CABT exam-day guide
CABT · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Government-issued photo ID
Bring the original, unexpired ID that matches the name on your registration. Confirm with the provider which specific forms of ID are accepted and whether a secondary ID is required.
Exam admission or confirmation document
Print or save the scheduling confirmation and any admission letter or test permit. Confirm with the provider whether a printed copy is mandatory or a digital copy is acceptable.
Appointment time and testing location details
Double-check the start time, time zone, and full address or remote-proctoring link. Arrive or log in early; confirm with the provider how early you should arrive and what happens if you are late.
Approved calculator (if permitted)
Most certification exams either provide an on-screen calculator or restrict which models are allowed. Confirm with the provider whether a physical calculator is permitted and which models are approved.
Test-center locker or storage plan for personal items
Phones, smartwatches, notes, and bags are generally not allowed at the workstation. Confirm with the provider what storage is available and what is prohibited in the testing room.
Comfort items permitted by the provider
Some centers allow water, tissues, or layered clothing; others do not. Confirm with the provider before bringing anything beyond your ID and admission documents.
Review of the exam content outline and scoring format
Know the number of questions, time limit, and whether scoring is pass/fail or scaled. This information is in the official candidate handbook; confirm any details you are unsure of with the provider.
Remote-proctoring system check (if testing online)
Run the required equipment and identity-verification checks ahead of time. Confirm with the provider the system requirements, browser, and whether a webcam and microphone are required.
Plan for breaks and timing
Understand whether breaks are scheduled, optional, or prohibited, and how they affect your time. Confirm with the provider the exact break policy for your exam.
Transportation and backup plan
Plan to arrive with buffer time and have a backup route or contact number for the test center. For remote exams, have a backup internet connection and power source.
Plan the day
Re-read the official candidate handbook or exam guide for rules, permitted items, and scoring. Take one or two full-length practice tests under timed conditions and review weak areas. Confirm your appointment time, location or remote link, and ID requirements with the provider. Prepare your ID and admission documents, and get consistent sleep.
Stop intensive studying and do a light review of key concepts and formulas only. Pack your ID, admission documents, and any provider-approved items. Confirm transportation or run a final remote-proctoring system test. Avoid new material and prioritize rest.
Eat a normal meal and hydrate. Arrive at the test center or log in early, following the provider's arrival guidance. Leave prohibited items (phones, smartwatches, notes) in your locker or outside the testing room. Do a final calm review of high-level topics only.
Read each question carefully and note key qualifiers. Answer easier questions first if the platform allows navigation, and flag uncertain ones for review. Pace yourself against the time limit and reserve time to review flagged items. Follow all proctor instructions and confirm the break policy before using one.
Rules to check
Present valid, unexpired government-issued photo ID that matches your registration name; confirm with the provider which ID forms are accepted and whether a secondary ID is required.
Follow all test-center and proctor rules: no phones, smartwatches, notes, or unauthorized materials at the workstation. Confirm with the provider the full list of prohibited items and the storage policy.
Breaks may be scheduled, optional, or prohibited depending on the exam; confirm with the provider the exact break policy and whether break time counts against your exam time.
Scoring format, passing score, and retake policy vary by certification; confirm these details with the provider or official candidate handbook rather than relying on secondhand information.
Do not attempt to record, copy, or share exam content; misconduct can result in score cancellation or disqualification. Confirm with the provider the specific conduct and integrity rules that apply.
If you test remotely, follow identity-verification and room-scan procedures and remain within camera view; confirm with the provider the remote-proctoring requirements before test day.
Arrive or log in at the time specified by the provider; late arrival may result in forfeiture of your appointment or fee. Confirm with the provider the late-arrival and rescheduling policies.