Notariat CI exam-day guide
Notariat CI · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Convocation and exam schedule
Print or download the convocation (convocation) showing date, time, and address of the test centre. The Notariat CI pathway is organised by the Chambre des Notaires / the competent academic or professional authority; confirm the exact centre and reporting time with the provider, as these can change between sessions. needs_review
Valid photo ID
Bring the identity document required for the examination (carte nationale d'identité or passport). Check the name matches the registration exactly and that the document is unexpired. Confirm with the provider which ID types are accepted and whether a photocopy is allowed. needs_review
Registration confirmation / receipt
Carry the proof of registration and any payment receipt. Some centres ask for a convocation number or candidate number; note it down separately in case the paper copy is lost.
Writing materials
Bring several blue or black ballpoint pens, pencils, an eraser, and a pencil sharpener. Confirm with the provider whether correction fluid, highlighters, or coloured pens are permitted, as some centres restrict them. needs_review
Non-programmable watch
A simple analogue watch helps you pace the épreuves if the room clock is not visible. Smartwatches and connected devices are generally prohibited; confirm with the provider whether any watch is allowed. needs_review
Clear water bottle and small snack
Bring water in a transparent bottle and a light snack for long sessions. Confirm with the provider whether food and drink are allowed in the exam room. needs_review
Authorised reference documents
If the épreuve is 'à documents autorisés', bring only the documents listed in the convocation (for example an unannotated Code civil). Confirm the exact list with the provider, since annotated or loose-leaf codes are often refused. needs_review
Transport plan and backup
Plan the route to the centre, identify a backup transport option, and aim to arrive well before the reporting time. Traffic and security checks at large centres can cause delays.
Know the épreuve format
Re-read the description of each épreuve: number of questions, whether it is a QCM, a cas pratique, or a dissertation, and the duration. Confirm the format and coefficient with the provider rather than relying on hearsay. needs_review
Phone switched off and stored
Switch off your mobile phone before entering the room and store it as instructed. Do not keep it on your person if the rules forbid it; an alarm or a glance at the screen can lead to exclusion.
Emergency contact and medication
Carry any prescription medication and a contact number. If you need special arrangements (tiers-temps, separate room), confirm well in advance with the provider; requests are usually time-limited. needs_review
Rest and logistics the night before
Confirm the alarm, prepare clothes and documents the night before, and locate a place to eat near the centre. Avoid last-minute revision of new material the night before.
Plan the day
Re-read the official convocation and the exam regulations (règlement d'examen). Check the address, reporting time, permitted documents, and ID requirements. Contact the provider immediately if anything is unclear or missing. Do a final pass over your own summary sheets rather than new material.
Do one or two timed practice runs under exam conditions: a cas pratique or a QCM in the real duration. Review your errors and note the three or four recurring mistakes you must avoid on the day. Stop learning new topics after this point.
Prepare the physical kit: ID, convocation, pens, watch, water, snack, authorised documents. Check transport times and, if the centre is far, confirm accommodation. Sleep on a normal schedule rather than revising late.
Light revision only: key definitions, the structure of a cas pratique answer, and the plan of a dissertation. Prepare clothes and the bag. Confirm the alarm and the route. Eat a normal meal and go to bed early; cramming the night before usually costs more than it gains.
Eat breakfast, re-check the bag against the checklist, and leave with a margin of at least 30 to 45 minutes. Arrive at the centre early, locate the room, and switch off your phone. Avoid discussing the programme with other candidates, which often creates unnecessary doubt.
Read the instructions on the paper carefully: number of questions, whether all are compulsory, and the time allowed. Write your candidate number where required. Read the whole subject before starting so you can allocate time to each part.
Divide the available time by the number of questions or parts and keep a margin of 10 to 15 minutes at the end for checking. For a cas pratique, state the facts, the problem, the rule, and the conclusion. Do not spend too long on a single question.
Check that every question is answered, that your candidate number is on each sheet, and that your handwriting is legible. Correct obvious slips but avoid rewriting whole passages, which risks running out of time.
Do not try to reconstruct your answers with other candidates immediately; it adds stress without changing the result. Note any incident (room, timing, invigilation) in case you need to report it to the provider, and check the published results procedure.
Rules to check
Identity and registration: present the required photo ID and convocation on request. Candidates without the required documents may be refused entry; confirm with the provider which documents are mandatory and whether late arrival is tolerated. needs_review
Prohibited devices: mobile phones, smartwatches, and connected devices must be switched off and stored as instructed. Keeping a device on your person or using it during the test is generally treated as cheating; confirm the exact sanction with the provider. needs_review
Authorised documents only: bring only the documents expressly permitted for the épreuve. Annotated codes, loose sheets, and notes are usually refused. Confirm the list with the provider before the day. needs_review
Communication: do not communicate with other candidates during the test, and do not exchange papers. Raise your hand and wait for the invigilator if you need to speak.
Breaks and exits: do not leave the room without permission. Confirm with the provider the rules on toilet breaks and whether leaving early is allowed. needs_review
Scoring and results: understand how the épreuves are weighted and what the pass mark is before the day; confirm the coefficients and the compensation rules with the provider, as these are specific to the session. needs_review
Integrity: any attempt to copy, use unauthorised material, or impersonate another candidate is treated as fraud and can lead to cancellation of the result and further sanctions. Confirm the disciplinary procedure with the provider. needs_review
Incidents: report any problem (missing paper, faulty clock, disturbance) to the invigilator immediately and ask for it to be recorded, so you can raise it with the provider afterwards if needed.