CrTAS exam-day guide
CrTAS · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Government-issued photo ID
Bring the original, unexpired ID whose name matches your registration exactly. Test centres commonly reject photocopies, expired documents, and digital copies; confirm the accepted ID types and name-matching rules with the provider before test day.
Confirmation of your appointment
Save the confirmation email or booking reference offline on your phone and print a copy. You may not be allowed to sit the exam without proof of registration, and reception staff may ask for the appointment number.
Your login credentials for the test platform
If the exam is delivered online-proctored or on a computer at a centre, know your username and password and any candidate ID number. Write them on paper to carry, not only in a password manager that may be locked on an unfamiliar device.
Approved calculator or permitted reference materials
Check the exam regulations for whether a calculator is allowed and which models are banned. If the exam is open-book or permits a formula sheet, bring only the permitted items. If you are unsure, confirm with the provider rather than assuming.
Knowledge of the test centre location and travel plan
Do a route rehearsal or check transit times and parking in advance. Aim to arrive well before the reporting time; centres often close check-in at the scheduled start and late arrivals may be refused entry. Confirm the reporting time, not just the start time, with the provider.
A quiet, distraction-free environment if testing remotely
For online-proctored delivery, clear your desk, close other applications, and tell household members not to enter. Proctors may require a room scan and may flag background noise or movement.
Water and a light snack for the break
Confirm whether food and drink are allowed at your seat or only during scheduled breaks. Some centres require items to be stored in a locker, so pack them accordingly.
A watch or awareness of timekeeping
Many computer-based tests show a countdown clock, but knowing the total time and the number of questions helps you pace. Confirm how many questions and how much time you have before the exam.
Layers of clothing
Test rooms are often cold or unevenly heated. Dress in layers you can remove, and avoid clothing with large logos or pockets that could complicate a security check.
A plan for what you cannot bring
Phones, smart watches, notes, and bags are usually banned from the testing room. Know where you will leave them. Confirm the provider's policy on personal items and storage.
Rest and a normal routine the night before
Avoid last-minute cramming that displaces sleep. Fatigue affects performance more than one extra hour of review.
A backup plan for technical failure
If testing remotely, know the provider's support phone number and their policy for technical interruptions, including whether lost time is restored. Confirm these details with the provider before test day.
Plan the day
Confirm logistics: re-check the appointment time, address or remote-testing link, ID requirements, and permitted items with the provider. Rehearse the route or test your computer, camera, microphone, and internet connection if testing online. Shift from learning new material to consolidating weak areas with short practice sets, and review the exam format so there are no surprises about question count or timing.
Do a light review of summaries and formulas only, then stop. Prepare everything you will carry: ID, confirmation, credentials, calculator, layers, water, and snack. Charge devices and set two alarms. Eat a normal meal, avoid alcohol, and go to bed at your usual time. Do not start a new topic the night before.
Eat a proper breakfast and drink water. Arrive at the centre or log in early, allowing buffer for traffic, parking, or a software check. Leave your phone and notes where they belong, and do a final quiet review of key points only if it calms you. Avoid discussing the exam with other candidates, which can raise anxiety.
Read the instructions and note the total time and question count. Answer easier questions first if the platform allows navigation, and flag uncertain ones for review. Watch the clock and reserve time for flagged items and a final check. If you must guess, eliminate options first. If a technical problem occurs, stop and contact the proctor or support immediately rather than troubleshooting alone.
Note anything you found difficult while it is fresh, in case you need to retake. Confirm with the provider when and how results are released. Do not attempt to reconstruct or share exam content with others.
Rules to check
Bring original, valid, government-issued photo ID with a name matching your registration. Confirm the accepted ID types and name-change policy with the provider; do not assume a photocopy or expired document will be accepted.
Arrive or log in by the reporting time stated in your confirmation. Late arrivals may be refused entry or have time deducted. Confirm the reporting time and late-arrival policy with the provider.
Follow all security and conduct instructions: no phones, smart watches, notes, or unauthorised materials in the testing room, and no communication with other candidates. Breaches can lead to invalidation of your result.
Confirm the break policy in advance. Some exams have scheduled breaks with strict timing and re-entry checks; others do not permit breaks. Ask the provider whether unscheduled breaks are allowed and whether the clock stops.
Understand how the exam is scored before you sit it. Confirm whether wrong answers are penalised, whether sections are weighted, and what the pass mark is. Do not rely on rumour; ask the provider or check the official candidate handbook.
If you test remotely, comply with proctor instructions, including room scans and identity checks, and keep your face and workspace visible. Follow the provider's rules on permitted desk items.
Do not reproduce, share, or discuss exam questions afterwards. Most providers treat this as a conduct violation that can invalidate results.
If you need accommodations, illness rescheduling, or a retake, contact the provider directly and confirm deadlines and fees. Policies vary, so verify rather than assume.