King's Inns Professional Conduct exam-day guide
King's Inns Professional Conduct · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Photo identification
Bring the exact ID form the examination provider requires (typically a current passport or driving licence). The name must match your registration. Confirm with the provider which forms are accepted and whether a second piece of ID is needed.
Admission or candidate number
Have your candidate/exam number and any login details written down or saved offline. Confirm with the provider how the number is issued and where it appears on your confirmation email.
Exam confirmation and venue details
Print or save offline the confirmation email showing date, start time, venue or online platform, and reporting time. Confirm with the provider the reporting time and whether early arrival is mandatory.
Permitted materials list
Check the provider's current instructions on what statute books, codes, or annotated materials are allowed. Do not assume; confirm with the provider whether clean or annotated copies are permitted and whether tabs or sticky notes are allowed.
Writing implements and clear pencil case
Bring spare pens (and pencils if relevant) in a transparent case. Confirm with the provider whether pencil cases must be clear and whether highlighters are permitted.
Permitted electronic device or none
Confirm with the provider whether any device (e.g. a basic watch or approved calculator) is allowed. Most professional conduct exams prohibit phones and smart watches; plan to leave them outside the room or in a designated area.
Travel and arrival plan
Plan the route, allow buffer time for delays, and identify the exact building entrance. For the King's Inns venue, confirm with the provider the specific room and access arrangements in advance.
Personal essentials
Bring water in a permitted container, any required medication, and layers of clothing. Confirm with the provider whether drinks are allowed at the desk.
Review the candidate regulations
Read the current examination regulations on conduct, misconduct, and invigilation before the day. The rules may change between sittings; confirm with the provider that you have the latest version.
Backup plan for online delivery
If the exam is delivered remotely, test your device, camera, microphone, and connection beforehand and identify a quiet, well-lit room. Confirm with the provider the platform, identity-verification steps, and fallback procedure if the connection fails.
Leave prohibited items at home
Do not bring notes, unauthorised annotations, or electronic devices into the exam room. Confirm with the provider how confiscated items are handled and whether bags can be stored securely.
Know the scoring and pass standard
Understand the marking scheme and any pass mark before the day. Confirm with the provider the current pass standard and whether negative marking or competency-based scoring applies.
Plan the day
Re-read the provider's candidate regulations and permitted-materials list, and confirm venue or platform details. Check that your ID is valid and your name matches your registration. Draft a short list of topics you will revise in the final days and stop learning new material after this point.
Complete at least one timed practice paper under exam conditions, focusing on issue-spotting and applying the relevant conduct rules to short scenarios. Review your weakest areas and prepare concise summary notes for the final day.
Pack your ID, confirmation, pens, and permitted materials. Confirm your travel route and set alarms. Do a light review of key principles only, avoid cramming new content, eat properly, and aim for a full night's sleep.
Eat a proper breakfast, arrive at the venue or log in early as instructed, and re-check that you have your ID and candidate number. Leave prohibited devices behind or stored as directed. Stay calm and avoid last-minute group discussions that may increase anxiety.
Read the instructions and any rubric carefully before starting. Allocate time per question, answer the easiest questions first if time is tight, and watch the clock. For scenario questions, identify the duty, apply the rule, and reach a clear conclusion. Leave time to check that every question is attempted and that your details are correct.
Do not discuss the content with other candidates in a way that could breach confidentiality rules. Note any incident or technical problem and report it to the provider if required.
Rules to check
Bring only the identification and materials the provider permits. If you are unsure whether an item is allowed, leave it at home and confirm with the provider beforehand.
Arrive by the reporting time stated in your confirmation. Late arrival may result in refusal of admission; confirm with the provider the exact cut-off and consequences.
Do not communicate with other candidates during the exam, and do not attempt to access notes, phones, or unauthorised materials. Suspected misconduct may be reported to the relevant professional body.
Follow the invigilator's instructions at all times, including on breaks, leaving the room, and returning to your seat.
If you need to leave the room for a permitted reason, raise your hand and wait for the invigilator. Confirm with the provider the rules on toilet breaks and whether extra time is granted.
Answer in the format and language required by the paper. If handwriting is illegible or answers are not clearly identified, marks may be lost.
If you believe there is an error in the paper or a disturbance during the exam, report it to the invigilator immediately and follow the provider's complaints procedure afterwards.
Do not assume the pass mark or scoring method; confirm with the provider the current standard and how borderline or competency-based questions are assessed.