CHES exam-day guide
CHES · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Government-issued photo ID
Bring an unexpired ID with your name exactly as registered. Acceptable ID types and name-match rules vary; confirm the exact list with the certification provider before test day.
Appointment confirmation or authorization to test
Bring the scheduling confirmation, authorization email, or testing pass if the provider issues one. Confirm whether a printed copy is required or a digital copy is acceptable.
Testing-center logistics
Confirm the exact address, parking or transit plan, building entrance, and check-in desk. Do a dry run or map review so you are not navigating under time pressure.
Arrival time
Plan to arrive well before your appointment; many centers recommend 30 minutes early, but confirm the required arrival window and late-arrival policy with the provider.
Delivery-format requirements
Confirm whether your appointment is at a physical test center or by remote proctoring, and review the specific rules for that format.
Remote-proctoring setup (if applicable)
If testing remotely, confirm the required room privacy, webcam and microphone, internet speed, browser, and system-check steps. Complete any required equipment check at least 24 hours ahead.
Prohibited-items plan
Leave notes, smartwatches, phones, and other unauthorized materials at home or store them as directed. Confirm the center's storage rules for personal items.
Comfort and break supplies
Bring water and a small snack only if the provider permits them and only for scheduled breaks. Confirm food, drink, and break-area rules in advance.
One-page review sheet
Prepare a single summary page of high-yield concepts, areas of responsibility, and test-taking reminders. Use it for light review before check-in, then store it per center rules.
Emergency and backup plan
Save the provider's contact number, plan a backup route, and arrange a backup ride or childcare so a minor disruption does not become a missed appointment.
Score-report and results information
Know how and when results will be released and what the score report will include. Confirm the passing-standard and retake policies with the provider rather than relying on memory.
Plan the day
Stop adding new material. Review your one-page summary, missed-question log, and the provider's candidate handbook. Confirm appointment time, location or remote setup, and ID requirements.
Protect sleep. Shift bedtime earlier if needed, avoid all-night study, and do one short practice set only to check pacing and stamina.
Pack your ID, confirmation, and permitted comfort items. For remote proctoring, run the system test and clear your testing room. Recheck the appointment time and travel plan.
Do a light review only: key frameworks, terminology, and test-taking strategy. Set two alarms and get a normal night's sleep.
Eat a normal meal, hydrate moderately, and avoid heavy caffeine if you are sensitive. Leave extra travel time and arrive early.
Follow proctor instructions, present your ID, store prohibited items, and ask clarifying questions only about logistics, not content.
Read each question fully, identify what is being asked, eliminate obviously wrong options, and flag difficult items for review if the interface allows it.
Pace yourself against the number of items and remaining time. If a question stalls you, make a best answer, mark it if possible, and move on.
Use remaining time to review flagged items only if the interface permits. Change answers only when you have a clear reason. Submit according to proctor instructions.
Rules to check
Bring valid government-issued photo ID with a name matching your registration; confirm accepted ID forms with the provider before test day.
Arrive within the provider's required check-in window. Late arrival may result in lost seat time or forfeiture of fees; confirm the exact late-arrival policy.
Follow all proctor instructions. Unauthorized materials, phones, smartwatches, or notes are generally prohibited; confirm what the testing center permits and how personal items must be stored.
Breaks may be scheduled or unscheduled depending on the delivery format. Confirm break rules in advance, and assume the exam clock may continue running during unscheduled breaks unless the provider states otherwise.
The passing standard is set by the certification provider and is typically reported as a scaled score rather than a raw percentage. Do not rely on an assumed cutoff; confirm score-report details with the provider.
Do not share, reproduce, or discuss exam content. You will likely be asked to accept a confidentiality or non-disclosure agreement; read and follow it.
If a technical problem, distraction, or equipment failure occurs, notify the proctor immediately and follow their instructions rather than troubleshooting alone.
For remote proctoring, follow all room-scan, identification, and environment rules. Confirm prohibited behaviors and materials before the session begins.