Inspecteur des Finances Publiques (DGFiP) exam-day guide
Inspecteur des Finances Publiques (DGFiP) · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Convocation (summons) printed or downloaded
The convocation states the exact time, address, and any instructions. Without it you may be refused entry. Confirm whether a paper copy is required; if unsure, bring both paper and digital versions. If you have not received it, contact the organising DGFiP office immediately.
Valid identity document with photograph
Bring an original official photo ID (national identity card or passport). Check that it is not expired. Which documents are accepted should be confirmed with the provider; do not assume a driving licence or student card is sufficient.
Black or blue ballpoint pens (at least two)
Written papers are usually completed in ink. Bring spare pens of the same colour. Do not use pencil or correcting fluid unless the instructions explicitly allow it.
Allowed calculator, if the convocation permits one
Check the convocation for whether a calculator is authorised and which models are banned (for example programmable or graphing calculators). If the rules are not stated, confirm with the provider before the day.
Wristwatch (non-connected)
Exam rooms do not always have a visible clock. A simple watch helps you manage time. Smartwatches and connected devices are normally prohibited; confirm the provider's policy.
Water bottle and small snack
Long tests can run several hours. Bring a transparent bottle with no label if the room rules require it. Check whether food and drink are allowed in the examination room.
Travel plan and backup route
Rehearse the journey to the centre, including public transport schedules and possible disruptions. Aim to arrive well before the reporting time; lateness rules vary and should be confirmed with the provider.
Review of the test format and timing
Re-read the official description of the tests: number of questions, sections, time limits, and whether there are penalties for wrong answers. Knowing the format reduces stress and helps you allocate time.
Personal medication and accessibility arrangements
If you need medication during the test, keep it with you and inform the invigilator. If you have an approved accommodation (extra time, separate room), bring the written confirmation.
No prohibited electronic devices
Leave smartphones, smartwatches, earphones, and connected devices at home or switched off and stored as instructed. Possession in the room may be treated as cheating; confirm the exact rule with the provider.
Confirmation of the exact reporting time
The reporting time is often earlier than the start of the test. Note it and plan to be at the centre 30–45 minutes early. If the convocation is unclear, contact the provider.
Candidate number or registration details
Some centres ask you to write a candidate number on answer sheets. Have it ready. If you do not know it, check your convocation or ask the invigilator before the test begins.
Plan the day
Confirm the exam centre address and your route. Check public transport or parking options and identify a backup route. Re-read the convocation for prohibited items and allowed materials. Gather your ID, convocation, pens, and any authorised calculator in one place. Do a final review of the test structure and the main topics, but avoid learning new material. Sleep regular hours.
Pack your bag with the checklist items. Prepare clothes and, if needed, food and water. Charge your phone but plan to leave it outside the room. Set two alarms. Avoid intensive study; a light review of formulas or key definitions is enough. Go to bed early.
Eat a normal breakfast and stay hydrated. Leave home with enough margin to arrive at the reporting time, not the start time. At the centre, follow staff instructions, present your convocation and ID, and locate the room. Switch off your phone before entering. Use the toilet before the test begins.
Read all instructions on the paper and answer sheet before starting. Note the total time and divide it by the number of questions or sections. Answer the easiest questions first if the format allows. For multiple-choice questions, check whether wrong answers are penalised; if not, answer every question. Keep an eye on the clock and reserve the last minutes to transfer answers and check your name and candidate number.
Rules to check
Bring the convocation and a valid photo ID. You may be refused entry without them; the exact list of accepted documents must be confirmed with the provider.
Arrive at the reporting time stated on the convocation. Late candidates may be admitted or refused depending on the centre's rules; confirm the policy with the provider.
Electronic devices, including phones, smartwatches, and earphones, must be switched off and stored as instructed. Using them during the test is normally considered cheating.
Follow the invigilator's instructions at all times. Do not communicate with other candidates, exchange materials, or look at another candidate's paper.
Breaks are usually not permitted during a timed test; if you need to leave the room for an emergency, an invigilator will accompany you and the time may not be extended. Confirm the break policy with the provider.
Scoring rules, including penalties for wrong answers and the weighting of sections, are set by the organising body. Read the instructions on the paper and confirm any uncertainty with the provider.
Only use materials explicitly authorised on the convocation. Unauthorised documents, notes, or calculators may lead to disqualification.
If you have an approved accommodation, present the written confirmation to the invigilator before the test begins.