IAI CSCSA exam-day guide
IAI CSCSA · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Government-issued photo ID
Bring the exact name-matching photo ID your test provider requires. The name on your ID must match the name on your registration. If you have any doubt whether a given document type is accepted, confirm with the provider before test day rather than bringing a second, unverified document.
Appointment confirmation and test-provider login
Keep your scheduling confirmation, confirmation number, and the login or launch link you will need. For remote proctoring, verify the exact check-in link and any system test the provider requires. Confirm with the provider whether printed confirmation is needed or digital is acceptable.
Testing-environment requirements (remote or in-person)
For remote testing, confirm the provider's rules on a private room, cleared desk, permitted items, camera pan, and any whiteboard or note-taking tool. For in-person testing, confirm what the test center supplies and what is prohibited. Rules differ by provider, so confirm with the provider.
Acceptable calculator policy
Confirm whether a calculator is permitted, which models, and whether an on-screen calculator is provided. Do not assume; confirm with the provider. If a physical calculator is allowed, bring only a model that matches the published list.
Reference materials and scratch materials
Confirm whether any reference sheet, formula card, or scratch paper is allowed and whether it is supplied by the proctor. Many providers prohibit personal notes. Confirm with the provider and do not bring outside notes unless explicitly permitted.
Scheduling and break logistics
Confirm the total appointment time, whether scheduled or unscheduled breaks exist, and what happens to the clock during a break. Confirm with the provider. Plan for arrival or check-in earlier than the appointment start, since late arrival can forfeit the seat.
Scoring and result-reporting expectations
Confirm the passing standard, score scale, and when and how results are released. Do not rely on secondhand claims about the cut score. Confirm with the provider or the official program handbook.
Reschedule and cancellation deadlines
Confirm the deadline and any fee for rescheduling or canceling. Note it in your calendar now so a last-minute problem does not cost you the appointment. Confirm with the provider.
Backup plan for technology and travel
For remote testing, have a backup internet option and a charged device; for in-person testing, plan the route, parking, and a backup transport option. Arrive with buffer time.
Rest, hydration, and medication plan
Protect sleep in the final nights, plan meals that avoid an energy crash, and follow your normal medication routine. Confirm any accommodation approvals with the provider well before test day.
Accommodations confirmation
If you requested extended time or other accommodations, confirm approval and how they will be applied on test day. Confirm with the provider; do not assume the request was granted.
Personal items plan
Confirm where phones, watches, bags, and outerwear must be stored. Most providers prohibit personal items at the workstation. Confirm with the provider.
Plan the day
Re-read the official candidate handbook or program page for test-day rules, permitted items, and scoring. Reconcile any differences with your confirmation email, and contact the provider about anything unclear. Do a light review of weak domains using your own summary notes rather than starting new material. Confirm your appointment time, location or remote check-in link, and ID requirements. Sleep on a normal schedule.
Take one final timed practice set under realistic conditions, then review only the explanations for missed items. Stop adding new topics. Prepare your ID, confirmation details, and any permitted items in one place. For remote testing, run the provider's system check and test your camera, microphone, and internet.
Do a short, calm review of key frameworks and your own error log, then stop. Confirm travel or room setup, charge devices, and set two alarms. Avoid cramming late into the night; sleep matters more than one more pass. Eat normally and prepare water and a light snack for after the test.
Eat a normal meal, hydrate moderately, and avoid excess caffeine if you are sensitive. Recheck ID and confirmation details. Arrive or check in early per the provider's instructions. Do not study new material; a brief skim of your own summary is enough. Keep the pre-test period quiet and low-stress.
Read each question fully, including qualifiers such as best, first, or except. Answer confidently known items first, flag uncertain ones, and return to them. Budget time by question count and check the clock at planned intervals. If a question stalls you, eliminate clearly wrong options and move on. Use breaks only as permitted, and remember the clock rules you confirmed. Review flagged items if time allows, then submit deliberately.
Note which domains felt weak while memory is fresh, in case a retake is needed. Follow the provider's process for results and any score report. Do not discuss specific exam content with others, consistent with the confidentiality agreement you accepted.
Rules to check
Present the exact ID required by the provider; the name must match your registration. If your ID situation is unusual, confirm with the provider before test day.
Follow all proctor instructions and the candidate agreement, including confidentiality of exam content. Do not share, record, or reconstruct questions.
Bring only permitted items to the workstation. Confirm the calculator, reference, and scratch-material rules with the provider rather than assuming.
Arrive or check in by the stated time; late arrival may forfeit your seat or fee. Confirm the provider's late-arrival policy.
Breaks are governed by provider rules and may or may not pause the clock. Confirm the break policy with the provider before test day.
Scoring, the passing standard, and result timing are set by the provider. Confirm them from official sources rather than secondhand reports.
Report any technical problem or rule ambiguity to the proctor immediately rather than resolving it yourself.
Do not attempt to use unauthorized assistance, devices, or materials; doing so can void your result under the provider's conduct rules.