FLA Concours d'Admission exam-day guide
FLA Concours d'Admission · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Convocation / convocation email
Print or download the convocation (summons) sent by the organizing body. It usually states the time, address, room, and any candidate number. If you have not received it, confirm with the provider how and when it is issued.
Valid photo ID
Bring the identity document required by the convocation (national ID card or passport are the usual options). Check that it is unexpired and that the name matches your registration exactly; confirm the accepted document types with the provider if unclear.
Black or blue ballpoint pens (spare)
Bring at least two reliable pens plus a spare. Some written papers are scanned, so check the convocation or instructions for any required ink colour; if not stated, confirm with the provider.
Pencil, eraser, and sharpener
Useful for multiple-choice answer sheets and rough work. Only bring what the instructions permit.
Wristwatch (non-connected)
Exam rooms do not always have a visible clock. A simple analogue or digital watch without smart features is the safest option; smartwatches are commonly prohibited, so confirm with the provider.
Water bottle and small snack
Bring a clear, label-free bottle if the rules require it. Plan a snack for before or after the session rather than during it, unless the instructions allow food in the room.
Travel plan and backup route
Rehearse the route to the centre and identify a fallback (second metro line, bus, taxi app). Aim to arrive well before the reporting time; the exact cut-off for late arrival must be confirmed with the provider.
Leave prohibited devices at home or in a bag
Phones, smartwatches, earphones, and connected devices are typically banned from the exam room. Assume they must be switched off and stored as instructed; confirm the storage arrangements with the provider.
Review the instructions and scoring format
Reread the convocation for paper structure, timing, and whether penalties apply for wrong answers. If the scoring rules are not published, confirm with the provider rather than guessing.
Sleep and logistics the night before
Set two alarms, prepare clothes and documents in one place, and avoid last-minute study that trades sleep for anxiety. Confirm the reporting time once more the evening before.
Medical or special arrangements confirmation
If you requested extra time or other accommodations, bring written confirmation. These arrangements vary by centre, so confirm with the provider in advance.
Emergency contact and centre phone number
Save the centre's contact number and a family contact in case of transport problems. Note that phones will not be allowed in the exam room.
Plan the day
Confirm the centre address, reporting time, and room on the convocation. Check transport schedules for that weekday and plan a backup route. Assemble documents in one folder and test your pens. Do one timed practice paper in exam conditions, then review errors rather than starting new topics. Protect sleep: shift bedtime earlier over these three nights.
Do a final pass over your summary sheets and formula list. Stop intensive new learning. Recheck the list of prohibited items and pack your bag: ID, convocation, pens, pencil, eraser, watch, water. Confirm any accommodation arrangements in writing.
Light review only: skim key structures, definitions, and method checklists for 60-90 minutes. Prepare clothes and food. Set two alarms. Check the weather and any transport disruptions. Go to bed at a normal hour; do not stay up revising.
Eat a normal breakfast and leave with a buffer of at least 30-45 minutes beyond the expected journey. Arrive early, locate the room and toilets, and keep away from last-minute group panic. Switch off your phone and store it as instructed before entering the room.
Read the instructions and check the number of pages. Note the end time and allocate minutes per section before starting. Do a first pass on questions you can answer confidently, flag harder ones, and return to them. For multiple-choice papers, check whether unanswered questions or wrong answers carry penalties and answer accordingly. Keep handwriting legible if scripts are scanned. Leave a few minutes to check that every answer is transferred to the answer sheet and that your candidate details are filled in correctly.
Note which topics felt weak while memory is fresh, and write them down for any later oral or second stage. Do not attempt to compare answers in a way that undermines preparation for the next paper.
Rules to check
Bring the identity document specified in the convocation; the name must match your registration. If you are unsure which documents are accepted, confirm with the provider before exam day.
Arrive at the reporting time stated on the convocation. Late-arrival cut-offs and admission rules differ between centres, so confirm with the provider rather than assuming you will be let in.
Phones, smartwatches, earphones, and other connected devices are generally prohibited in the exam room. Switch them off and store them as instructed; confirm the exact policy with the provider.
Follow the invigilators' instructions on seating, materials, and timing. Do not communicate with other candidates once the session has started, and do not pass materials between desks.
Do not bring unauthorised reference materials, notes, or annotated documents into the room. Check what is permitted (for example, calculators or dictionaries) in the convocation, or confirm with the provider.
Breaks are usually not permitted during a timed session. If you need to leave the room, raise your hand and expect to be accompanied; the exact procedure must be confirmed with the provider.
Scoring rules, including any penalty for incorrect answers or any minimum threshold per section, should be taken from the official instructions. If they are not published, confirm with the provider instead of relying on rumour.
Any suspected irregularity may lead to invalidation of the paper. If you believe an error has occurred, report it to the invigilator immediately and follow the official appeals procedure afterwards.