Concours ACCÈS exam-day guide
Concours ACCÈS · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Convocation (summons) and photo ID
Print or download the convocation from the registration platform. Check that the name matches your ID exactly. Bring an original government-issued photo ID (passport, national ID card, or residence permit). Confirm with the provider which IDs are accepted and whether a printed copy of the convocation is required.
Black ballpoint pens (at least two) and a spare
Written papers are answered in black ink. Bring two or three black ballpoint pens and test them the night before. Pencil is not accepted for final answers on most written papers; confirm with the provider if any section allows pencil.
Pencil, eraser, and sharpener
Useful for rough work and for any multiple-choice answer sheet that requires pencil. Even if not mandatory, a pencil and eraser help you annotate question booklets and erase cleanly.
Non-programmable calculator (if permitted)
The quantitative reasoning and mathematics sections may allow a basic non-programmable calculator. Confirm with the provider whether a calculator is allowed and which models are banned. If allowed, bring a familiar model with fresh batteries and no cover.
Analog watch (no smartwatch)
Exam rooms may not have a visible clock. A simple analog or non-connected digital watch helps you pace the sections. Smartwatches and connected devices are usually prohibited; confirm with the provider.
Water bottle and small snack
Bring a clear, label-free water bottle if the venue allows it. A small snack is useful if there is a short break between papers. Confirm with the provider whether food and drink are allowed in the exam room.
Printed route and venue instructions
Note the exact address, building, and room from your convocation. Check transport schedules and plan to arrive at least 45–60 minutes early. Confirm with the provider whether late candidates are admitted after the start.
Review the format and timing of each section
Know the number of questions, time limit, and scoring rules for each paper (e.g., whether wrong answers are penalized). Write a one-page timing plan: minutes per question and checkpoint times. Confirm the exact format with the provider.
Prepare your test-day clothing and bag the night before
Lay out your ID, convocation, pens, watch, and water the evening before. Wear layers so you can adapt to room temperature. Leave prohibited items (notes, phone, smartwatch) at home or in your bag outside the room.
Check the provider's current rules on electronic devices
Phones must usually be switched off and stored away. Some venues collect them. Confirm with the provider whether phones are allowed in the building and what happens if a device sounds during the test.
Sleep and nutrition plan
Aim for a normal night's sleep in the 72 hours before the exam. Avoid all-night revision. Eat a familiar breakfast on the morning of the test; do not try new foods or excessive caffeine.
Plan the day
Stop learning new material. Re-read your own summary sheets, formula lists, and error log. Do one timed section under exam conditions to check pacing, then review only the mistakes. Confirm your convocation details, venue address, and transport route. Prepare your ID and check its validity date.
Do a light full-length or half-length practice run at the same time of day as the real exam to train your focus. Review the scoring rules and your timing plan for each section. Check the provider's website for any last-minute changes to the venue or schedule.
Pack your bag: convocation, ID, pens, pencil, eraser, watch, water, snack, and any permitted calculator. Charge your phone but plan to keep it off during the exam. Set two alarms. Review only high-level summaries; do not start new topics. Go to bed at a normal hour.
Eat a normal breakfast and avoid heavy caffeine. Leave home with extra time for transport delays. Arrive at the venue at least 45–60 minutes before the start. Find your room and the toilets. Keep your phone off and stored. Re-read your one-page timing plan before entering the room.
Read the instructions on the cover and check the number of pages. Write your name and candidate number exactly as instructed. Note the start and end times on your watch or answer sheet. Do not open the booklet until told to start.
Follow your timing plan. If a question takes too long, mark it and move on; return only if time remains. For multiple-choice papers, check whether unanswered questions are penalized and answer accordingly. Keep your answer sheet aligned with the question numbers and erase changes cleanly.
Check that every answer is transferred to the answer sheet. Verify that your name and candidate number are correct. Do not leave early unless the rules allow it. Stop writing immediately when the invigilator announces the end.
Rules to check
Bring the convocation and an original photo ID. The name on your ID must match your registration. Candidates without acceptable ID may be refused entry; confirm with the provider which documents are accepted.
Arrive before the stated start time. Late candidates may be admitted only at the discretion of the invigilator and may not receive extra time. Confirm with the provider whether late entry is allowed after the first section begins.
Electronic devices, including phones and smartwatches, must be switched off and stored as instructed. Any device that sounds or is used during the test may lead to expulsion. Confirm with the provider where devices must be kept.
Only permitted materials may be on your desk: pens, pencil, eraser, and any allowed calculator. Notes, books, and rough paper not supplied by the venue are prohibited. Confirm with the provider whether rough paper is provided.
Follow the invigilator's instructions at all times. Do not communicate with other candidates, look at their papers, or exchange materials. Breaches of conduct may result in the cancellation of your results.
Breaks between papers, if any, are announced by the invigilator. You may not leave the room during a section except in an emergency, and you may not take question booklets or answer sheets out of the room.
Scoring rules vary by section. Check in advance whether wrong answers are penalized, whether some questions carry more weight, and whether there is a minimum score per section. Confirm the exact scoring rules with the provider.
Write your answers in the format required: black ink for written answers and the specified method for multiple-choice sheets. Answers written outside the designated areas or in the wrong format may not be marked.