Concours CPE exam-day guide
Concours CPE · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Convocation and valid ID
Bring your convocation (printed or saved offline) and a valid photo ID accepted by the centre. Check the exact ID requirements on your convocation and, if anything is ambiguous, confirm with the provider before the day.
Confirm the venue, entry point and travel plan
Re-check the address, building and access instructions the day before. Plan to arrive well before the reporting time; allow extra margin for transport strikes, road works or bad weather.
Know the reporting time and late-entry policy
Note the reporting time and the time at which doors close. Late-entry rules vary by centre, so confirm with the provider rather than assuming you will be admitted after the cut-off.
Allowed writing materials
Bring only the pens, pencils, erasers and other materials your convocation explicitly permits. If the list is unclear, confirm with the provider; do not bring extra items 'just in case'.
No unauthorised electronic devices
Leave smart watches, phones, headphones and similar devices at home or stored as instructed. A ringing or vibrating device during the test can lead to invalidation.
Check the permitted calculator and reference rules
If your subject allows a calculator or a reference document, verify the exact model/type and any annotation rules. If the rules are not stated on your convocation, confirm with the provider.
Water and a light snack for breaks
Bring water in a clear container if permitted, and a small snack for the break. Check whether food and drink are allowed in the room; if not stated, confirm with the provider.
Watch or silent timer
A simple analogue watch helps you pace yourself if the room clock is not visible. Smart watches are not allowed; if in doubt about what counts as acceptable, confirm with the provider.
Read the instructions and scoring rules in advance
Know the number of questions, the time limit, whether there is negative marking, and how each section is weighted. These details are usually in the official notice; if not, confirm with the provider.
Plan for breaks and physical comfort
Find out in advance whether breaks are scheduled and whether you may leave the room during the test. If the policy is not published, confirm with the provider so you are not surprised on the day.
Emergency contact and backup plan
Save the centre's contact number and a local emergency contact. Have a backup route to the venue in case of transport disruption.
Rest and preparation the night before
Prepare clothes, documents and materials the evening before. Aim for a full night's sleep; last-minute cramming is less useful than a clear head.
Plan the day
Re-read the official convocation and exam regulations. Confirm venue, reporting time, ID requirements and permitted materials. Do a final review of high-yield topics and your own error log rather than starting new material. Check transport schedules and plan your route. If any rule is unclear, contact the provider now rather than on exam day.
Pack your bag: convocation, ID, permitted writing materials, water, snack, watch. Lay out clothes. Re-check the venue address and travel time. Do a light review only; avoid exhausting study sessions. Set two alarms. Eat a normal meal and go to bed at a reasonable hour.
Eat a proper breakfast and hydrate moderately. Leave earlier than your planned travel time. Arrive at the centre with margin, locate the room and check-in desk, and use the toilet before entering. Keep your phone off and stored as instructed. Stay calm and avoid discussing content with other candidates.
Read the instructions on the cover page carefully. Note the time limit and how many questions there are, then set a pace. Answer the easier questions first if the format allows, and mark uncertain ones for review. Watch the clock at fixed checkpoints. If you finish early, use the remaining time to check your answers and ensure no question is left blank unless the scoring rules penalise wrong answers. Follow invigilator instructions exactly.
Rules to check
Bring the convocation and a valid photo ID as specified; candidates without acceptable ID may be refused entry. If the accepted ID list is unclear, confirm with the provider.
Arrive by the reporting time. Late-entry rules vary by centre and session; confirm with the provider whether late arrivals can be admitted.
Electronic devices, smart watches and unauthorised materials must not be used or kept accessible during the test. Follow the invigilator's storage instructions.
Breaks and permission to leave the room are at the invigilator's discretion and may be restricted. Ask before the test if you have a medical need; if the policy is not published, confirm with the provider.
Follow all invigilator instructions. Talking, looking at others' work, or any form of cheating can lead to removal and invalidation of your result.
Scoring rules such as negative marking, section weighting and pass thresholds are set by the exam provider. Check the official notice; if they are not stated, confirm with the provider rather than assuming.
Do not remove question papers, answer sheets or any exam material from the room unless explicitly permitted.
If you believe there was a disturbance or an error in the test conditions, report it to the invigilator immediately and note it afterwards; follow the provider's appeals procedure.