CWNA exam-day guide
CWNA · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Government-issued photo ID
Bring the exact ID form the test provider requires. Confirm accepted ID types and that the name matches your registration before exam day.
Appointment confirmation
Have your confirmation email, registration number, and provider account credentials accessible on your phone or printed copy.
Arrival or check-in plan
Confirm the provider's recommended arrival time and allow extra time for security or check-in. For remote testing, confirm the proctor check-in window.
Remote-proctoring system check
If testing online, run the provider's equipment and room check ahead of time. Confirm camera, microphone, browser, and desk/room rules with the provider.
One-page review sheet
Prepare a concise summary of weak domains, key formulas such as dB and RF math, and common acronyms for a final review.
Calculator policy check
Confirm whether a calculator is permitted, provided, or prohibited. Do not assume; follow the provider's rules.
Note-taking materials policy check
Confirm whether scratch paper, pen, or an on-screen whiteboard is supplied. Bring none unless the provider explicitly allows it.
Water and light snack
Bring water and a light snack for before or after the exam. Confirm break rules and whether items may be accessed during the test.
Layered clothing
Dress in layers because testing-room temperature can vary.
Backup travel route
Confirm parking, transit, and a backup route so a delay does not become a missed appointment.
Rest plan
Prioritize sleep over late-night cramming. Avoid learning new topics in the final hours.
Plan the day
Review the official exam objectives and your weak domains. Take one or two timed practice sets, then review missed concepts rather than memorizing questions.
Confirm appointment details, testing location or remote-proctoring requirements, ID policy, and any permitted materials with the provider.
Do a light review of formulas, acronyms, and troubleshooting workflows. Prepare your ID, confirmation, and travel plan. Stop heavy study early and sleep.
Eat a normal meal, hydrate, and arrive or log in early per the provider's instructions. Avoid last-minute cramming that increases anxiety.
Read each question completely, watch for qualifiers such as BEST, FIRST, and EXCEPT, and flag uncertain items for review if the interface allows it.
Pace yourself against the number of questions and remaining time. If a technical issue occurs, notify the proctor immediately rather than troubleshooting alone.
Rules to check
Follow all proctor instructions and testing-center or remote-testing rules; unauthorized materials or behavior can lead to score cancellation.
Present the ID required by the provider and ensure the name matches your registration. Confirm accepted ID forms with the provider before exam day.
Confirm the break policy with the provider before the exam; do not assume that unscheduled breaks are allowed or that the timer stops.
Do not discuss, reproduce, or share exam content. Treat the exam as confidential material.
If a technical problem occurs, pause and contact the proctor or provider support immediately; document what happened.
Scoring, score reporting, and retake policies are set by the certification provider. Confirm the exact pass standard and reporting timeline with the provider rather than relying on secondhand information.
Keep personal items in the designated area and do not access phones, notes, or other devices during the exam unless explicitly permitted.