CSW-G exam-day guide
CSW-G · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Government-issued photo ID
Bring the original, unexpired ID with a signature and photo that matches the name on your registration. Confirm with the provider which specific documents it accepts before test day, since policies vary.
Confirmation email or appointment number
Have your registration confirmation available, either printed or on your phone, so staff can locate your booking quickly at check-in.
Test provider's candidate handbook or policy page reviewed
Read the current handbook on the provider's site for ID, rescheduling, and item-conduct rules. If anything is ambiguous, confirm with the provider in writing before the exam.
Login credentials for the delivery platform
If testing remotely, verify your username and password work at least a day ahead, and know the password-reset route in case of a lockout.
Compatible computer and browser checked
Run the provider's system check on the exact machine and network you will use. Update the browser and disable pop-up blockers that could interfere with the exam window.
Webcam, microphone, and speakers tested
For remote proctoring, test each device in the platform's pre-check. Have a backup headset or external microphone if possible.
Stable internet with a backup plan
Know how to tether to a phone hotspot if your primary connection fails, and keep the phone charged and nearby.
Quiet, private, well-lit room arranged
Clear the desk of papers, phones, and notes unless the provider explicitly allows them. Confirm with the provider what materials are permitted for this exam.
Allowed reference materials, if any
Check the provider's rules on notes, calculators, or reference sheets. If the policy is unclear, confirm with the provider rather than assuming.
Water and a light snack for breaks
Keep these outside the testing area if the room must be clear, and check whether breaks are permitted and how they affect timing.
Rest plan for the night before
Protect sleep in the final 24 hours; fatigue costs more points than one extra hour of review.
Review sheet of weak topics only
Bring a one-page summary of your weakest areas to skim in the hour before the exam, then put it away. Mark any topic you are unsure about as needs_review and confirm the underlying rule with the provider's official materials.
Plan the day
Stop learning new material. Rework your error log: list the topics you missed most often and write a short explanation for each correct answer in your own words. Take one timed practice set under exam-like conditions, then review only the questions you got wrong. Confirm your appointment time, time zone, and delivery format (test center or remote) against the confirmation email. If any detail is unclear, confirm with the provider now rather than on test day.
Do a light review of formulas, definitions, and the structure of the exam, then stop by early evening. Run the full system check again if testing remotely. Pack your ID and confirmation in one place. Scout the route to the test center or set up your testing room. Set two alarms and go to bed at a normal hour.
Eat a normal meal and limit caffeine to your usual amount. Arrive at the test center early, or log in early for remote proctoring to allow time for identity checks and room scans. Skim only your one-page weak-topic sheet, then put it away. Do not cram new material in the final hour.
Read each question fully before looking at the answer choices, and watch for qualifiers such as 'most likely' or 'except'. Answer every question; if there is no penalty for guessing, never leave a blank. Flag uncertain items and return to them if the platform allows review. If a break is offered, take it, stand up, and reset your attention. If a technical problem occurs, note the time and contact the proctor immediately rather than troubleshooting alone.
Note which topics felt weakest while the memory is fresh, in case you need to retake. Check the provider's stated timeline for score release and keep your confirmation number for follow-up.
Rules to check
Bring the exact ID the provider requires, with name matching your registration. If your ID name differs from your registration name, confirm with the provider how to resolve it before test day.
Follow all proctor instructions. For remote exams, stay in camera view, keep the room clear of unauthorized materials, and avoid reading aloud or talking to yourself if the provider prohibits it.
Do not communicate with anyone during the exam, and do not use unauthorized notes, devices, or search tools. Attempting to capture or share exam content violates most providers' candidate agreements.
Ask about break policy before you begin. Confirm with the provider whether breaks are scheduled, whether unscheduled breaks are allowed, and whether the clock stops during them.
Understand the scoring model before test day: confirm with the provider whether wrong answers are penalized and what the passing score is, then plan your guessing strategy accordingly.
If the platform or connection fails, stop and contact the proctor or support line immediately. Do not restart the exam on your own; the provider's incident process protects your attempt.
Keep your confirmation number and any incident notes until scores are released, so you can follow up if results are delayed or disputed.