CAHIMS exam-day guide
CAHIMS · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Government-issued photo ID
Bring a valid, unexpired government-issued photo ID (such as a driver's license or passport). The exact ID requirements and whether a secondary ID is needed should be confirmed with the provider before test day.
Appointment confirmation and test-taker details
Have your scheduling confirmation, appointment time, and any test-taker/eligibility numbers accessible. Confirm the exact login or check-in steps with the provider.
Testing location and arrival plan
Confirm your test center address (or remote-proctoring setup) and plan to arrive early. The specific recommended arrival window should be confirmed with the provider.
Allowed items list
Review what the provider permits in the testing room. Many testing programs restrict personal items; confirm the current allowed/forbidden list with the provider rather than assuming.
No outside study materials in the testing room
Notes, books, and study aids are generally not permitted at the workstation. Confirm the provider's policy on personal belongings and storage.
Remote-proctoring system check (if testing online)
If testing remotely, verify your computer, camera, microphone, and internet meet requirements and run any required system test in advance. Confirm the technical requirements with the provider.
Quiet, private environment (if testing online)
For remote testing, arrange a quiet, private, well-lit room and plan for a room scan if required. Confirm the environment rules with the provider.
Rest, hydration, and a light meal
Get normal sleep and eat a light meal beforehand; avoid trying new caffeine levels on test day. These are general good practices, not provider rules.
Time-management plan
Know the number of questions and total time so you can pace yourself, and plan to flag uncertain items for review if the platform allows it. Confirm the exam length and review features with the provider.
Break policy review
Understand whether breaks are offered, their length, and any rules about leaving the testing area. Confirm the current break policy with the provider.
Scoring and results expectations
Know how the exam is scored and when/how results are delivered. Confirm the passing standard and score-report timing with the provider.
Backup contact and contingency plan
Have the provider's contact info handy in case of scheduling, technical, or travel issues. Confirm the correct support channel with the provider.
Plan the day
Finish your review with light, high-yield passes over weak areas; stop cramming new material. Re-confirm appointment time, location or remote setup, and ID requirements with the provider. Do a final logistics check (travel, technology, documents). Protect sleep.
Do a short, calm review of key concepts only; pack your ID and confirmation details. Confirm your route or remote-testing setup one last time. Set alarms, avoid heavy studying late, and get a full night's sleep.
Eat a light meal, hydrate, and arrive or log in early per the provider's instructions. Leave extra time for check-in and ID verification. Stay calm and avoid last-minute cramming that could increase anxiety.
Read each question carefully and watch your pacing against the clock. Answer confidently, flag uncertain items if the platform allows, and use remaining time to review flagged questions. Follow all proctor instructions and take breaks only as permitted.
Rules to check
Bring valid, unexpired government-issued photo ID; confirm the exact ID and any secondary-ID requirements with the provider before test day.
Follow all proctor and testing-center instructions, including rules on personal belongings, notes, and electronic devices; confirm the current policy with the provider.
Do not communicate with others or use unauthorized materials during the exam; treat all conduct rules as strictly enforced and confirm specifics with the provider.
Understand the break policy before you begin: whether breaks are allowed, their length, and whether the clock stops. Confirm with the provider.
Know how the exam is scored and what constitutes a passing result; confirm the passing standard and score-report timing with the provider.
If testing remotely, comply with all environment and room-scan requirements and keep your camera on as instructed; confirm the technical rules with the provider.
Report any technical problems or irregularities to the proctor or provider immediately rather than attempting to resolve them yourself.
Arrive or log in early as instructed; late arrival or check-in issues may affect your ability to test, so confirm the provider's timing rules in advance.