RIBO Level 1 exam-day guide
RIBO Level 1 · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Government-issued photo ID
Bring the original, unexpired ID in the name you registered with. Confirm with the provider which forms of ID it accepts and whether the name must match your registration exactly; if your registration name differs from your ID, contact the provider before exam day.
Exam appointment confirmation
Have the confirmation email or booking reference available, whether you are writing in person or online. It shows your time, location or platform link, and any candidate number you may be asked for.
Login and platform details (online sittings)
Confirm the proctoring platform, the link, and any password or candidate ID you need. Test your camera, microphone, and browser ahead of time. Confirm with the provider which browsers and devices are supported and whether a system check is required.
Knowledge of the exam format and pass mark
Review the current exam blueprint: number of questions, time allowed, question style, and passing score. These details can change, so confirm them with the provider or the current candidate guide rather than relying on older material.
Permitted reference materials
Confirm with the provider whether any reference material, such as a formula sheet or legislation extract, is allowed and in what form. RIBO exams are generally closed-book; do not bring notes or study material unless the provider explicitly permits it.
Calculator policy confirmed
Ask the provider whether a basic calculator is allowed and what type. If it is not allowed, practise the arithmetic you need, such as premium and deductible calculations, without one.
Scratch paper and pen policy confirmed
Find out whether scratch paper is provided or prohibited. For online sittings, confirm whether you may use blank paper and whether it must be shown to the proctor before and after the exam.
Personal items plan
Plan where your phone, watch, bag, and notes will be during the exam. Most providers require phones to be off and stored away. Confirm the provider's rules on personal items and wearables.
Quiet, private test space (online sittings)
Arrange a room with a closed door, good lighting, a stable internet connection, and a power source. Tell household members not to enter during the exam. Confirm the provider's room and environment requirements.
Backup plan for technical failure
Know the provider's support number or contact channel and how to report a disconnection or platform failure. Keep your confirmation details handy so support can identify your sitting.
Rest, food, and travel plan
Get a normal night's sleep, eat beforehand, and plan to arrive or log in early. For in-person sittings, check travel time, parking, and transit. For online sittings, allow time for check-in and identity verification.
Confirmation of current rules with the provider
needs_review: Rules on ID, permitted items, breaks, timing, rescheduling, and scoring are set by the provider and can change. Verify them directly with the provider before exam day rather than relying on this guide.
Plan the day
Confirm your appointment time, location or platform link, and ID requirements with the provider. Re-read the current candidate guide for format, pass mark, and permitted items. Do focused review of weak areas using practice questions, but stop learning new material. Prepare your ID and any permitted items, and do a full system check for online sittings.
Do a light review of key definitions and calculation methods only. Pack your ID and confirmation details, lay out your clothes, and check travel or login logistics. Avoid cramming late into the night. Confirm the start time in your own time zone, especially for online sittings, and set two alarms.
Eat a normal meal and hydrate. Arrive or log in early enough to complete check-in and identity verification without rushing. For online sittings, close other applications, connect to power, and silence devices. Keep your ID and confirmation within reach.
Read each question fully and watch for qualifiers such as 'best', 'except', and 'most likely'. Answer the easy questions first, flag uncertain ones, and return to them. For calculations, show your steps on permitted scratch paper, check units and rounding, and sanity-check the result. Keep an eye on the clock and leave time to review flagged questions and confirm your answers were submitted.
Rules to check
Bring original government-issued photo ID in your registered name. Confirm with the provider which forms of ID are accepted and what to do if your name differs from your registration.
Follow the provider's rules on permitted and prohibited items. Unless the provider explicitly allows them, do not bring notes, study material, phones, smart watches, or other devices into the test area.
For online sittings, complete identity verification and the room scan if required, stay in view of the camera, and do not leave the camera's view without following the proctor's instructions.
Breaks are generally not permitted during a timed sitting, and the clock usually keeps running. Confirm the provider's break policy, including any scheduled or unscheduled break rules, before exam day.
Do not communicate with anyone other than the proctor during the exam, and do not copy, photograph, or share exam content. Exam content is confidential, and misconduct can lead to cancellation of your result.
If a technical problem occurs during an online sitting, do not attempt to restart or troubleshoot on your own beyond what the provider instructs. Note the time and contact provider support immediately, and follow their directions.
Scoring and pass marks are set by the provider. Confirm the current passing score, whether results are given immediately or later, and the retake and appeal process with the provider.
If you are unsure about any rule, ask the provider before exam day. Do not assume that a practice from another exam or an older guide still applies.