CHI exam-day guide
CHI · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Government-issued photo ID
Bring the exact form of identification the testing provider requires. Confirm acceptable ID types and name-matching rules with the provider before test day; expired IDs are commonly rejected.
Appointment confirmation / admission ticket
Have your scheduling confirmation, confirmation number, and test-center address or online-proctoring link ready. Reconfirm the appointment time and location with the provider 24-48 hours ahead.
Know your test-center logistics or proctoring setup
If testing in person, confirm parking, arrival time, and building/room. If testing remotely, confirm the software, system check, webcam, microphone, and a private quiet room. Exact remote-testing requirements vary-confirm with the provider.
Review the provider's permitted-items list
Many credential exams restrict what you may bring to the desk (e.g., no notes, phones, or smartwatches). Confirm the current allowed/forbidden items and whether scratch materials are supplied.
Confirm break and timing policy
Check whether breaks are scheduled or optional, whether the clock stops during breaks, and what you may access during a break. Phrase uncertain specifics as 'confirm with the provider.'
Confirm scoring and result-reporting method
Know whether results are pass/fail or scaled, when they are released, and how they are delivered. Do not assume a specific passing score-verify with the provider.
Plan your arrival buffer
Arrive earlier than the provider's stated minimum to allow for check-in, ID verification, and security screening. Late arrival can forfeit your seat under many providers' policies-confirm the cutoff.
Rest, hydration, and a light meal plan
Protect sleep in the final days and plan a normal meal before the test. Avoid trying new caffeine or medication routines on exam day.
Backup plan for technology or transportation failure
Have the provider's contact number, a backup internet option if remote testing, and an alternate route or contact if commuting. Confirm the reschedule/no-show policy in advance.
Read the candidate handbook / agreement
Review the current candidate handbook for conduct rules, confidentiality, and misconduct definitions. Policies change; rely on the version the provider gives you.
Plan the day
Stop learning new material. Do targeted review of your weakest high-yield areas, re-read the candidate handbook for logistics and rules, and confirm appointment details, ID requirements, and test format with the provider. Take one light practice set to calibrate pacing, then stop.
Do a short review of summary notes only-no cramming. Prepare your ID, confirmation, and any permitted items the night before. Confirm the start time, location or proctoring link, and travel plan. Set two alarms and aim for a full night's sleep.
Eat a normal meal, hydrate moderately, and avoid new stimulants. Arrive with your ID and confirmation; for remote testing, complete the system check and clear your workspace early. Keep calm and follow check-in instructions exactly.
Read each question fully and watch the clock; flag and move past items you cannot resolve quickly, then return. Use only permitted materials. Take scheduled breaks if allowed, and budget time to review flagged questions before the end.
Note how results will be delivered and when. Keep your confirmation and any score report. If you plan to retake, confirm the provider's waiting period and retake policy before scheduling.
Rules to check
Bring only the identification and items the provider permits; confirm the allowed-items list in advance, as phones, notes, and smartwatches are commonly restricted.
Follow all identity-verification steps. Name on your ID must match your registration per the provider's rules-confirm acceptable ID and name-change procedures with the provider.
Do not communicate with other candidates during the test, and do not share, reproduce, or discuss exam content afterward; most programs treat this as misconduct.
Use only breaks the provider authorizes, and confirm whether the clock runs during breaks and what you may access.
Report any technical problem or interruption to the proctor or provider immediately rather than troubleshooting silently.
Understand the scoring and result-reporting method before test day; do not assume a passing score or release timeline-confirm with the provider.
Know the lateness, reschedule, and no-show policies before the appointment, since missing them can forfeit your fee or seat.
If you are unsure about any exam-day policy, contact the provider directly and get confirmation in writing rather than relying on secondhand information.