Egyptian Board Internal Medicine exam-day guide
Egyptian Board Internal Medicine · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Original government-issued photo ID
Bring the same ID document (national ID card or passport) used in your application. The name and spelling must match your registration exactly. If you have changed your name or your ID is expired, contact the exam provider before test day; confirm the accepted ID types with the provider.
Printed admission permit / exam card
Download and print the admission document from the registration portal once it is released. Check that your name, exam date, and test centre are correct. If any detail is wrong, contact the provider immediately rather than waiting until exam day.
Exact test centre address and arrival instructions
Confirm the venue and gate from your admission permit, not from memory or a friend's message. Venues sometimes change between sessions. Plan to arrive well before the reporting time; late arrivals may be refused entry.
Two or three blue or black ballpoint pens
Use pens you have already tested for smooth ink flow. Some answer sheets are machine-read and do not accept gel pens or pencil; confirm the permitted writing instrument with the provider.
HB pencil and eraser (if the answer sheet requires shading)
Many Egyptian board answer sheets use bubble shading. Bring a soft pencil and a clean eraser, and practise shading and erasing without tearing the sheet. Confirm on the admission permit whether pencil is allowed in your session.
Simple analog watch
Wrist watches without smart features are usually permitted; smart watches and phones are not. Use the watch to pace yourself across the paper. If in doubt about any device, ask the provider beforehand.
Clear water bottle and a light snack for after the exam
Stay hydrated, but check whether drinks are allowed at your desk. Eat a normal breakfast or meal before the session; a heavy or unfamiliar meal can slow you down. Keep snacks outside the exam hall and eat them during official breaks or afterwards.
Review high-yield topics with a short, fixed list
In the last days, revise only a condensed list: common emergencies, drug dosing, diagnostic criteria, and normal laboratory values. Do not start new topics. Write the list yourself so it is fast to scan.
Practise the exam interface or paper format
If the exam is computer-based, use any official tutorial or demo the provider offers. If it is paper-based, practise transferring answers to a sample answer sheet within the time limit. Confirm the format with the provider.
Transport and backup plan
Arrange your route and a backup (taxi number, family member, public transport alternative). Traffic in large cities can be unpredictable. Aim to be at the centre area at least 60–90 minutes before the reporting time.
Emergency contact and medication
Carry any prescribed medication you may need (for example, inhaler or insulin) and tell the invigilator if you need to keep it with you. Confirm the provider's policy on bringing medication into the hall.
Leave prohibited items at home
Mobile phones, smart watches, earphones, notes, and bags are normally banned from the exam hall. There may be no secure storage, so leave them with a companion or at home. Confirm the provider's rules on personal belongings.
Plan the day
Confirm logistics: print the admission permit, check the venue address, and plan transport. Re-read the provider's exam-day instructions. Prepare your ID, pens, pencil, and watch in one bag. Stop studying new material; spend the remaining time on your condensed high-yield list and on reviewing your own previous mistakes. Sleep on a regular schedule, starting now.
Do a light revision of formulas, normal values, and emergency protocols only. Pack your bag and place it by the door. Check the weather and traffic forecast. Eat familiar meals and avoid heavy caffeine or alcohol. Set two alarms. Go to bed at your normal time; do not try to learn a new topic overnight.
Eat a normal breakfast and drink water. Arrive at the test centre with time to spare, allowing for security checks and registration. Keep your ID and admission permit in hand. Use the toilet before entering the hall. Do not join last-minute discussions about difficult questions; they raise anxiety without changing your preparation.
Read the instructions on the cover page and check the number of questions and time allowed. Do a first pass answering questions you know, marking uncertain ones. Do not spend too long on any single item; allocate roughly one minute per question unless the paper states otherwise. For machine-read sheets, transfer answers as you go or in blocks, and check that question numbers align. Leave a few minutes at the end to ensure no answer is left blank if there is no negative marking; confirm the scoring rule with the provider.
Rules to check
Bring the original ID document used in your registration; photocopies, expired documents, and digital copies are generally not accepted. Confirm the accepted ID types and any name-change requirements with the provider.
Arrive before the reporting time stated on your admission permit. Candidates arriving after the stated cut-off may be refused entry, and the provider's late-arrival policy is final.
Do not bring mobile phones, smart watches, earphones, or written notes into the exam hall. Possession of prohibited items may lead to cancellation of your result. Confirm where bags and devices can be stored.
Follow all invigilator instructions. Do not communicate with other candidates, look at others' papers, or exchange materials during the exam. Raise your hand if you need assistance.
If you need to leave the hall for the toilet or due to illness, ask the invigilator first. You may be escorted, and lost time is usually not added back; confirm the provider's break policy.
Answer sheet handling: use only the permitted pen or pencil, shade bubbles fully, and keep the sheet clean and unfolded. Do not write in areas marked for examiner use. Errors in machine-read sheets may not be corrected.
Scoring and timing: check whether negative marking applies before guessing. The number of questions and total time are stated on the paper; plan your pace accordingly. If the exam is computer-based, confirm how to flag and review questions.
Report any problem (wrong paper, faulty equipment, disturbance) to the invigilator immediately and note the time. Requests for special consideration are handled by the provider under its own policy; ask for the procedure rather than assuming an outcome.