IAI SP9 exam-day guide
IAI SP9 · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Confirmation email and appointment details
Print or save offline the booking confirmation showing your test window, session time, delivery method (test centre or online proctored), and the provider's contact details. Re-read it the day before, since rescheduling and arrival rules differ by delivery mode. If your confirmation does not state arrival or check-in time, confirm with the provider.
Valid government-issued photo ID
Bring the exact ID type and name spelling your registration used. For online proctored sessions, the same ID is shown to the proctor on camera. If your ID name differs from your registration (for example a maiden or shortened name), confirm with the provider before test day which document is acceptable.
Second form of identification (if required)
Some test centres ask for a second ID or a signature-bearing card. This is not universal, so confirm with the provider whether a second document is required for your delivery mode.
Know the syllabus and question format
Re-read the official IAI SP9 syllabus scope so you know which topic areas the exam covers and how questions are weighted. Practise the item style you will face so you are not surprised by the format on the day.
Permitted reference materials
Check whether your delivery mode allows any printed standards, glossaries, or notes. Many professional exams are closed-book; do not assume open book. Confirm with the provider what, if anything, you may bring to your desk.
Calculator or permitted aids
If the syllabus involves quantitative work, confirm whether a basic calculator is allowed and whether an on-screen calculator is provided. Do not bring a programmable or networked device unless explicitly permitted.
Quiet, well-lit room and stable connection (online proctored)
For remote delivery, test your webcam, microphone, and internet in advance, clear your desk, and close other applications. Have a phone nearby only if the provider's check-in process requires it, and keep it out of reach during the exam.
Travel and arrival plan (test centre)
Recon the route, allow buffer time for traffic or transit delays, and note parking or building access. Arriving late can mean refused entry, so plan to arrive early rather than exactly on time.
Water, snack, and medication for breaks
If your session is long and breaks are permitted, plan what you will take during them. Confirm with the provider whether breaks are allowed and whether the clock stops during them.
Rest and logistics the night before
Set two alarms, charge devices, lay out ID and confirmation, and get a full night's sleep. Avoid last-minute cramming that trades sleep for marginal recall.
Plan the day
Switch from broad study to consolidation. Re-read your summary notes, redo missed practice questions, and confirm the exact syllabus areas you are weakest in. Verify your appointment details, ID name spelling, and delivery mode. If you are travelling to a centre, confirm the address and route. Stop introducing new material in the last 24 hours.
Do a light review only: key definitions, frameworks, and any formulas or process steps. Prepare your bag or desk: ID, confirmation, permitted materials, water. Test your equipment if online proctored. Eat a normal meal, avoid alcohol, and go to bed at your usual time. Do not attempt a full mock exam the night before.
Eat a proper breakfast, hydrate, and arrive or log in with buffer time. Do a five-minute calm review of your weakest two or three topics, not a full re-read. For a test centre, arrive early and follow check-in instructions; for online proctoring, complete the system check and room scan before your start time.
Read each question fully before answering and watch for qualifiers such as 'best', 'most likely', or 'except'. Answer the easy items first, flag uncertain ones, and return to them. Budget time against the number of questions and leave a few minutes to review flagged items. If breaks are allowed, use them to reset, and confirm whether the clock runs during breaks. If a technical problem occurs during an online session, note the time and contact the proctor or provider immediately rather than troubleshooting alone.
Note any question topics you found difficult while they are fresh, in case you need a retake. Keep your confirmation and any result correspondence. If results are not issued within the stated window, contact the provider.
Rules to check
Bring the exact ID your registration used; a name mismatch can result in refused entry, and the acceptable ID types should be confirmed with the provider.
Arrive or log in before your scheduled start time. Late arrival or late check-in may mean refused entry or a shortened session, depending on the provider's policy.
Follow all proctor and invigilator instructions. For online delivery, keep your face in view, do not leave the camera frame, and do not use unauthorised devices or notes.
Do not communicate with other candidates during the exam, and do not share, photograph, or reproduce exam content afterwards; most professional bodies treat this as misconduct.
Confirm with the provider whether breaks are permitted, how many, and whether the clock stops during them; do not assume you can pause the timer.
Understand the scoring model before you sit: confirm the pass mark, whether wrong answers are penalised, and when results are released. Do not rely on rumour or forum posts for these figures.
If a technical or personal issue affects your performance, report it to the proctor or provider at the time and ask for it to be logged; retrospective complaints are harder to support.
Keep your confirmation, ID, and any permitted materials with you until the session ends, and retrieve any belongings exactly as instructed at check-out.