HTB CWES exam-day guide
HTB CWES · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Government-issued photo ID matching your registration name
Your name on the ID must match the name you registered with; confirm with the provider which ID types are accepted and whether a secondary ID is required before exam day.
Stable wired internet connection with a backup option
HTB exams are delivered remotely through a proctoring/browser environment. Prefer Ethernet over Wi-Fi, and have a mobile hotspot or tethering plan ready as a fallback. Test the connection at the same time of day as your scheduled slot.
Working webcam and microphone
Remote proctoring typically requires a live camera and mic for identity verification and room sweeps. Confirm the exact hardware requirements with the provider and test both devices in the proctoring system's pre-check.
Compatible browser and up-to-date OS
Install any required proctoring extension or client ahead of time. Run the system check at least 24 hours before the exam so you have time to fix driver or permission issues. Confirm supported browsers with the provider.
Clean, private, well-lit room
Clear your desk of notes, phones, and second screens unless the provider explicitly allows them. A door behind you and good lighting help the room scan pass quickly.
Confirmed exam booking, start time, and time zone
Re-check your confirmation email and convert the start time to your local zone. Note the check-in window and how early you should join. Confirm with the provider whether late entry is allowed.
Reviewed allowed-resources policy
Confirm with the provider what you may consult during the exam (e.g., local notes, internet, documentation) versus what is prohibited. The rules differ by exam type, so do not assume.
Charged laptop, charger, and a power outlet within reach
A mid-exam shutdown can cost you the attempt. Plug in before you start and keep the charger connected.
Water and a snack you can consume without leaving the desk
Confirm with the provider whether food and drink are permitted in view of the camera. Keep it simple and in a clear container.
Personal methodology notes and tooling prepared in advance
If notes or a personal toolkit are allowed, organize them before exam day so you are not building cheat-sheets during the clock. Confirm what counts as permitted material with the provider.
Break and timing plan written down
Decide in advance how you will allocate time across tasks and whether breaks are allowed. Confirm with the provider whether the clock pauses during breaks.
Provider support contact and emergency procedure
Save the support email/chat link and know what to do if proctoring fails or you are disconnected. Confirm the incident-reporting process with the provider.
Plan the day
Shift from learning to rehearsal. Re-read the exam objectives and your own weak-area notes, then run one or two timed practice sessions under exam-like conditions (same machine, same browser, no interruptions). Verify your proctoring system check passes and that your ID and booking details are correct. Confirm with the provider any open questions about allowed resources, breaks, and scoring. Sleep on a normal schedule starting now; do not cram new topics in the last 48 hours.
Do a full technical dry run: webcam, mic, browser, extension, network, and charger. Clear and set up your exam room, tell housemates not to disturb you, and silence notifications on all devices. Prepare water, a snack, and any permitted notes. Re-confirm the start time in your local time zone and set two alarms. Review only high-level methodology and your personal checklist; stop studying early enough to get a full night's sleep.
Eat a proper meal, hydrate, and avoid heavy caffeine if you are already anxious. Join the check-in early per the provider's instructions, complete identity verification and the room scan, and keep your ID in view. Close every unnecessary application and tab, plug in power, and put your phone away unless the provider says otherwise. Do a final read of your time-allocation plan, then take a few minutes to settle before the clock starts.
Read the full scope before diving in, then triage: bank the tasks or questions you can solve quickly, flag the hard ones, and return with remaining time. Keep a running note of findings and evidence so you can write up cleanly. Watch the clock against your plan and leave buffer for submission. If a tool, connection, or proctoring issue occurs, note the time and contact support immediately rather than troubleshooting silently. Take permitted breaks only if the rules allow and you actually need them.
Rules to check
Follow the provider's identity-verification process exactly: present the ID requested, keep your face in frame, and complete any room scan. If your ID or setup does not match the requirements, resolve it with support before starting, not after.
Do not use unauthorized assistance. Whether notes, internet search, or AI tools are allowed varies by exam; confirm with the provider what is permitted and treat everything else as prohibited. Collusion or sharing live exam content is grounds for invalidation.
Stay in view of the camera and in the exam room for the duration unless the provider permits breaks. Announce and follow the provider's break procedure if one exists.
Do not disclose, publish, or share exam content, flags, or answers afterward. Confirm with the provider what you may say publicly about your experience.
Report technical failures and proctoring incidents to support as they happen, and keep any reference or ticket number. Do not attempt to fix a proctoring problem by restarting or closing the session without guidance.
Understand the scoring model and pass threshold before you sit the exam, including whether partial credit applies and whether a failed attempt can be retaken and when. Confirm these details with the provider, as they are not universal.
Keep your environment free of unauthorized people and devices. If someone enters the room, follow the provider's instruction for pausing or notifying the proctor.
Arrive within the check-in window; late entry may forfeit your slot. Confirm with the provider the policy on late arrival, rescheduling, and no-shows before exam day.