LTF12 exam-day guide
LTF12 · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Valid, unexpired government-issued photo ID
Bring the original ID you used at registration; the name must match your exam registration exactly. Accepted ID forms and whether a secondary ID is required vary by provider and delivery method, so confirm with the provider.
Exam appointment confirmation and provider login
Know your candidate ID, username, password, and check-in link. Keep them available offline in case email access is interrupted; do not rely on browser autofill.
Compatible computer with webcam and microphone
If the exam is remotely proctored, run the provider's system check well before exam day. Hardware, browser, and operating-system requirements can change, so confirm with the provider. Needs review.
Stable internet connection with a backup
Prefer wired Ethernet and have a phone hotspot as a fallback. Test connectivity, latency, and video before the appointment. Minimum speed requirements are provider-specific; confirm with the provider.
Quiet, private room with a clear desk
Remove notes, books, phones, smartwatches, second monitors, and paper unless explicitly allowed. Proctors may require a room scan, so follow their instructions calmly.
Power adapter and charged device
Keep the laptop plugged in and charge any backup device. A power bank may be treated as an unauthorized device; confirm with the provider before bringing one to the desk.
Allowed reference materials
Hands-on exams often restrict external notes and browser tabs, but policies differ. Use only documentation available inside the exam environment if permitted, and confirm the allowed-resources policy with the provider. Needs review.
Scratch paper and pen
Bring these only if the provider permits them; otherwise use the exam's built-in notes tool if one exists. Do not bring your own paper without written permission. Needs review.
Water in a clear container
Allowed only if the provider permits drinks at the desk; otherwise keep it out of camera view. Confirm with the proctor or provider.
Notifications and unauthorized apps disabled
Turn on Do Not Disturb and close chat, email, VPNs, and screen-sharing tools not required by the exam. Unplug extra monitors and disconnect unnecessary peripherals.
Candidate handbook and conduct rules reviewed
Read the provider's handbook for ID, environment, break, retake, and scoring policies. These rules differ by exam and delivery method, so do not assume a generic policy applies.
Check-in time and support contact
Check in earlier than the appointment if the provider requires it, and keep proctor support phone or chat details handy. The exact check-in window and late-arrival policy vary, so confirm with the provider. Needs review.
Plan the day
Confirm the appointment date, time, time zone, ID name match, and delivery method. Run the provider's system test; if it fails, open a support ticket immediately. Review the exam domains and your weakest areas, and complete one timed hands-on task in a terminal. Protect your sleep and avoid installing major OS updates.
Do a light review only: commands and workflows you already know. Prepare the room and desk, test webcam, microphone, speakers, and internet, charge devices, and pack your ID and confirmation. Confirm the start time in the exam's time zone. Avoid learning new tools or making risky system changes.
Eat and hydrate. Reboot the computer, close all apps, disable notifications, and reconnect only the allowed monitor. Have ID and login details ready. Begin check-in early; if the proctor asks for a room scan, follow it calmly. Do not cram new material in the final hour.
Read each task fully before acting. Work in the provided terminal or environment, and verify each change with a second command or test. Watch the clock; if a task stalls, flag it and move on. Do not open unauthorized tools. If technical trouble occurs, contact the proctor immediately and note the time.
Use remaining time to re-check high-value tasks, confirm saved state, and submit before the deadline. Do not leave the environment until the proctor confirms the exam is complete.
Rules to check
Present valid ID and follow the proctor's identity check. The name on your registration and ID must match; accepted documents and secondary-ID rules vary, so confirm with the provider before exam day.
Work alone. Do not use unauthorized people, devices, notes, browser tabs, or AI assistants. Do not record, photograph, or share exam content; doing so can void your result.
Keep the exam environment compliant: one allowed screen, clear desk, no phones or smartwatches within reach, and no unauthorized apps running. Proctors may ask you to pan the camera or show your desk.
Breaks are provider-specific. Ask in advance whether breaks are allowed, whether the clock stops, and what you must do before leaving camera view. If no break is permitted, plan accordingly.
Scoring is based on hands-on performance; partial credit, passing score, and result timing are set by the provider. Confirm the scoring and retake policy in the candidate handbook rather than assuming a generic rule.
If technology fails, stay on camera if possible and contact proctor support immediately. Do not reboot, reinstall, or troubleshoot alone unless the proctor instructs you to. Record the time and any support ticket number.
Manage time by reading all tasks, completing high-confidence items first, and returning to flagged tasks. The timer may include check-in or setup, so confirm what the clock covers with the provider.
Follow all proctor instructions. If an instruction conflicts with something you read elsewhere, ask for clarification before acting; the proctor's direction governs the session.