CAIH exam-day guide
CAIH · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Government-issued photo ID
Bring the original, unexpired ID with a name that matches your registration exactly. Confirm with the provider which ID forms are accepted for online versus in-person delivery, and whether a secondary ID is required.
Appointment confirmation and exam access details
Save your scheduling confirmation, confirmation number, and any login or launch instructions offline. Confirm with the provider the exact check-in window and whether early or late arrival is permitted.
Testing environment and equipment check (remote delivery)
Run any required system or equipment check in advance on the same computer and network you will use. Confirm with the provider the supported operating systems, browser, camera, microphone, and minimum connection speed.
Room and workspace readiness
Use a private, quiet, well-lit space with a clear desk. Confirm with the provider the rules on permitted items, wall coverings, second screens, and whether the room must be empty for the full session.
Accepted calculator or on-screen calculator policy
CAIH-style health-informatics exams vary in calculator rules. Confirm with the provider whether a physical calculator is allowed, which models are permitted, and whether an on-screen calculator is provided.
Permitted reference materials
Most certification exams do not allow notes or reference books, but do not assume. Confirm with the provider whether any reference list, glossary, or formula sheet is provided on screen or permitted at your desk.
Break and timing rules reviewed
Confirm with the provider whether scheduled or unscheduled breaks are allowed, whether the clock stops during breaks, and what re-entry and identity checks apply after a break.
Scoring and result-delivery expectations understood
Confirm with the provider how the exam is scored, whether a scaled score is used, what the passing standard is, and when and how results are released.
Reschedule and cancellation deadlines noted
Confirm with the provider the deadline and any fee for rescheduling or cancelling, and keep your confirmation number handy in case you need to contact support on exam day.
Technical support contact saved
Save the provider's exam-day support phone number or chat link in a place you can reach without the exam application, in case of a disconnect or launch failure.
Water and personal comfort items per policy
Confirm with the provider whether water, tissues, or medication are allowed at the desk and whether any item requires prior approval or proctor notification.
Arrival plan and backup plan
For in-person testing, plan arrival with buffer time and identify parking or transit backups. For remote testing, identify a backup network or device. Confirm with the provider what to do if you arrive late or lose connectivity.
Plan the day
Re-read the official candidate handbook or program page for conduct, ID, permitted-items, and scoring rules, and note anything that differs from your assumptions. Take one or two timed practice sets focused on your weakest domains rather than re-reading everything. Stop new-topic study at least 24 hours before the exam. Verify your appointment time and time zone, test your equipment and network, and prepare your ID and confirmation details. Protect sleep in these three nights; do not trade sleep for extra cramming.
Do a light review of high-yield lists, terminology, and formulas you have already learned, then stop. Prepare your desk or bag, lay out your ID, and confirm the check-in time and any arrival buffer. Eat normally, avoid heavy caffeine late in the day, and set two alarms. If you feel unprepared, resist the urge to start a new resource; consolidate what you know instead.
Eat a normal meal and hydrate moderately. Log in or arrive early per the provider's check-in window, not so early that you sit idle and anxious. Close unnecessary applications, silence notifications, and put away anything not permitted. Have your ID and confirmation number within reach. Do a brief calm-down routine: slow breathing and a short note of your timing plan.
Read the full question and all options before answering, and watch for qualifiers such as 'best', 'first', 'except', and 'most likely'. Answer every question; flag uncertain items and return to them if the platform allows review. Budget time by question count, and check the clock at roughly the quarter, half, and three-quarter marks. For scenario items, identify the setting, the role, and the decision point before choosing. If a technical problem occurs, stop and contact exam-day support immediately, and note the time; do not troubleshoot alone for long.
Rules to check
Bring the exact ID the provider requires, with a name matching your registration. If your legal name differs from your registration, contact the provider before exam day; do not assume a correction can be made at check-in.
Follow all proctor instructions and conduct rules. Do not communicate with others, use unauthorized devices, or leave the camera view during a remote session. Confirm with the provider what counts as a prohibited device or behavior.
Do not bring notes, reference materials, or unauthorized aids unless the provider explicitly permits them. If you are unsure whether an item is allowed, ask the provider before exam day rather than at the desk.
Understand the break policy before you start. Confirm with the provider whether breaks are allowed, whether the timer runs during breaks, and what identity or room checks apply when you return.
Scoring and passing standards are set by the provider. Confirm with the provider how scores are reported, whether results are immediate or delayed, and what the retake policy and waiting period are.
Report any technical failure, interruption, or suspected irregularity to the proctor or exam-day support immediately and keep a record of the time and any case number. Do not attempt to resolve platform issues on your own.
Keep your confirmation number and provider contact details accessible throughout exam day, including from a device other than the one you are testing on.
Do not discuss, reproduce, or share exam content after the test. Confirm with the provider the confidentiality terms you agreed to and any restrictions on public discussion of exam items.