CASp exam-day guide
CASp · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Government-issued photo ID
Bring the original, unexpired ID in the exact name that appears on your registration. Confirm the specific accepted ID types and name-match rules with the provider before test day; do not rely on a photocopy or a digital ID unless the provider explicitly allows it.
Confirmation and scheduling details
Have your appointment confirmation, testing-window details, and the provider's contact number saved offline (screenshot or printed) so you can reach support if check-in fails.
Know your delivery format and location
Confirm whether you are testing at a test center or by remote proctoring, the exact address or software link, and arrival or login time. Verify this against your confirmation notice, not memory.
Remote-testing system check
If testing remotely, run any required equipment or compatibility check ahead of time and confirm camera, microphone, and browser requirements with the provider. Requirements vary, so verify rather than assume.
Acceptable workspace and surroundings
Clear your desk of notes, phones, and unauthorized materials. Remote proctoring commonly restricts what may be on the desk and who may enter the room; confirm the specific room rules with the provider.
Understand break and scoring policies
Review whether breaks are offered, whether they are timed, and how unanswered or flagged items are scored. These details are set by the provider and should be confirmed in the candidate handbook.
Logistics: transport, parking, childcare
Plan arrival with buffer time for traffic, parking, and security screening. For remote testing, arrange a quiet block of time and backup internet or power if possible.
Rest, food, and hydration plan
Protect sleep in the days before, eat a normal meal beforehand, and plan hydration around break rules. Avoid trying new caffeine levels on test day.
Light review materials only
Bring or open only study material the provider permits at the testing site or during permitted breaks. Confirm allowed materials; many testing environments prohibit outside notes entirely.
Watch and personal items plan
Plan where phones, watches, and bags will go. Many testing environments restrict or store personal items; confirm the provider's rules on what may be worn or kept at the desk.
Strategy notes for exam-day pacing
Have a simple mental plan: read each item fully, answer or flag, and return to flagged items if time allows. Do not bring written strategy sheets unless permitted.
Backup contact and contingency
Save the provider's support number and know the process if you are delayed, locked out, or experience a technical failure. Report issues promptly and follow the provider's instructions for documenting them.
Plan the day
Stop introducing new material. Do focused review of weak domains, re-read the candidate handbook for rules on ID, breaks, and scoring, and confirm your appointment details. Protect sleep and avoid all-night cramming, which hurts recall more than extra review helps.
Do a light pass over summary notes only, then stop. Lay out your ID, confirmation, and any permitted items. If testing remotely, re-run the system check and clear your workspace. Confirm travel time or login time, set two alarms, and go to bed at a normal hour.
Eat a normal meal, avoid heavy caffeine if you are sensitive, and arrive or log in early per the provider's instructions. Leave your phone and unauthorized items where the rules require. Do a brief calm-down routine rather than last-minute quizzing.
Read each item completely, watch for qualifiers like 'best' or 'except', and answer every item since unanswered items are typically scored as incorrect unless the provider says otherwise. Flag uncertain items and return if time allows. Use only permitted breaks, and if a technical problem occurs, note the time and contact the proctor or support immediately.
Rules to check
Bring the original government-issued photo ID that matches your registration name exactly; confirm accepted ID types and name-change procedures with the provider in advance.
Follow all check-in and security procedures, including any identity verification, room scan, or personal-item storage the provider requires.
Keep only permitted items at your workspace. Phones, watches, notes, and other unauthorized materials are generally prohibited; confirm the exact list with the provider.
Do not communicate with anyone other than the proctor during the test, and do not attempt to copy, record, or share exam content.
Breaks are governed by provider policy; confirm whether breaks are offered, whether they are timed, and whether the clock stops. Do not assume.
Scoring rules, including treatment of unanswered or flagged items and any penalty policies, are set by the provider. Review the candidate handbook and confirm anything unclear.
If a technical or personal issue arises, notify the proctor or support immediately and follow their instructions for documentation rather than trying to resolve it silently.
Arrive or log in early per provider instructions; late arrival or login may affect your ability to test, so confirm the cutoff policy beforehand.