ICAC Investigator Written Test exam-day guide
ICAC Investigator Written Test · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Admission ticket or confirmation email
Print or save the admission document sent by the exam provider. Confirm the exact venue, reporting time, and any candidate number. If you have not received it, contact the provider immediately; do not assume you can be admitted without it.
Acceptable photo identification
Bring the original ID specified in your admission documents (commonly a passport or government-issued photo ID). Check the name matches your registration exactly. Confirm with the provider which ID types are accepted and whether a copy is permitted.
Writing instruments
Bring at least two black or blue pens and two pencils with an eraser, in case the paper uses a separate answer sheet. Confirm with the provider whether pencil is required for any section and whether correction fluid is allowed.
Clear water bottle and light snack
A clear, label-free water bottle and a small snack are useful for a long sitting. Check the provider's rules on food and drink in the test room; some venues prohibit them at the desk.
Watch (non-smart, no audible alarm)
A simple analogue or digital watch helps you pace sections if the room clock is not visible. Smart watches and phones are normally prohibited; confirm the provider's policy on wristwatches.
Directions and travel plan
Rehearse the route to the venue and identify a backup route. Aim to arrive well before the reporting time; lateness rules vary, so confirm with the provider whether late candidates are admitted.
Review of the official test format
Re-read the provider's latest candidate information on section order, time limits, and question types. Do not rely on second-hand descriptions of the format.
Rest and logistics the night before
Set two alarms, prepare clothes and documents the night before, and avoid last-minute cramming that costs sleep. Fatigue affects reasoning more than one extra hour of study helps.
Emergency contact and provider phone number
Save the exam provider's contact number in case of transport failure or illness. Confirm with the provider what to do if you cannot attend.
Knowledge of prohibited items
Leave phones, smart devices, notes, and bags according to venue rules. Confirm with the provider where personal belongings are stored and whether they must be left outside the room.
needs_review - Calculator policy
Confirm with the provider whether a calculator is permitted and, if so, which models. Do not bring one unless the current candidate guide explicitly allows it.
needs_review - Language or special arrangements
If you have approved accommodations (extra time, separate room, medical needs), bring the approval letter and confirm the arrangements with the provider at least several days before the test.
Plan the day
Confirm logistics: venue address, reporting time, ID requirements, and transport. Re-read the official candidate guide for section timing and rules. Take one full timed practice test under exam conditions, then review errors by topic rather than re-reading notes. Stop introducing new material after this point.
Review your weakest two or three topic areas using concise summaries and practice questions. Prepare a one-page sheet of key legal tests, definitions, and procedures relevant to the syllabus, and use it only for light review. Check that your admission document and ID are ready.
Do a light review only: skim your summary sheet and the official format notes. Pack your bag with documents, ID, pens, pencils, water, and snack. Confirm your alarm and travel plan. Avoid alcohol and heavy meals, and aim for a normal night's sleep.
Eat a normal breakfast, leave earlier than the route requires, and arrive at the venue with time to spare. Avoid discussing content with other candidates, which can increase anxiety. Use the waiting time only for calm breathing and a quick glance at your summary sheet if permitted.
Read the instructions and check the number of pages and questions. Note the time limits for each section and write down your pacing plan. If anything is unclear, ask the invigilator before the clock starts.
Answer easier questions first if the format allows, and mark uncertain items for return. For scenario questions, identify the legal issue, the applicable rule, and the best course of action before reading the options. Keep an eye on the clock and leave time to transfer answers if using a separate answer sheet.
Check that every question has an answer, especially if there is no penalty for guessing (confirm the scoring rule with the provider). Review flagged items only if time permits. Ensure your name and candidate number are correct on the answer sheet.
Rules to check
Bring the original photo ID specified by the provider and the admission document. Candidates without acceptable ID may be refused entry; confirm the accepted ID types with the provider before test day.
Follow all invigilator instructions. Do not start writing before you are told and stop immediately when time is called. Continuing to write after the stop instruction can lead to disqualification.
Electronic devices, including phones and smart watches, must be switched off and stored as directed. Do not keep any device on your person during the test.
Do not communicate with other candidates during the test, and do not attempt to copy, photograph, or remove test materials. Suspected misconduct is typically reported and may void your result.
If you need to leave the room for a break or medical reason, raise your hand and wait for the invigilator. Confirm the provider's rules on toilet breaks and whether lost time is added back.
Scoring rules, including whether wrong answers are penalised and how sections are weighted, are set by the provider. Read the current candidate guide rather than relying on rumour, and confirm any unclear point with the provider.
If you feel unwell or face an emergency, notify the invigilator immediately. Ask the provider in advance what evidence is required to support a later special-consideration request.