IFoA SA10 exam-day guide
IFoA SA10 · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Photo identification matching your exam booking
Bring the original, valid photo ID in the name used on your booking. Check in advance which ID types the provider accepts and whether a digital copy is permitted; if in doubt, confirm with the provider rather than assuming.
Exam booking confirmation and candidate number
Have your booking reference and any candidate/registration number to hand, printed or accessible offline. Confirm with the provider whether these are needed at check-in or only for the online platform login.
Approved calculator (and spare batteries)
Use a calculator permitted under the exam regulations and know its functions well. Check the provider's current list of approved models and any restrictions on programmable or stored-text devices; confirm with the provider if your model is not clearly listed.
Formula and tables material permitted by the regulations
Confirm with the provider exactly which printed or electronic reference materials (for example the current tables/formula book) are allowed, and whether annotations are permitted. Do not rely on memory of a previous sitting's rules.
Practice with the actual exam platform and word-processing/spreadsheet tools
Complete at least one timed mock on the same platform and device type you will use, so navigation, formula entry, and answer formatting are familiar. Note how to flag questions and how much time the system displays.
Reliable device, charger, and backup power
If sitting remotely, use a charged laptop, keep the charger connected, and have a phone with data as a contingency for contacting support. Test camera, microphone, and internet stability beforehand; confirm with the provider what to do if the connection drops.
Quiet, well-lit room meeting remote-invigilation requirements
If the exam is remotely invigilated, clear the desk of notes and devices not permitted, tell household members, and check the provider's rules on room scans, breaks, and leaving the desk. Confirm with the provider whether a physical or online invigilator applies to your sitting.
Timed plan for the paper
Decide in advance how many minutes to spend per question or mark, when to move on, and how much time to reserve for checking. Base the plan on the published marks and duration for the specific paper you are sitting.
Water, snacks, and any permitted medication
Prepare these in line with the provider's rules on what may be on the desk and whether breaks are allowed. Confirm with the provider if you need an access arrangement or rest break.
Access arrangements confirmed in writing
If you have approved extra time, a separate room, or other adjustments, keep the confirmation available and check the arrangements are set up before the day. Confirm with the provider well ahead; these cannot usually be arranged on the day.
Technical support contact details
Save the provider's exam-day support number or channel so you can report a platform failure immediately. Note the provider's guidance on what evidence to keep if something goes wrong.
Offline summary sheet of key methods (for revision only, not the exam)
Use a one-page summary of core formulas and question-approach steps during the final 72 hours. Do not bring it into the exam unless the regulations explicitly permit it.
Plan the day
Re-read the exam regulations and the specific instructions for your paper: permitted materials, calculator rules, platform behaviour, and invigilation type. Confirm with the provider any point you are unsure of, especially if your sitting is remote.
Do one full timed mock under exam conditions on the real platform. Afterwards, review where time was lost, refine your minutes-per-mark plan, and practise the answer formats you will use (calculations, assumptions, commentary).
Consolidate rather than learn new material: revise a compact summary of core methods and typical question structures for the syllabus areas most likely to be examined. Practise stating assumptions clearly and setting out calculations so markers can follow your method.
Test your equipment end to end: log in, check camera and microphone if required, run the system check, and confirm your internet and backup connection. Charge devices and locate chargers.
Confirm the start time in your local time zone, the login window, and the joining instructions. Check the provider's guidance on when to be ready and how late arrival is handled; confirm with the provider if the time zone or window is unclear.
Prepare the desk and room: remove non-permitted items, set up ID, calculator, spare batteries, water, and permitted reference material. Print or save booking details and support contacts.
Do a light review of your summary sheet only, then stop. Protect sleep; avoid last-minute cramming of new topics that could unsettle your approach.
Eat, hydrate, and arrive or log in early as instructed. Re-check the room and equipment, keep the support contact visible, and do a final two-minute read of your time plan.
Read the instructions and any candidate declaration carefully, confirm the duration and number of questions, and note the system clock. If something looks wrong, raise it with the invigilator or support immediately rather than later.
Skim the whole paper to identify question length and difficulty, then start with a question you can do confidently. Allocate time by marks and write brief assumptions before long calculations.
Keep to your time plan, flag uncertain parts and return if time allows, and show method clearly. Watch the remaining-time indicator and reserve the final minutes for checking that all answers are saved and submitted.
Confirm every answer is saved, check you have attempted all required questions, and submit within the window. Note what the provider requires if a technical failure occurs, and keep any error messages or reference numbers.
Rules to check
Bring original photo ID in the name on your booking and be ready to show it at check-in; the accepted ID types and whether digital copies are allowed must be confirmed with the provider.
Permitted materials are limited to what the current exam regulations allow. Do not bring notes, unauthorised devices, or annotated reference material unless explicitly permitted; confirm with the provider if you are unsure about a specific item.
Calculators must comply with the provider's rules on approved models and stored text or programs. If your model's status is unclear, confirm with the provider before the exam rather than risk a conduct issue.
Breaks, leaving the desk, and room access during a remotely invigilated exam are governed by the provider's rules. Confirm with the provider in advance, and expect that unauthorised absence may be treated as misconduct.
Access arrangements such as extra time or a separate room must be approved in advance. Confirm with the provider that your arrangements are recorded; they are generally not granted on the day.
If a technical failure occurs, follow the provider's exam-day support process, keep evidence such as screenshots or reference numbers, and do not attempt to restart or alter the session unless instructed. Confirm the exact process with the provider.
Scoring and marking follow the published scheme for the paper: show method and assumptions clearly, since marks may be available for correct approach even where the final figure is wrong. Check the current marking guidance rather than relying on recollection.
Academic integrity rules apply throughout: work alone, do not communicate with others about the paper during the exam window, and do not share or discuss question content afterwards in breach of the provider's rules.