CAST Permanent exam-day guide
CAST Permanent · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Valid government-issued photo ID
Bring the original ID document you used for registration (passport, national ID card, or driver's licence). Check that the name matches your registration exactly and that the document has not expired. Confirm with the provider which ID types are accepted and whether a secondary ID is required.
Appointment confirmation and test-centre details
Print or save offline a copy of your booking confirmation showing the test date, time, and venue address. Note the nearest transport links and plan to arrive with buffer time. If you are testing remotely, confirm the platform link and system requirements with the provider in advance.
Admission ticket or candidate number (if issued)
Some providers issue an admission document or candidate number separately from the booking confirmation. Check your registration portal and bring whatever the provider states is mandatory. If you are unsure whether one is issued, confirm with the provider.
Permitted calculator or reference materials
Only bring aids the provider explicitly allows. Check the current candidate handbook for the permitted calculator model and whether any formula sheet or reference material is supplied on screen. Do not assume a calculator is allowed; confirm with the provider.
Nothing prohibited in pockets or on your person
Leave phones, smartwatches, notes, and study materials at home or in secure storage. Most centres require pockets to be empty and may ask you to turn out pockets or store belongings in a locker. Confirm the provider's personal-belongings policy before the day.
Plan for breaks, water, and medication
If you need water, medication, or accessibility adjustments during the test, arrange approval with the provider in advance. Do not assume you can leave the room mid-test; confirm the break policy and any medical-accommodation process with the provider.
Logistics: travel, parking, and arrival time
Confirm the recommended arrival time, which is usually earlier than the start time for ID checks and seating. Plan your route and allow for delays. If you arrive after the cut-off, you may be refused entry; confirm the late-arrival policy with the provider.
Rest and preparation the night before
Aim for a normal night's sleep, eat a proper meal, and avoid last-minute cramming of new topics. Review only summary notes and the test format so you know how many questions there are and how much time you have.
Remote-testing environment check (if applicable)
For an online-proctored sitting, test your camera, microphone, browser, and internet connection ahead of time, and clear your desk. Confirm the provider's room and equipment rules; requirements vary and should not be assumed.
Know the scoring and result timeline
Understand in advance whether the test is scored immediately or after review, what the pass mark is, and how results are delivered. This reduces anxiety on the day. Confirm the exact scoring and reporting process with the provider.
Plan the day
Switch from learning new material to consolidation. Re-read your summary sheets, review the official test format and question types, and do one timed practice set under exam conditions. Confirm your booking details, ID validity, venue or remote-testing setup, and any approved accommodations. Prepare clothing layers and decide what you will bring, keeping prohibited items off the list.
Do a light review only, then stop. Pack your ID, confirmation, and any permitted items in one place. Check travel times and set two alarms. Avoid alcohol and heavy late meals, hydrate normally, and go to bed at your usual time. Do not attempt to learn a new topic the night before.
Eat a normal breakfast and arrive at the centre or log in early as instructed. Leave phones and study notes behind or in secure storage. Complete ID checks calmly and follow staff or proctor instructions. Use the restroom before the test starts and take any approved breaks as directed.
Read each question fully before answering and watch the clock; divide your time so you can reach the end. Answer easier questions first if the platform allows navigation, flag uncertain items, and return to them. For scenario questions, identify what is being asked and eliminate clearly wrong options. If a technical problem occurs, stop and notify the proctor or provider immediately rather than continuing.
Rules to check
Bring the original ID document required by the provider and ensure the name matches your registration. Acceptable ID types and any secondary-ID requirement must be confirmed with the provider before the test day.
Follow all instructions from test-centre staff and proctors. Failure to comply with ID checks, seating, or security screening can result in refusal of entry or invalidation of your result; the provider's candidate rules govern.
Do not bring or use unauthorised materials, including phones, smartwatches, notes, or non-approved calculators. Possession of prohibited items during the test may be treated as misconduct. Confirm the permitted-items list with the provider.
Breaks are generally not permitted during timed sections unless the provider has approved an accommodation. Confirm the break policy, and arrange any medical or accessibility accommodation in advance through the provider's formal process.
The test is scored against the provider's published pass standard, and results are released according to the provider's timeline. Do not assume a pass mark or instant result; check the current candidate handbook for scoring and reporting details.
Report any technical failure, interruption, or irregularity to the proctor or provider immediately and follow their instructions. Do not attempt to resolve platform problems yourself, as this may affect the validity of your attempt.
Maintain academic integrity: do not communicate with other candidates, share questions, or attempt to record test content. Misconduct can lead to score cancellation and further sanctions under the provider's rules.