CAHPI National Exam (CNE) exam-day guide
CAHPI National Exam (CNE) · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Government-issued photo ID
Bring the original, unexpired identification document. Confirm with the provider which specific forms of ID are accepted and whether the name must match your registration exactly.
Admission or confirmation document
Print or save the appointment confirmation, eligibility letter, or admission ticket if the provider issues one. Confirm with the provider whether a printed copy is required or a digital copy is acceptable.
Appointment time, date, and address
Write down the exact reporting time and full address, including building and room. Arrive earlier than the reporting time; confirm with the provider how early you should arrive and what happens if you are late.
Route and backup transport plan
Plan the trip in advance and identify a backup route in case of transit delays or bad weather. Check local traffic and parking availability the day before.
Permitted and prohibited items list
Review the provider's current list of what may be brought into the test room. Confirm with the provider whether items such as calculators, watches, notes, phones, bags, or water bottles are allowed, restricted, or must be stored.
Storage plan for personal belongings
Assume phones, bags, and study materials cannot be taken to your seat. Confirm with the provider whether secure storage is available on site or whether you should leave valuables at home.
Test format and timing details
Know the number of questions, the time limit, and whether sections are timed separately. Confirm with the provider the current format, question types, and whether any breaks are scheduled.
Break and refreshment plan
Bring water and a light snack only if the provider permits them. Confirm with the provider the break policy, including whether you may leave the room and whether access to food or drink is allowed during breaks.
Scoring and results information
Understand how the exam is scored and when results are released. Confirm with the provider the pass standard, reporting timeline, and the process for requesting a review or retake.
Accommodation arrangements
If you require an accommodation, confirm well in advance that it has been approved and will be in place on test day. Bring any approval documentation the provider requires.
Rest and preparation routine
Protect sleep in the days before the exam and avoid last-minute cramming the night before. A calm, rested candidate performs better than an exhausted one.
Emergency contact and provider phone number
Save the provider's contact number in case of illness, delay, or a last-minute change. Confirm with the provider how to notify them if you cannot attend.
Plan the day
Review your strongest and weakest topic areas using concise summaries rather than new material. Confirm your appointment details, ID requirements, permitted items, and accommodation status with the provider. Prepare your documents and belongings in one place. Keep sleep and meals regular and stop intensive study early enough to rest.
Do a light review of key concepts and formulas only. Check your route, transport times, and weather forecast. Set two alarms and arrange a backup wake-up. Pack your ID, confirmation document, and any permitted items. Avoid alcohol and heavy meals, and go to bed at a normal hour.
Eat a normal breakfast and hydrate moderately. Leave home with extra time to spare. Recheck that your ID and confirmation document are with you. Arrive early, use the restroom before reporting, and follow staff instructions for check-in and storage of belongings.
Read each question carefully and note key qualifiers such as 'except' or 'best'. Answer easier questions first and flag difficult ones to return to. Pace yourself against the time remaining and keep an eye on the clock without rushing. If unsure, eliminate clearly wrong options before choosing. Use scheduled breaks as permitted, and do not discuss the exam with other candidates during breaks.
Rules to check
Bring the identification required by the provider and present it at check-in. Confirm with the provider which documents are accepted and what happens if your ID does not match your registration.
Arrive by the reporting time stated in your confirmation. Confirm with the provider the late-arrival policy, since candidates who arrive after the cutoff may be refused admission.
Follow all instructions from invigilators or proctors. Do not begin until told to start and stop writing or clicking immediately when time is called.
Keep only permitted items at your seat. Phones, notes, and study materials must be stored as directed or left at home; confirm with the provider the rules on electronic devices and unauthorized materials.
Do not communicate with other candidates during the test, and do not attempt to copy, photograph, or share exam content. Unauthorized conduct may lead to invalidation of your result.
Breaks are governed by the provider's policy. Confirm with the provider in advance whether breaks are scheduled, whether you may leave the room, and whether the clock stops during a break.
Scoring and pass standards are set by the provider. Confirm with the provider the current pass mark, how results are reported, and the process for appeals or retakes rather than relying on secondhand information.
If you feel unwell or face an emergency, notify a proctor immediately. Confirm with the provider how such situations are handled and whether any documentation will be required afterward.