UKEN Notaris exam-day guide
UKEN Notaris · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Bring a valid passport or EU/EEA identity card
This is the most commonly accepted ID for Dutch exams. Confirm with the provider whether a Dutch driving licence is also accepted; if you are unsure, bring your passport. The name on the ID must match your registration exactly.
Bring your admission letter or appointment confirmation
Print or save the email/letter that states the time, location, and your candidate number. Some locations require it at the door. Confirm with the provider whether a digital copy is sufficient.
Know the exact location and travel route
Check the venue address and room number in advance. Plan to arrive at least 30–45 minutes early to allow for traffic, security checks, and finding the room. Do not rely on real-time navigation alone.
Bring writing materials if permitted
The exam is likely digital, but some centres provide or allow only certain materials. Confirm with the provider what you may bring: pen, pencil, eraser, and whether scratch paper is provided. Do not bring your own paper unless explicitly allowed.
Leave prohibited items at home or in a locker
Phones, smartwatches, notes, and bags are usually not allowed at the desk. Confirm with the provider whether lockers are available and whether you need a coin or padlock.
Check the provider's rules on water, food, and medication
Rules vary. If you need water, medication, or a snack for medical reasons, confirm with the provider in advance and bring any required documentation.
Review the exam format and time allocation
Know the number of questions, whether it is open-book, and how much time is available. The UKEN Notaris exam is often open-book; confirm with the provider whether you may bring statutes, case law, or notes and in what form (printed or digital).
Prepare for a possible language component
Some notarial exams include a Dutch language proficiency test. Confirm with the provider whether a separate language test is part of your exam day and what materials are allowed.
Get a good night's sleep and eat a proper meal
This is practical advice, not a rule. Avoid last-minute cramming that disrupts sleep. Bring a light snack if allowed and if the exam is long.
Have a backup plan for transport
Check for public transport disruptions or road works. Aim to arrive early; lateness may bar you from the exam. Confirm with the provider what happens if you are late.
Know the provider's cancellation and rescheduling policy
If you are ill or unable to attend, contact the provider immediately. Confirm the policy on medical certificates, fees, and rescheduling before exam day.
Bring the correct calculator if allowed
Some notarial exams permit a non-programmable calculator. Confirm with the provider which models are allowed and whether it must be silent and non-graphical.
Plan the day
Re-read the provider's exam instructions and confirm the venue, time, and ID requirements. Check your registration and any admission letter. Make a list of allowed materials (statutes, notes, calculator) and confirm with the provider if anything is unclear. Do a final review of key topics using active recall, not passive reading. Prepare your bag with ID, confirmation, and allowed materials. Plan your journey and check for disruptions.
Stop studying new material. Review summaries and your own notes only. Confirm your transport and set two alarms. Charge your phone and any devices, but remember devices may be prohibited at the desk. Prepare clothes and food. Get at least 7–8 hours of sleep. Avoid alcohol and excessive caffeine.
Eat a proper breakfast. Re-check the venue and time. Arrive at least 30–45 minutes early. Keep your ID and confirmation accessible. Follow the provider's instructions on where to wait and what to do with bags and phones. Use the restroom before the exam starts. Stay calm and avoid discussing content with other candidates.
Read all instructions carefully before starting. Note the start and end time and allocate time per question. Start with questions you know, and flag difficult ones to return to. If the exam is open-book, use statutes and notes efficiently but do not rely on them for basic concepts. Write clear, structured answers; for legal questions, state the rule, apply it to the facts, and conclude. Keep an eye on the clock and reserve time to check your work. If you need a break, raise your hand and follow the invigilator's instructions.
Rules to check
Bring valid identification as specified by the provider; you may be refused entry without it. Confirm with the provider which ID documents are accepted.
Arrive at the venue at least 30 minutes before the start. Latecomers may not be admitted, and no extra time is given. Confirm with the provider what happens if you are late.
Electronic devices, including phones and smartwatches, are typically not allowed at the desk. Confirm with the provider where to store them and whether lockers are available.
Only bring materials explicitly permitted by the provider. If the exam is open-book, confirm which sources (statutes, case law, notes) are allowed and in what format.
Follow all instructions from invigilators. Any form of communication with other candidates during the exam may lead to removal and invalidation of your result.
Breaks are usually limited and may be supervised. Confirm with the provider whether you may leave the room and how toilet visits are handled.
Scoring and pass marks are set by the provider. Confirm the pass criteria, whether negative marking applies, and how results are communicated.
If you believe there is an error in the exam or a disturbance, report it to the invigilator immediately and follow the provider's complaints procedure.