NB Francophone G2 Reading exam-day guide
NB Francophone G2 Reading · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Valid photo ID
Bring the exact form of identification the testing provider requires. Acceptable ID types vary by provider and test site, so confirm the accepted documents with the provider before test day rather than assuming a passport or driver's licence will suffice.
Admission ticket or confirmation email
Print or download your registration confirmation if the provider asks for it. Check whether a printed copy is required or a digital version on your phone is accepted; this differs between centres, so confirm with the provider.
Know your test centre and arrival time
Confirm the exact address, building entrance, and reporting time. Plan to arrive earlier than the stated time to allow for security checks and check-in. Travel to the centre once beforehand if you can, to avoid surprise delays.
Review the format and timing of each section
Be clear on how many sections the reading test has, how long each lasts, and whether questions are multiple-choice, matching, short answer, or true/false. Practise with a timer so you know your natural pace per passage or question set.
Practise the instructions language in French
Reading instructions and question stems will be in French. Make sure you recognise common command words (for example, verbs asking you to identify, match, or justify) so you do not lose time decoding instructions during the test.
Confirm permitted items and materials
Ask the provider whether you may bring water, a watch, tissues, or a dictionary, and whether scratch paper or a pen is supplied. Rules on dictionaries and personal items vary widely, so do not assume anything is allowed.
Confirm break policy
Find out in advance whether breaks are scheduled, how long they last, and whether you may leave the room during a section. Policies differ by provider and by test format, so confirm with the provider.
Plan your transport and a backup
Decide how you will travel and identify a backup route or earlier train or bus. Being late can mean being refused entry, so build in a margin for delays.
Prepare for accessibility or special arrangements
If you need extra time, a separate room, or other accommodations, confirm that these have been approved and that the centre knows about them. Arrange this well before test day; last-minute requests may not be possible.
Rest and practical preparation the night before
Pack your ID and confirmation, set two alarms, charge your phone, and get a normal night's sleep. Avoid last-minute cramming of new material; review familiar vocabulary and question strategies instead.
Plan the day
Do timed practice under realistic conditions, focusing on your weakest question types. Review French vocabulary and connectors that commonly appear in reading passages. Confirm your test centre details, arrival time, and what you are allowed to bring. Stop introducing new material and consolidate what you already know.
Do a light review only: skim a summary of question strategies and common instruction words. Prepare your bag with ID, confirmation, and any permitted items. Check transport times and set alarms. Eat a normal meal, avoid alcohol, and go to bed at your usual time.
Eat a proper breakfast and drink water in moderation. Leave with more time than you think you need. At the centre, follow check-in instructions, keep personal items where staff direct, and use any waiting time to settle your breathing rather than cramming.
Read the instructions for each section carefully before starting. Skim passages for overall meaning, then read questions and return to the text to locate evidence. Watch the clock and do not get stuck on one item; mark it and move on. Answer every question, since unanswered items usually score zero. If a passage is dense, focus on topic sentences and connectors to build meaning quickly.
Rules to check
Bring only the identification and permitted items the provider specifies. Confirm the exact list with the provider in advance, because prohibited items and storage arrangements vary by centre.
Follow all instructions from invigilators about seating, timing, and materials. If you are unsure whether something is allowed, ask before the test begins rather than during it.
Do not communicate with other candidates during the test and do not attempt to access notes, phones, or other devices. Suspected misconduct can lead to invalidation of your result; confirm the provider's specific conduct rules with them.
Ask the invigilator if you need to leave the room for a genuine emergency. Whether you may leave and return during a section depends on the provider's policy, so confirm this in advance.
Check whether scheduled breaks exist and what you may do during them. Break rules differ between providers and formats, so confirm with the provider rather than assuming.
Understand how your test is scored before test day: whether wrong answers are penalised, whether all questions carry equal weight, and what result you receive. Confirm the scoring and reporting policy with the provider.
Keep track of time yourself where permitted, but rely on official timing announcements. Do not continue writing or answering after time is called.
If something goes wrong on the day, such as a late arrival or a problem with your ID, speak to the test centre staff immediately and follow their instructions. Ask the provider afterwards about any options that may apply.