Ontario RE Essentials Exam exam-day guide
Ontario RE Essentials Exam · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Government-issued photo ID
Bring an original, unexpired ID with your name exactly as registered and a signature, such as a driver’s licence or passport. Confirm accepted ID types, name-matching rules, and whether a secondary ID is required with your exam provider; needs_review.
Exam appointment confirmation
Have the confirmation email or booking reference showing date, time, time zone, and platform link. Confirm whether your session is remote-proctored or in person and how you will receive the link; needs_review.
Computer and browser ready
Use a laptop or desktop with a working webcam, microphone, and speakers. Run the provider’s system check at least 72 hours ahead. Confirm supported operating systems and browsers, and whether tablets or phones are prohibited; needs_review.
Stable internet and backup
Use a wired connection or strong Wi-Fi and have a mobile hotspot as a fallback. Confirm minimum connection speed and the provider’s procedure if you lose connectivity mid-exam; needs_review.
Quiet, private room
Clear your desk, close the door, use good lighting, and ensure no other people or screens are visible. Confirm the room-scan and camera-angle requirements before exam day; needs_review.
Power and charger
Plug in your laptop and keep the charger connected for the full session. Confirm whether moving, unplugging, or leaving the camera view is allowed; needs_review.
Login credentials
Know your username and password for the exam platform and student portal, and test the login before exam day. Confirm the password-reset and account-support process; needs_review.
Permitted aids
Bring only items the provider explicitly allows, such as a basic calculator, blank paper, and pen. Confirm the permitted-item list; personal notes, phones, smartwatches, and textbooks are generally prohibited; needs_review.
Notifications silenced
Close all other applications, mute your phone, and disable pop-ups before launch. Confirm whether your phone must be switched off and placed outside the room; needs_review.
Water and comfort
Use the washroom before starting and keep water nearby only if permitted. Confirm the break policy and whether leaving the camera view ends the session; needs_review.
Plan the day
Confirm the appointment date, time, time zone, and platform link. Run the full system test for camera, microphone, and browser. Check that your ID is valid and that your registered name matches it exactly. Re-read the provider’s exam-day rules and permitted-items list. Spend remaining study time on weak areas and practice questions rather than new topics. Set a sleep schedule that has you rested for the exam start time.
Do a final review of key concepts, formulas, and terminology, then stop studying early enough to sleep. Prepare the room and desk, charge devices, and save the provider’s technical-support number. Confirm your internet backup and test the mobile hotspot if you plan to use one. Place your ID and confirmation email where you can reach them immediately. Avoid cramming new material or staying up late.
Eat, hydrate, and use the washroom before the session. Log in 15–30 minutes early or as instructed by the provider. Complete the ID check and room scan, close all applications, silence your phone, and clear your desk. Keep your ID visible and your charger connected. Do not start the exam until the proctor confirms you are cleared.
Read each question fully and watch for words such as EXCEPT, NOT, and BEST. Track your time and flag difficult items to return to later. Use scratch paper only if the provider permits it and stay within the camera view. Do not leave the room or communicate with anyone except the proctor. If the connection drops or the platform freezes, contact the proctor or support immediately and note the time and error message. Submit only when you have reviewed flagged questions, and confirm the submission screen appears.
Rules to check
Present original government-issued photo ID when requested. The name must match your registration; expired, photocopied, or altered ID is generally not accepted. Confirm the exact ID policy with your exam provider.
Keep your desk clear and remain in the camera frame. Unauthorized materials, phones, smartwatches, notes, textbooks, or other people in the room can void your result or trigger misconduct review.
Follow all proctor instructions, including the room scan, showing your workspace, and responding to check-ins. Do not communicate with anyone other than the proctor during the session.
Breaks may be limited or unavailable in a remotely proctored exam. Confirm the break policy before exam day; leaving the camera view without approval may end your session.
If a technical problem occurs, pause and contact the proctor or provider support immediately. Do not repeatedly refresh the page or troubleshoot alone. Record the time and any error messages.
Exam content is confidential. Do not copy, share, photograph, or discuss questions after the exam. Confirm the provider’s confidentiality and misconduct rules before test day.
Passing score, result-release timing, and retake policy are set by the provider. Confirm these details and use only the official result channel; do not rely on unofficial estimates.
Time limit and question format vary by course and provider. Confirm the number of questions, time allowed, and whether unanswered questions are penalized so you can plan your pace.