SOLAS Wood Manufacturing & Finishing exam-day guide
SOLAS Wood Manufacturing & Finishing · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Government-issued photo ID
Bring the original, unexpired ID that matches the name on your registration. Confirm with the provider which forms of ID are accepted and whether a secondary ID is required.
Admission confirmation and candidate number
Print or save the confirmation email showing your test date, time, location or remote-testing link, and candidate ID. Confirm with the provider whether a printed copy is mandatory.
Permitted calculator
A basic or scientific calculator may be allowed for wood-moisture, finish-coverage, or board-foot calculations. Confirm with the provider which models are permitted and whether calculators are supplied on screen.
Writing implements and scratch paper
Bring two pencils or pens and a simple eraser. Scratch paper and pencils are often supplied at test centers; confirm with the provider whether personal paper is allowed.
Knowledge of core reference formulas
Memorize board-foot calculation, moisture-content and equilibrium-moisture-content relationships, finish-coverage estimates, and abrasive grit sequencing. These are commonly tested and are not always provided on a reference sheet.
Review of safety and finishing vocabulary
Be able to define terms such as kiln drying, case hardening, shellac, lacquer, conversion varnish, sanding sealer, off-gassing, and VOCs. Confirm with the provider whether a glossary is available during the test.
Personal comfort items
Bring water in a clear container and a light layer if permitted. Test centers vary on food and drink at the desk; confirm with the provider before relying on this.
Transportation and arrival plan
Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before the scheduled start, allowing for check-in and ID verification. For remote testing, test your camera, microphone, and internet connection the day before.
Remote-testing environment check
If testing online, clear your desk, close other applications, and ensure a quiet, well-lit room. Confirm with the provider the rules on breaks, room scans, and permitted items during remote proctoring.
Break and timing strategy
Know the total number of questions and time limit in advance. Decide how you will pace yourself and whether unscheduled breaks are allowed; confirm with the provider.
Emergency contact and provider phone number
Save the test provider's contact number in case of delay, illness, or technical failure. Confirm with the provider the policy for rescheduling or reporting technical issues.
Needs review: specific permitted-materials list
The exact list of allowed reference sheets, calculators, and personal items is set by the provider. Confirm with the provider and do not assume any item is allowed.
Plan the day
Re-read the official candidate handbook or bulletin for conduct, ID, and scoring rules. Confirm your appointment time, location or remote link, and whether any items are prohibited. Review your weakest topic areas using practice questions, focusing on wood properties, moisture control, joinery, and finishing systems rather than memorizing trivia.
Take one timed practice set under exam conditions. Note which question types consume the most time, and set a per-question pace that leaves time to review flagged items.
Create a one-page summary of key formulas and definitions: board-foot calculation, moisture content, equilibrium moisture content, finish coverage, abrasive grit sequence, and common defects such as case hardening, honeycombing, and blush. Review it twice before test day.
Confirm travel time and parking, or test your remote setup. Lay out your ID, confirmation, calculator, and clothing. Avoid last-minute cramming of new material; instead, review your summary sheet and get a full night's sleep.
Eat a normal meal and arrive early. Leave unnecessary items at home or in the car. At check-in, follow proctor instructions, present your ID, and store personal items as directed. For remote testing, complete the room scan and identity check before starting.
Read each question fully and watch for qualifiers such as 'except', 'best', and 'most likely'. Answer easier questions first, flag uncertain ones, and return to them if time allows. For calculation items, estimate the answer before computing to catch errors. If a technical problem occurs, pause and notify the proctor immediately rather than continuing.
Rules to check
Bring the original, unexpired government-issued photo ID that matches your registration name. Confirm with the provider which ID types are accepted and whether a second form is required.
Follow all proctor instructions and the provider's candidate conduct rules. Do not communicate with other candidates, use unauthorized materials, or attempt to record or share exam content.
Know the scoring and pass standard before test day. Confirm with the provider how the exam is scored, whether there is a penalty for guessing, and when results are released.
Understand the break policy in advance. Confirm with the provider whether breaks are scheduled or unscheduled, whether the clock stops, and what items you may access during a break.
For remote testing, keep your desk clear and remain in camera view. Confirm with the provider the rules on room scans, permitted items, and what to do if your connection fails.
If you need to reschedule, become ill, or experience a technical failure, contact the provider as soon as possible. Confirm with the provider the deadline and any fees for changes.
Do not rely on memory of specific exam questions after the test; sharing exam content may violate the provider's rules and can affect your result.
Arrive early and allow time for check-in. Candidates who arrive late may be refused admission; confirm with the provider the late-arrival policy.