g., legislation extracts, tax rates schedules, notes). Do not bring unauthorised annotated commercial materials.
Writing implements and spare stationery
Bring pens, pencils, and an eraser if scratch paper is permitted. Confirm with the provider whether scratch paper is supplied and whether notes can be made on it.
Water and a light snack (if breaks permitted)
Confirm the provider's policy on food and drink at the test centre; some venues prohibit them at the desk but allow access during scheduled breaks.
Review the exam structure and weighting
Know the number of questions, time allocation, and whether the exam is multiple-choice, constructed-response, or mixed. Confirm the current format with the provider; formats can change between sessions.
Confirm test centre location and travel time
Check the address, arrival time, and transport options. Arrive early; late arrival may result in exclusion. Confirm whether remote proctoring is available and its technical requirements if applicable.
Time-zone and session start confirmation
If sitting remotely or in a different time zone, confirm the start time in your local time and any login window. Do not assume; check the provider's instructions.
Technical check (remote sittings only)
If sitting online, run the provider's system check in advance: browser, webcam, microphone, and internet stability. Have a backup connection plan. Confirm with the provider whether remote sittings are offered for this subject.
Tax rates and thresholds quick-reference (if permitted)
If the exam permits a summary sheet, prepare one with current individual and company tax rates, Medicare levy thresholds, GST rate, and key offsets. Verify all figures against current ATO or legislation sources; do not rely on memory.
Emergency contact and provider support number
Save the provider's candidate support contact in case of technical failure or illness. Confirm the process for reporting issues during the exam.
Plan the day
Confirm logistics: re-read the candidate admission notice, verify ID, calculator approval, permitted materials, test centre address, and session time. If remote, complete the system test. Do not leave these to the morning of the exam.
Final content revision: focus on high-weight topics such as income tax calculations, deductions, GST, CGT, and entity taxation. Use practice questions under timed conditions. Review your own summary of rates and thresholds; verify each figure against a current authoritative source.
Prepare a one-page permitted reference sheet (if allowed) with tax rates, thresholds, and formulas. Keep it concise; confirm with the provider what annotations are permitted on any materials.
Light revision only: review your summary sheet and any flagged weak areas. Avoid new material. Pack your bag: ID, admission ticket, approved calculator, stationery, water, and any permitted materials.
Check travel plan and weather; set two alarms. If remote, charge devices and test the internet connection again. Aim for a full night's sleep.
Eat a normal meal, arrive at the centre with time to spare (confirm required arrival time with the provider). Leave unnecessary items at home or in a locker as directed. Do a final five-minute review of your summary sheet only if permitted at the venue.
Read the instructions and note the time allocation. Do a first pass answering questions you know, flag uncertain ones, and return to them. For calculations, show workings if marks are awarded for method; check units and rounding. Keep an eye on the clock and reserve time to review flagged questions.
If a technical issue occurs in a remote sitting, note the time and contact the provider's support immediately; do not attempt to fix it alone if instructions say otherwise. For on-site sittings, raise your hand for the invigilator.
Rules to check
Bring the identification specified in your admission notice; the name must match your enrolment. If you are unsure which forms are accepted, confirm with the provider before test day.
Only approved calculators and permitted materials may be used. Check the current candidate guide for the exact list; unauthorised items may be removed and could lead to misconduct findings.
Follow all invigilator or proctor instructions. Do not communicate with other candidates during the exam, and do not attempt to access unauthorised devices or materials.
Breaks: confirm with the provider whether scheduled or unscheduled breaks are allowed, whether the clock stops, and what you may access during a break. Do not assume; policies differ between on-site and remote sittings.
Scoring: understand the marking scheme before the exam-whether marks are awarded for workings, whether there is negative marking, and how partial credit applies. Confirm these details with the provider; do not rely on hearsay.
If you are ill or unable to attend, contact the provider as soon as possible to ask about deferral, special consideration, or rescheduling. Do not simply fail to appear; deadlines and evidence requirements apply.
Report any technical failure or disruption immediately and follow the provider's incident process. Keep a record of times and messages in case you need to apply for special consideration.
Do not reproduce or share exam content after the sitting. Exam materials are confidential; discussing specific questions may breach the provider's rules.