TPFP TI exam-day guide
TPFP TI · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Government-issued photo ID
Bring the original, unexpired ID in the name used on your registration. A passport or national ID card is the safest choice. Confirm with the provider which ID types are accepted and whether a secondary ID is required.
Appointment confirmation and candidate number
Print or save the confirmation email showing your test date, time, and location or online proctoring link. You may need the candidate/registration number at check-in.
Know the exact test centre location and travel route
Do a dry run or map the route in advance. Arrive with buffer time for security checks. If testing online, confirm the room and internet setup the day before.
Review the provider's test-day rules and allowed-items list
Rules on calculators, notes, phones, watches, and personal items vary by provider and delivery mode. Read the current candidate handbook and confirm anything unclear with the provider.
Confirm the exam format, duration, and number of questions
Check whether the test is fixed-form or adaptive, how many questions there are, and whether there are scheduled breaks. Confirm with the provider if the handbook does not state this clearly.
Confirm the scoring and pass standard
Know the score scale and the passing score or competency threshold. If the published materials do not specify it, ask the provider before test day so you are not surprised by the result format.
Bring water and a light snack for before or after the test
Many centres do not allow food or drink at the workstation. Confirm storage rules with the provider. Eat a normal meal beforehand rather than trying something new.
Plan for delays and technical failure
Leave extra travel time. For online proctoring, test your camera, microphone, and connection in advance and know the provider's support contact if the session fails to launch.
Prepare a calm pre-test routine
Decide in advance how you will handle a question you cannot answer: flag it, move on, and return if time allows. A written plan reduces panic during the test.
Check prohibited personal items
Phones, smart watches, notes, and bags are usually stored away or prohibited. Confirm the provider's policy on accessories, medical devices, and religious items that may need accommodation.
Confirm accommodation arrangements if needed
If you have approved extra time or a separate room, confirm the arrangement is recorded for your appointment. Bring any approval letter the provider requires.
Know the result and retake policy
Find out when and how results are released and what the retake waiting period is. If this is not stated in your materials, confirm with the provider.
Plan the day
Stop learning new material and consolidate. Review your summary sheets, formula list, and the topics you have missed most often in practice. Do one timed mixed set under exam conditions, then review every wrong answer to find the cause: knowledge gap, misreading, or time pressure.
Re-read the provider's candidate handbook for test-day rules, allowed items, ID requirements, and the result timeline. Write down any question you cannot answer from the handbook and send it to the provider now, not on test day.
Confirm your appointment details: date, time, location or online session link, and reporting time. Plan the route and decide how you will travel. If testing online, run a full equipment check in the room you will use.
Protect your sleep. Shift bedtime earlier if needed so you are not forcing an early start on test day. Avoid heavy caffeine after midday and avoid alcohol.
Do a light review only: key definitions, formulas, and your personal error list. Do not take a full practice test the day before; it adds fatigue without adding much knowledge.
Lay out what you will bring: ID, confirmation, and any permitted items. Prepare clothes and transport details. Check the weather and any travel disruptions.
For online proctoring, complete any required system test, close background applications, and confirm the room meets the provider's requirements for a clear desk and a closed door.
Eat a normal dinner, set two alarms, and go to bed at a reasonable hour. Avoid last-minute cramming late at night, which trades sleep for little real gain.
Eat a normal breakfast and hydrate moderately. Avoid large amounts of coffee if it makes you anxious or increases bathroom trips during a test with limited breaks.
Arrive at the centre or log in early, allowing extra time for check-in, ID verification, and security procedures. Being rushed raises stress more than any last-minute review helps.
Do not attempt to learn new topics. A short skim of your summary sheet is enough. Keep the mood calm and avoid comparing preparation with other candidates.
Read the instructions and note the time limit and question count. Do a quick first pass, answer what you know, and flag uncertain items. Watch the clock but do not check it after every question.
For each question, identify what is being asked, eliminate clearly wrong options, and choose the best remaining answer. If a question is taking too long, mark it and move on; return later if time allows.
Use scheduled breaks as permitted, but keep them short. Stretch, breathe, and return focused. If you feel panic, pause briefly, breathe slowly, and continue with an easier question to regain rhythm.
Before submitting, check that you have answered every question if the format requires it, and review flagged items only if time remains. Do not change answers without a clear reason.
Rules to check
Bring valid, unexpired government-issued photo ID in the name on your registration. If you are unsure which documents are accepted, confirm with the provider before test day.
Follow all instructions from test centre staff and proctors. Do not bring prohibited items into the testing room; store them as directed or leave them at home.
Do not communicate with other candidates during the test, and do not attempt to copy, photograph, or share exam content. Misconduct can lead to score cancellation and further sanctions under the provider's rules.
Breaks are usually limited and may be unscheduled depending on the provider. Confirm the break policy with the provider, and plan hydration and bathroom visits around it.
Scoring rules, including whether wrong answers are penalised, vary by exam. Check the current handbook and confirm with the provider if the scoring method is not stated.
Report any technical problem or disruption to the proctor immediately and follow their instructions. Do not attempt to fix equipment yourself during a proctored session.
If you need to reschedule or cancel, do so within the provider's stated deadline. Late changes may forfeit your fee, so confirm the policy with the provider.