IAI CB1 exam-day guide
IAI CB1 · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Admit card or hall ticket
needs_review: true - Download the document from the provider portal and print it if a paper copy is required. Confirm with the provider whether a printed copy, a digital copy, or both are accepted, and check that your name and candidate number match your ID.
Original photo ID
needs_review: true - Bring the original government-issued photo ID specified by the provider, not a photocopy. Confirm with the provider which ID types are accepted and whether the name must match your registration exactly.
Approved calculator
needs_review: true - Bring a calculator from the provider's approved list and confirm the model is permitted. Check the list with the provider if you are unsure; do not assume a programmable or graphical calculator is allowed.
Pens, pencils, eraser and sharpener
Pack at least two black or blue pens, two pencils, an eraser and a sharpener in a clear pencil case. Confirm with the provider whether pencil cases must be transparent.
Non-smart wristwatch
A simple watch helps you pace the paper if the exam room clock is not visible. Confirm with the provider whether wristwatches are allowed and whether smart or programmable watches are banned.
Printed exam confirmation and venue or platform instructions
Print the confirmation email or booking summary showing the date, start time, venue or online platform, and any candidate instructions. Keep a digital copy on your phone as backup, but do not rely on your phone during the exam.
Transparent water bottle and light snack
Bring water in a clear bottle with the label removed. Pack a small snack for before the exam or an authorised break; confirm with the provider whether food and drink are allowed at your desk.
Travel and backup plan
Plan your route and arrival time, allowing extra margin for transport delays. Identify a backup route or contact number, and confirm the required arrival time with the provider because late entry rules vary.
Provider helpdesk contact details
Save the provider's exam helpdesk phone number and email on your phone and on paper. This is useful if you are delayed, your ID is queried, or the online platform fails on the day.
Charged device and power bank if the exam is online proctored
needs_review: true - If your exam is online proctored, charge your laptop and phone and pack a power bank and charger. Confirm with the provider the device, browser, webcam, microphone and internet requirements before the day.
Plan the day
Confirm the exam format, venue or online platform, start time in your local timezone, ID requirements, approved calculator list and permitted stationery with the provider. Write these details on one sheet and keep it with your bag.
Sit at least one full past paper or mock under exam conditions: same duration, no notes, calculator only. Mark it strictly and list the three topics that cost you the most marks.
Spend the remaining study time on those three weak topics and on formula recall, not on new material. Build a one-page summary sheet of definitions, formulas and diagram steps you will review on the morning of the exam.
Shift your sleep and meal times toward the exam schedule. Avoid late-night cramming in the last two nights, because fatigue costs more marks than one extra topic gains.
Pack your admit card, original ID, approved calculator, spare pens and pencils, eraser, sharpener, watch, water bottle and printed confirmation. Place them by the door and check each item against the provider checklist.
Re-check the venue, journey plan and start time, including any timezone difference for online exams. Set two alarms and tell someone your departure time.
Review your one-page summary sheet and the mark allocation of each question type. Do not start a new topic or attempt a full paper on the night before.
If the exam is online proctored, test your laptop, webcam, microphone, browser and internet connection at the same time of day as the exam. Confirm with the provider what to do if the platform fails.
Eat a normal meal and leave with enough margin to arrive before the provider's required check-in time. Confirm with the provider how early you must arrive; late candidates may be refused entry.
Check that your admit card, original ID and approved calculator are in your bag before you leave. Leave unnecessary valuables at home.
Follow sign-in and ID checks, store your bag and phone as instructed, and sit at your assigned desk or open the proctoring session early. Do not rely on last-minute access to notes.
Read the front-page instructions and note the number of questions and marks. Allocate time in proportion to marks and keep a five- to ten-minute buffer for checking.
Start with questions you can do confidently, show workings clearly, and label answers with question numbers. If a question stalls you, mark it, move on and return with remaining time.
Check that your calculator is in the correct mode before starting, and sanity-check numerical answers. In the final minutes, confirm that every question has an answer and that your candidate details are correct.
Rules to check
Bring the original photo ID specified by the provider and ensure the name matches your registration. Confirm with the provider which ID types are accepted; a photocopy or expired document may be refused.
Only use the calculator and stationery permitted by the provider. Phones, smart watches and other electronic devices must be switched off and stored as instructed; confirm with the provider where they must be kept.
Follow all invigilator or proctor instructions. Do not communicate with other candidates, pass materials, or leave your seat without permission; misconduct can lead to cancellation of your result.
Confirm the break policy with the provider before the exam. If breaks are allowed, they are usually supervised and the clock may not stop, so plan toilet breaks before the paper starts.
Marks are awarded according to the allocation shown on the paper. Show workings for calculation and diagram questions, answer all required questions, and confirm with the provider whether negative marking applies to multiple-choice items.
If your exam is online proctored, keep your desk clear, stay within camera view and follow the proctor's instructions. Confirm the room, identification and browser rules with the provider in advance.
Arrive by the provider's required check-in time. Late entry may be refused or may not include extra time; confirm the exact cut-off with the provider.
Do not bring unauthorised notes, textbooks or electronic aids into the exam room or online session. Check with the provider whether any formula sheet or open-book material is permitted for your sitting.