CITS Electrician (Theory) exam-day guide
CITS Electrician (Theory) · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Government-issued photo ID
Bring the original ID document in the name you used to register. Confirm with the provider which forms of ID are accepted and whether a second piece of ID is required; do not rely on a photocopy or a photo on your phone.
Admission letter / booking confirmation
Print or download the confirmation showing your test date, time, and location, and check that the name matches your ID. Confirm with the provider whether a printed copy is mandatory or an electronic copy is acceptable.
Know your exact test location and arrival time
Confirm the venue address, which entrance to use, and the arrival time stated on your booking. If the venue is unfamiliar, plan the route in advance and identify parking or public transport options.
Non-programmable calculator
If a calculator is permitted, bring a basic non-programmable type with fresh batteries. Confirm with the provider whether calculators are allowed and which models are accepted before relying on one.
Writing implements
Bring a couple of pens or pencils and an eraser in case the test uses paper answer sheets. Confirm with the provider whether materials are supplied at the desk.
Leave phones, smartwatches, and notes behind or stowed
Electronic devices and study notes are normally prohibited in the testing room. Confirm with the provider where personal items can be stored, since secure storage may not be available.
Review the current regulations and units you will be tested on
Re-read your own summary of the wiring rules, protective device selection, cable sizing, and safety procedures covered by the syllabus. Use your training materials and the current edition of the relevant standard rather than memory alone.
Prepare for calculation questions
Practise the formula set you have been taught (Ohm's law, power, voltage drop, and protective device coordination) so you can apply them without reference material. Confirm with the provider which formulas, if any, are supplied.
Plan meals, hydration, and medication
Eat a normal meal before the test and bring water if permitted. If you take medication or have a health condition, confirm with the provider in advance what arrangements and documentation are needed.
Request any access or special arrangements early
If you need extra time, a separate room, or other adjustments, contact the provider well before the test date. Approval usually cannot be arranged on the day.
Check the scoring and pass mark
Confirm with the provider the number of questions, time allowed, pass mark, and whether wrong answers are penalised before you sit the test, so you can plan your answering strategy.
Rest and set two alarms
Get a full night's sleep and set alarms plus a backup. Arriving late may mean being refused entry, so aim to be at the venue with time to spare.
Plan the day
Re-read your condensed notes on the syllabus topics you find hardest, focusing on safety procedures and regulation requirements rather than new material. Do a timed practice set under exam conditions to check your pace, then review only the questions you got wrong.
Confirm the venue, arrival time, and what you are allowed to bring by checking your booking confirmation and the provider's candidate information. If anything is unclear, contact the provider now rather than on the day.
Pack your ID, confirmation, calculator, and pens in one bag and leave it by the door. Stop heavy study in the evening; a light review of formula sheets and key safety points is enough.
Check travel times for the morning and identify a backup route. Set out clothes and anything you need for the journey so the morning is calm.
Eat breakfast, take only what is permitted, and arrive at the venue ahead of the stated time. Switch your phone off and stow it as instructed before entering the testing room.
Listen to the invigilator's instructions, check that your question paper and answer sheet are complete, and write your details as directed. Note the finish time and divide your time by the number of questions.
Answer the questions you are confident about first, mark difficult ones and return to them. Read each question fully, watch for words like 'not' and 'minimum', and show working for calculations so you can check your answer.
Make sure every question has an answer if there is no penalty for guessing, check that your answer sheet numbering matches the questions, and confirm your name and candidate details are correct before handing in.
Rules to check
Bring the original photo ID in the name used at registration. If your ID is expired, damaged, or in a different name, contact the provider before the test date; entry may otherwise be refused.
Arrive at the time stated on your booking. Late arrival may result in refusal of entry or a shortened test time; confirm the provider's late-arrival policy in advance.
Phones, smartwatches, and study notes are not permitted in the testing room. Follow the invigilator's instructions for switching off and storing devices, and do not keep any on your person.
Follow all invigilator instructions and do not communicate with other candidates during the test. Any suspected cheating or disruptive behaviour may lead to removal and cancellation of your result, as set out by the provider.
Raise your hand if you need to leave the room, feel unwell, or have a problem with your paper. Confirm the provider's rules on toilet breaks and whether you can make up the time.
If you believe a question is faulty or ambiguous, answer it as best you can and report it to the invigilator or provider afterwards. Do not expect marks to be adjusted unless the provider's review process confirms an error.
Your result and any feedback are issued through the provider's process. Confirm how and when results are released, and how to request a review or resit if you do not pass.
Do not share, photograph, or reproduce test questions. Test content is confidential, and breaching this may invalidate your result and affect future eligibility.