EIPA exam-day guide
EIPA · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Government-issued photo ID
Bring the original ID the provider requires (commonly a driver's license or passport). Confirm accepted forms and that the name matches your registration exactly.
Registration confirmation or admission ticket
Bring your confirmation email or ticket if the provider issues one. Confirm whether a printed copy is required or a digital copy is acceptable.
Location, parking, and arrival instructions
Confirm the test site, room number, parking, and recommended arrival time. Plan to arrive early enough to check in without rushing.
Glasses, contacts, or hearing devices you normally use
The performance test involves watching and responding to video samples. Bring any corrective lenses or assistive devices you rely on.
Comfortable, professional clothing
Wear clothing that allows you to sign comfortably and does not distract on camera. Avoid noisy jewelry or accessories that could interfere with recording.
Water and a snack for scheduled breaks
Confirm whether food and drink are allowed in the testing area. If permitted, bring a small snack and water for designated breaks.
Phone and smartwatch powered off and stored
Expect electronic devices to be prohibited during testing. Confirm the provider's device policy before test day.
Knowledge of the test format
Review the provider's description of the written and performance components, including sample types, grade levels, and signing modes. Practice interpreting short video clips under timed conditions.
Notes, dictionaries, and reference materials
Do not bring notes or reference materials unless the provider explicitly permits them. Confirm what is allowed in the testing room.
Restroom visit before check-in
Use the restroom before you are seated. Confirm the break policy so you know when you can leave the testing room.
Remote-testing setup (if applicable)
If testing remotely, confirm the platform, test your camera, microphone, and internet connection, and arrange a quiet, private room with no other people present.
Rested voice and hands
Get a full night's sleep and warm up your voice and hands briefly before the test. Avoid straining your voice or hands the day before.
Plan the day
Re-read the provider's test-day instructions and confirm your appointment time, location or remote platform, ID requirements, and device policy. Arrange travel and parking. Practice timed interpreting with short video samples, but avoid exhausting yourself.
Confirm whether the written and performance components are scheduled on the same day or separately, and note any check-in deadlines. Contact the provider if anything is unclear.
Lay out your ID, confirmation, clothing, glasses or assistive devices, and any permitted snacks. Confirm your route and arrival time. Get a full night's sleep; do not cram late into the evening.
Eat a normal meal, hydrate, and arrive early enough to check in calmly. Power off and store your phone and smartwatch. Use the restroom before you are seated.
Follow the proctor's instructions and the on-screen prompts. Manage your time on the written section and speak or sign clearly during the performance section. If you make a mistake, keep going rather than stopping to correct it.
Take breaks only when the proctor permits. Use breaks to rest your voice and hands, not to review test content or communicate with others.
Ask the provider how and when results will be released. Do not discuss specific test content with others.
Rules to check
Bring valid, unexpired photo ID; the name must match your registration. Confirm with the provider which ID forms are accepted and whether an expired ID will be refused.
Electronic devices, notes, dictionaries, and reference materials are generally prohibited in the testing room. Confirm the provider's policy before test day.
Follow all proctor instructions. Do not communicate with other candidates about test content, and do not record, photograph, or share any test materials.
Take breaks only at designated times. Confirm in advance whether breaks are built into the schedule and whether you may leave the testing room.
The performance test is scored by trained raters using a standardized rubric; you will not receive an immediate score. Ask the provider how and when results are reported.
If you arrive late, you may be denied entry or have your test rescheduled. Confirm the provider's late-arrival policy and plan to arrive early.
If testing remotely, use a quiet, private room with no other people present, keep your camera on if required, and follow the provider's remote-testing rules.
If you have a disability or need an accommodation, contact the provider well before test day to confirm the process; do not assume accommodations will be available on request at check-in.