CAPET exam-day guide
CAPET · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Government-issued photo ID
Bring the exact ID the testing provider requires - typically a current passport or driver's licence with your name matching the name on your registration. If your name differs slightly between documents, confirm with the provider before test day which form is acceptable.
Confirmation / admission document
Print or save the confirmation email showing your appointment time, test centre address or online link, and candidate number. Bring a paper copy as backup in case your phone is not permitted in the testing room.
Know your exact appointment time and arrival window
Providers usually set a specific arrival time earlier than the start time for check-in and ID verification. Check your confirmation and confirm with the provider how early you must arrive and what happens if you are late.
Test centre route and travel plan
Plan the route in advance, including parking or public transport, and add buffer time for delays. If your test is online, confirm the platform requirements (browser, webcam, microphone, stable connection) with the provider.
Permitted items only
Most providers restrict what you can bring into the testing room. Confirm with the provider whether water, tissues, a watch, or a calculator are allowed, and leave prohibited items at home or in storage.
No unauthorised electronic devices in the testing room
Phones, smartwatches, and other devices are generally not permitted during the test. Confirm with the provider where devices must be stored and what the rules are for online-proctored tests.
Review the format and timing of each section
Know the number of sections, the time limit for each, and whether there are scheduled breaks. Confirm with the provider the exact structure and timing, as these can change between test versions.
Break and refreshment plan
Find out whether breaks are scheduled, how long they are, and whether you can leave the room. Confirm with the provider whether food and drink are allowed at your desk.
Access arrangements confirmed in advance
If you need extra time, a separate room, or other adjustments, these are normally requested well before test day. Confirm with the provider that your arrangements are approved and recorded.
Scoring and results timeline understood
Know how the test is scored, what constitutes a pass or satisfactory result, and when results are released. Confirm with the provider the scoring method and results timeline, as these details vary.
Rest and preparation the night before
Get a full night's sleep, avoid last-minute cramming, and prepare everything you need the night before so the morning is calm. Eat a normal breakfast and stay hydrated.
Emergency contact and backup plan
Save the provider's contact details in case of travel disruption or technical problems, and know the procedure for rescheduling. Confirm with the provider how to report an emergency on test day.
Plan the day
Re-read the provider's candidate handbook or instructions and check the confirmation email for any changes to time, venue, or format. Confirm with the provider any access arrangements or permitted items. Do light revision focused on weak areas and familiarise yourself with the section timings rather than learning new material. Prepare your ID, confirmation document, and travel plan, and check the weather and transport updates for test day.
Pack everything on your checklist in one place: ID, confirmation, and any permitted items. Charge your phone but plan to store it as required. Confirm your route and set two alarms. Avoid heavy study, eat a normal meal, and go to bed at a reasonable hour. If your test is online, run a full system check on the platform and test your webcam, microphone, and internet connection.
Eat a proper breakfast and drink water. Leave with enough buffer to arrive within the provider's arrival window. Dress comfortably and in layers. Arrive calm, complete ID verification and check-in, and follow the invigilator's instructions. If online, log in early, close other applications, and keep your ID ready for the proctor.
Read the instructions for each section carefully and note the time limit. Work at a steady pace, flag or skip questions you cannot answer quickly, and return to them if time allows. Use scheduled breaks as intended and follow all invigilator or proctor instructions. If a technical problem occurs, stop and alert the invigilator or proctor immediately rather than trying to fix it yourself.
Note when and how results will be released and keep your confirmation document. If you believe there was a technical or procedural problem, ask the invigilator or provider about the reporting procedure before you leave, and confirm with the provider how to follow up.
Rules to check
Bring the exact government-issued photo ID the provider requires, with your name matching your registration. If your documents differ, confirm with the provider before test day which form is acceptable.
Arrive within the provider's stated arrival window. Late arrival may mean you are refused entry or your test is not marked; confirm with the provider the late-arrival policy and any rescheduling fees.
Do not bring unauthorised electronic devices, notes, or materials into the testing room. Follow the invigilator's or proctor's instructions on where to store personal belongings.
Follow all instructions from invigilators or proctors. Talking, looking at others' screens or papers, or any form of cheating may lead to your test being voided; confirm with the provider the misconduct policy.
Use only scheduled breaks and follow the provider's rules on leaving the room, food, and drink. Confirm with the provider whether unscheduled breaks are permitted and how they affect your time.
If you need access arrangements, request them well in advance and confirm with the provider that they are approved and recorded for your appointment.
Understand how the test is scored and what result you need before test day. Confirm with the provider the scoring method, pass criteria, and results release timeline, as these vary.
If a technical or procedural problem occurs, report it immediately to the invigilator or proctor and ask about the incident-reporting procedure. Confirm with the provider how to follow up afterwards.