ICC B1 exam-day guide
ICC B1 · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Valid photo ID
Bring a government-issued photo ID with signature, matching the name on your registration exactly. Confirm the accepted ID types and whether a photocopy is acceptable with the provider; needs_review.
Registration or admission confirmation
Have your confirmation showing candidate number, test centre address, and reporting time, printed or saved offline. Confirm whether a printed copy is required; needs_review.
Permitted reference materials
If the exam allows references, bring only the editions listed in the official candidate handbook. Confirm allowed titles, editions, and whether tabs or handwritten notes are permitted; needs_review.
Calculator
Bring a basic calculator only if the provider permits one. Confirm the allowed model and whether calculators are supplied or must be provided by the candidate; needs_review.
Pens, pencils, and eraser
Bring two black or blue pens and a pencil with eraser. Confirm which writing instruments are permitted for answer sheets and any scratch paper rules; needs_review.
Simple wristwatch
A non-smart watch is useful if the room clock is not visible. Confirm whether watches are allowed in the test room at all; needs_review.
Water and a small snack
Bring a clear bottle of water and a snack for any scheduled break. Confirm whether food and drink are allowed at the desk during the test; needs_review.
Travel and arrival plan
Plan your route, tickets, and a backup transport option. Check the exact building entrance and reporting point in advance so you are not searching on the day.
Test centre contact details
Save the centre phone number and email on your phone and on paper in case of delay, cancellation, or lost documents.
Your own format summary
Prepare a one-page summary of section order, timings, and task types from the official handbook. Review it rather than relying on memory.
Clothing layers
Wear layers because room temperature may vary. Avoid clothing with large slogans if the provider restricts them; needs_review.
Rest plan
Plan a normal sleep schedule for the two nights before the test and avoid late-night cramming, which reduces accuracy more than it adds knowledge.
Plan the day
Re-check the test centre address, reporting time, and start time. Save the confirmation and contact details offline. Confirm ID and permitted-items policy with the provider.
Review the official format and instructions. Do one or two short timed practice sections, then stop learning new material. Note any weak areas for a brief final review.
Pack your bag with ID, confirmation, pens, and permitted references. Check travel arrangements. Do a light review of format and instructions only, then go to bed early.
Eat breakfast, leave extra time for travel, and arrive before the reporting time. Keep your ID and confirmation easily accessible rather than buried in a bag.
Follow staff instructions, present your ID when asked, and switch off and store all electronic devices as directed before entering the test room.
Read the written instructions and check the time allowance. Ask the invigilator if anything is unclear before the section begins, not after.
Answer every question, flag uncertain ones if the format allows it, and watch the clock so you do not overrun on one item. Keep answers legible.
Use breaks only when permitted, take water, and return to your seat promptly. Do not discuss the test with other candidates during breaks.
Note any problems with equipment or conditions and report them to staff before leaving. Keep your confirmation and candidate number for results access.
Rules to check
Bring the ID specified by the provider; candidates without acceptable ID may be refused entry, so confirm the exact policy with your test centre before the day.
Arrive by the reporting time, not just the published start time. Late-arrival rules vary, so confirm with the provider whether late candidates are admitted.
Switch off and store all phones, smart watches, and other electronic devices as instructed. Do not keep any device on your person in the test room.
Use only reference materials, calculators, or notes that the provider explicitly permits; confirm the allowed editions and whether annotations are allowed.
Follow all invigilator instructions, including asking permission before leaving the room. Breaks are normally only at scheduled times unless the provider states otherwise.
Do not communicate with other candidates during the test. Suspected misconduct can lead to invalidation, so confirm the provider's misconduct and appeals policy in advance.
Confirm scoring and pass criteria with the provider rather than assuming a fixed mark, and check how and when results are released.