CISEC exam-day guide
CISEC · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Government-issued photo ID
Bring the original, unexpired ID that matches the name on your registration (driver's license, passport, or state ID). Confirm with the provider which forms are accepted and whether a secondary ID is required.
Admission or scheduling confirmation
Print or save the confirmation email with your test date, time, and location or online link. If the provider requires a printed admission ticket, confirm that requirement in advance.
Test-center address and arrival route
Verify the exact address and parking or transit options the day before. Arrive early; confirm with the provider how late arrivals are handled, as cutoff policies vary.
Approved calculator
Bring a calculator only if the provider's current candidate handbook allows it. Confirm the permitted models and whether the testing center supplies one or a built-in calculator is available.
Writing instruments and scratch paper
Bring two or three No. 2 pencils or pens if the provider permits them. Scratch paper and notes are usually prohibited in the testing room; confirm with the provider what is allowed.
Water and a light snack for breaks
Bring water and a snack to leave in a locker or outside the testing room. Confirm break rules and whether food or drink is allowed at the testing station.
Layers of clothing
Dress in layers so you can adjust to room temperature. Avoid clothing with large logos or pockets that may trigger additional screening.
Review of the CISEC candidate handbook
Read the current handbook for rules on personal items, electronics, breaks, and scoring. Policies change; confirm details with the provider rather than relying on older summaries.
Plan for storing personal items
Leave phones, smartwatches, and bags at home or plan to store them in a provided locker. Confirm with the provider whether lockers are available and what happens to prohibited items.
Backup plan for technology (online proctoring)
If testing remotely, confirm system requirements, run the equipment check, and have a backup internet connection or phone number for support. Confirm with the provider what to do if the connection fails.
Rest and logistics the night before
Set two alarms, prepare your ID and confirmation in one place, and plan a calm morning. Do not plan last-minute study that requires new references or exhibits.
Emergency contact and provider support number
Save the provider's candidate services number in case of illness, travel delay, or technical problems. Confirm with the provider how to report an emergency on test day.
Plan the day
Re-read the current candidate handbook and confirm your test date, time, location or online link, and ID requirements. Verify the address and travel time, and check whether the provider requires a printed admission ticket. Review your weakest topic areas using your own notes and the exam content outline, not new commercial question banks. Stop studying new material at least 24 hours before the test.
Pack your ID, confirmation, approved calculator, pencils, water, and snack. Lay out layered clothing. Confirm transportation and set alarms. Get a full night's sleep and avoid cramming. If you are testing online, run the system check and clear your workspace of notes, phones, and other devices.
Eat a normal meal and arrive at the test center or log in early, following the provider's check-in window. Leave phones and smartwatches stored as directed. Use the restroom before check-in. During check-in, follow proctor instructions, present your ID, and ask about break timing if it is not explained.
Read each question fully and watch for words like 'except,' 'best,' and 'primary.' Answer easier questions first if the platform allows navigation, and flag uncertain items for review. Budget time for flagged questions and a final review. Use only the scratch materials the provider allows, and take breaks only when permitted. If a technical problem occurs, stop and notify the proctor or support immediately.
Rules to check
Bring the original, unexpired government-issued photo ID that matches your registration name. Confirm with the provider which ID forms are accepted and whether a secondary ID is required.
Follow all proctor instructions and the candidate conduct rules in the current handbook. Prohibited items typically include phones, smartwatches, notes, and unauthorized calculators; confirm the exact list with the provider.
Do not communicate with other candidates during the test, and do not copy, share, or discuss exam content afterward. Exam content is confidential; confirm the provider's confidentiality agreement before testing.
Use only the calculator, scratch paper, and reference materials the provider permits. If a built-in calculator or on-screen reference is provided, confirm how to access it before the timer starts.
Ask the proctor or support for help immediately if you experience a technical problem, illness, or disruption. Do not attempt to fix equipment yourself; confirm with the provider how incidents are documented.
Break policies vary by provider and test format. Confirm in advance whether breaks are scheduled, whether the timer stops, and whether you can access food, water, or medication during breaks.
Scoring and result reporting are set by the provider. Confirm the passing standard, score report timing, and any retake or appeal policy in the current handbook rather than relying on secondhand information.
If you arrive late or cannot test, contact the provider as soon as possible. Late-arrival and rescheduling rules differ; confirm with the provider what options and fees apply.