I.S. 10101 / ET101 Wiring Rules exam-day guide
I.S. 10101 / ET101 Wiring Rules · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Photo ID
Bring the original government-issued photo ID in the name you registered with. Expired or photocopied ID is normally refused - confirm accepted ID types with the provider.
Admission / booking confirmation
Print or download the confirmation showing your candidate number, test centre address and start time. Save an offline copy in case of poor signal.
Approved calculator
A basic non-programmable calculator is typically allowed for cable-sizing and load calculations. Confirm the permitted model list with the provider and check the battery beforehand.
Standard wiring rules book (if open-book)
Some sittings permit the standard in the room. Confirm whether your sitting is open-book or closed-book with the provider before relying on this.
Pens, pencils, eraser and a small ruler
Bring at least two pens and a spare pencil. A ruler helps with reading tables and drawing simple circuit sketches.
Clear pencil case or pouch
Loose items on the desk are often disallowed; a transparent pouch keeps pens and calculator together for inspection.
Water and a light snack
Bring a clear bottle of water. Check the venue's rules on food and drink in the exam room.
Venue directions and travel plan
Plan to arrive well before the start time, allowing for traffic and security checks. Note the nearest parking or public transport stop.
Layered clothing
Exam halls vary in temperature; a removable layer keeps you comfortable without needing to leave the room.
Watch (non-smart)
A simple analogue or digital watch helps pace yourself if the room clock is not easily visible. Smartwatches are usually banned.
Medical needs arranged in advance
If you need medication, extra time, or a rest break, request any adjustments from the provider well before the exam date.
Confirm exam format and permitted aids
Double-check with the provider whether the paper is multiple-choice, written, or mixed, the duration, and which reference materials are allowed. Mark as needs_review until confirmed.
Plan the day
Re-read your summary notes on cable sizing, protective earthing, and residual current devices (RCDs). Do one timed practice paper under exam conditions and review every wrong answer.
Check the test centre address, travel time, and parking or transport options. Confirm the start time and reporting time with the provider.
Lay out your ID, confirmation, calculator, and stationery in one bag so nothing is forgotten on the day.
Do light revision only: key tables, formulas, and definitions. Avoid learning new topics the night before.
Prepare clothes, water, snack, and a charged non-smart watch. Set two alarms.
Get a full night's sleep; avoid late-night cramming and heavy screens before bed.
Eat a normal breakfast, re-check your bag against the checklist, and leave with spare time for delays.
Skim only your one-page formula and definition sheet; do not start new practice questions.
Report at the stated time, present your ID, and follow invigilator instructions for bags, phones, and seating.
Read the instructions and note the total time and number of questions. Do a first pass answering the questions you know, flagging the rest.
For calculation questions, write down the formula and units before substituting values, and sanity-check the answer against typical cable and breaker sizes.
Keep an eye on the clock and reserve the last few minutes to review flagged questions and ensure every question is answered (no blanks if there is no penalty for guessing - confirm with the provider).
Rules to check
Bring the original photo ID in your registered name; without acceptable ID you may be refused entry. Confirm accepted ID types with the provider.
Phones, smartwatches, and other electronic devices must be switched off and stored as directed; using them during the exam is normally treated as misconduct.
Only bring permitted aids into the exam room; leave notes, textbooks, and unauthorised calculators in your bag. Confirm the permitted list with the provider.
Follow invigilator instructions at all times; talking, passing items, or looking at another candidate's work may lead to disqualification.
If you need to leave the room for a rest break, raise your hand and follow the invigilator's procedure; time may not be stopped - confirm the break policy with the provider.
Read the marking scheme guidance: check whether wrong answers are penalised before deciding to guess on unanswered questions.
If you believe a question is faulty or ambiguous, note it and continue; report it to the invigilator after the exam rather than stopping to argue.
Keep your answer sheet and rough work clearly labelled with your candidate number, and hand in all materials as instructed before leaving.