CNaVT B1 exam-day guide
CNaVT B1 · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Bring valid photo identification
Bring the same identity document you used at registration, typically a passport or national ID card. The exact accepted documents and whether a copy is allowed should be confirmed with the test centre or your registration confirmation.
Bring your registration or admission confirmation
Print or save the confirmation email showing your registration number, test date, time and location. Some centres ask to see it at reception; confirm with the provider whether a digital copy is acceptable.
Check the exact start time and arrival time
Arrival and check-in times vary by centre. Look up your personal invitation, and if anything is unclear, confirm with the provider well before the test day.
Know the location and travel route
Check the address, building and room in advance and plan your journey with a buffer. If the room number is not stated, confirm with the provider or the reception desk on arrival.
Bring pens and pencils as instructed
Bring a couple of blue or black ballpoint pens and pencils. Whether the centre supplies writing materials or requires a specific type should be confirmed with the provider.
Leave unauthorised electronic devices at home or switched off
Mobile phones, smartwatches and other devices are usually not allowed at the desk. The exact policy on storage and on phones in the building should be confirmed with the provider.
Bring water and a small snack for the break
Breaks between components can be short. Whether food and drink are allowed in the test room varies, so confirm with the provider and keep items simple and quiet.
Review the format of each component
Know which parts you will face, for example reading, listening, writing and speaking, and in what order. The exact order and timing for your session should be confirmed with the provider.
Prepare for the speaking component
Re-read the task types and practise a short self-introduction and giving your opinion with reasons. Do not memorise whole answers; examiners notice and it rarely helps.
Plan your timing for the writing component
Decide in advance how many minutes you will spend on planning, writing and checking. Practise this rhythm at least once in the final week so it feels familiar.
Get a normal night's sleep and eat before you leave
Avoid last-minute cramming the night before. A normal sleep routine and a proper meal support concentration better than extra revision.
Dress comfortably in layers
Test rooms can be warm or cold. Comfortable clothing in layers helps you stay focused without distraction.
Plan the day
Do one full timed practice run of the components you find hardest, then review your mistakes rather than starting new material. Re-read the task instructions for each component so the format is automatic on the day. Check your travel route, the address and the start time, and confirm any unclear practical details with the provider. Prepare your bag and identity document early so nothing is left to the last morning.
Do light revision only: review vocabulary, useful phrases for the writing and speaking tasks, and your own notes on frequent errors. Stop studying in the early evening. Lay out your identification, confirmation, pens and any permitted items by the door. Set an alarm with a generous margin, check the weather and transport, and go to bed at your usual time.
Eat a proper breakfast and arrive at the centre with time to spare, following the arrival time in your invitation. Keep your identification and confirmation accessible for check-in. Avoid discussing answers or formats with other candidates, as this can raise anxiety. Once seated, read the instructions carefully and check how much time you have for each part.
Read every instruction before starting and note the time limits. In reading and listening, answer the questions you find easy first and return to harder ones. In writing, spend a few minutes planning, keep to the task and the word count, and leave time to check grammar and spelling. In speaking, listen to the question, answer it directly and support your opinion with reasons and examples. If you do not understand something, ask the invigilator or examiner for clarification where the rules allow it. Keep an eye on the clock and leave no answers blank.
Rules to check
Bring the identity document required for check-in and present it when asked. The accepted documents and any exceptions should be confirmed with the provider before the test day.
Follow the invigilator's instructions at all times, including on seating, timing, starting and stopping work, and leaving the room.
Do not use unauthorised aids or communicate with other candidates during the test. The exact rules on phones, notes and dictionaries should be confirmed with the provider.
If you need to leave the room, for example for the toilet, raise your hand and wait for permission. Whether and when this is allowed during a timed component should be confirmed with the provider.
If you arrive late, the centre may refuse entry or reduce your time. The late-arrival policy should be confirmed with the provider.
If you have a disability or other special need, request any adjustments well before the test date and confirm the arrangements with the provider in writing.
Results and scoring are determined by the provider. Ask the provider or check your registration documents for how and when results are issued and how scores are reported.
If illness or another emergency prevents you from attending, contact the provider as soon as possible and ask about their policy on withdrawal, deferral or refunds.