DAA exam-day guide
DAA · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Government-issued photo ID
Bring the original, unexpired ID in the name used on your registration. Confirm with the provider which specific ID types are accepted and whether a secondary ID is required.
Exam appointment confirmation
Have your confirmation email or scheduling record available (printed or on your phone) in case of check-in questions. Confirm with the provider whether printed confirmation is required.
Know your testing format and delivery method
Confirm with the provider whether you are testing at a test center or remotely/proctored online, and note the check-in process for that format.
Review the current candidate handbook
Download the provider's latest candidate handbook or exam-day instructions and read the conduct, ID, and scoring sections. Policies change, so use the current version.
Verify test center location and travel plan
Confirm the address, parking, and arrival time with the provider. If testing remotely, confirm your room and equipment requirements.
Remote-testing system check (if applicable)
If testing online, run any required equipment/system test and confirm your webcam, microphone, and internet meet the provider's requirements. Confirm specifics with the provider.
Permitted items only
Bring only what the provider allows into the testing room. Confirm the permitted-items list (e.g., calculator, scratch materials) with the provider; most centers restrict personal belongings.
Know the break policy
Confirm with the provider whether breaks are scheduled or optional, whether the clock stops, and what you may access during breaks.
Know the scoring and result timeline
Confirm with the provider how the exam is scored, what constitutes a passing score, and when/how results are released.
Plan for arrival and check-in time
Arrive earlier than your appointment to allow for ID verification and check-in. Confirm the provider's recommended arrival window and late-arrival policy.
Rest, hydration, and logistics
Plan sleep, meals, and travel so you arrive calm. Confirm with the provider whether food/drink are allowed in the testing area.
Emergency contact plan
Know who to contact and how to reach the provider if something goes wrong (illness, travel delay, technical issue). Confirm the provider's contact and reschedule policy.
Plan the day
Re-read the candidate handbook and exam-day instructions; confirm appointment time, location or remote-testing setup, and ID requirements with the provider. Do light review of high-yield topics and stop heavy cramming.
Assemble your permitted items and ID, plan travel, and (if remote) complete any equipment/system check the provider requires.
Confirm the appointment one last time, check the weather/travel, prepare clothes and items, avoid new material, and prioritize sleep. Do not start new complex topics.
Eat a normal meal, arrive early per the provider's recommended window, bring your ID and confirmation, and follow check-in instructions. For remote testing, complete room and equipment setup early.
Read each question carefully, manage your time against the number of items, flag uncertain items and return to them, and use breaks only as the provider allows. Answer every question if there is no penalty for guessing; confirm the guessing policy with the provider.
Follow the provider's process for results and any post-exam survey. Note the stated result timeline and keep your confirmation records.
Rules to check
Bring valid, unexpired government-issued photo ID matching your registration name; confirm accepted ID types with the provider.
Follow all test-center or remote-proctoring conduct rules; unauthorized materials, devices, or communication may lead to dismissal. Confirm the specific prohibited-items list with the provider.
Do not communicate with other candidates during the exam and do not share or reproduce exam content afterward.
Breaks: follow the provider's break policy exactly, including whether the clock stops and what you may access. Confirm with the provider.
Scoring: understand how the exam is scored and what score is required to pass before test day. Confirm with the provider.
If you experience illness, travel delay, or a technical problem, contact the provider immediately and follow their reschedule/reporting process. Confirm the policy with the provider.
Arrive within the provider's late-arrival window; late arrivals may be denied entry. Confirm the exact policy with the provider.
Follow the provider's rules on calculators, scratch materials, and personal belongings; when in doubt, ask staff before the exam begins.