IC-38 Corporate Agent / SP exam-day guide
IC-38 Corporate Agent / SP · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Government-issued photo ID
Bring the original, unexpired ID in the name used on your registration. Confirm with the provider which forms are accepted and whether a secondary ID is required; do not rely on a photocopy or a digital copy. needs_review: exact accepted ID list and secondary-ID requirement vary by provider and jurisdiction - confirm with the provider.
Exam admission or confirmation document
Print or save the confirmation email showing your candidate number, test location or remote-session link, and appointment time. Confirm with the provider whether a printed copy is mandatory or a digital copy is acceptable.
Two writing instruments and a spare
Bring at least two pens or pencils in case one fails. Many providers supply scratch paper and a pencil; confirm with the provider whether you may bring your own and whether any are prohibited.
Silent, non-programmable timepiece or none at all
If a clock is not visible in the room, a basic watch helps pace yourself. Smartwatches and programmable watches are almost always barred. Confirm with the provider whether any watch is permitted at your venue. needs_review: watch policy varies - confirm with the provider.
Review the permitted-items and prohibited-items list
Read the provider's candidate handbook section on what may be brought into the test room. Typical bans cover phones, notes, study materials, bags, and food. Confirm with the provider before packing anything not explicitly listed.
Know your route and arrival buffer
Plan the trip and arrive at the venue with a buffer before the reporting time. For remote sessions, test your computer, camera, microphone, and internet connection in advance and confirm the provider's technical requirements. needs_review: exact reporting time and remote technical requirements - confirm with the provider.
Confirm the scoring and pass standard
Know how the exam is scored and what score is required to pass, as published by the provider. Do not assume a fixed percentage; confirm with the provider. needs_review: pass mark and scoring method - confirm with the provider.
Confirm break and timing rules
Find out in advance whether breaks are allowed, whether the clock stops, and how unscheduled breaks are handled. Confirm with the provider rather than guessing. needs_review: break policy - confirm with the provider.
Confirm the reschedule and cancellation policy
Read the provider's rules on rescheduling, cancellation fees, and no-shows before the deadline passes. Confirm with the provider. needs_review: deadlines and fees - confirm with the provider.
Rest and logistics for the day before
Protect sleep, avoid cramming new material, and prepare clothes, documents, and transport the night before so the morning is calm.
Medical or accessibility accommodations
If you need accommodations, confirm the request process and approval deadline well ahead. Confirm with the provider. needs_review: accommodation request process and deadlines - confirm with the provider.
Read the full candidate handbook
The handbook is the authoritative source on conduct, ID, permitted items, scoring, and appeals. Read it end to end and note anything you still need to confirm with the provider.
Plan the day
Do a final pass over the syllabus and your weak areas, but stop learning new topics. Re-read the candidate handbook for ID, permitted items, reporting time, and scoring rules. Confirm your appointment, venue or remote link, and transport plan. Contact the provider with any unresolved questions about ID, breaks, or accommodations. Sleep on a normal schedule.
Do light review of summary notes and key definitions only. Pack your ID, confirmation document, pens, and any permitted items in one place. Lay out clothes and confirm the alarm and transport. For remote sessions, run a full technical check and confirm the sign-in procedure. Avoid heavy study and get a full night of sleep.
Eat a normal meal and arrive at the venue early or log in ahead of the remote start time. Leave prohibited items at home or in storage. Re-check that your ID matches your registration. Stay calm and avoid last-minute cramming that raises anxiety.
Read the instructions and confirm the time limit and how to flag or review questions. Answer the easier items first, flag uncertain ones, and return to them. Watch the clock and reserve time to transfer or review answers. If a technical or personal issue arises, raise your hand or contact the proctor immediately and ask for it to be documented.
Note how you felt about specific topic areas while it is fresh. Confirm with the provider how and when results are released and what the score report includes. Keep your confirmation documents in case you need to follow up.
Rules to check
Bring the original, unexpired ID in the name used on your registration and present it when asked. Confirm with the provider which forms are accepted. needs_review: accepted ID list - confirm with the provider.
Follow the provider's rules on permitted and prohibited items. Phones, notes, study materials, and smart devices are typically barred from the test room; confirm with the provider before bringing anything not explicitly allowed.
Do not communicate with other candidates about exam content during the test, and do not share or reproduce exam questions afterward. Follow the provider's confidentiality and conduct rules.
Arrive or log in by the reporting time. Late arrivals may be refused entry or lose their appointment; confirm with the provider how lateness is handled. needs_review: late-arrival policy - confirm with the provider.
Ask the proctor before taking any unscheduled break. Confirm with the provider in advance whether breaks are allowed and whether the clock stops. needs_review: break policy - confirm with the provider.
Understand how the exam is scored and what score is required to pass, as published by the provider. Do not assume a fixed percentage. needs_review: pass mark and scoring method - confirm with the provider.
If a technical or personal problem occurs during the test, notify the proctor immediately and ask for it to be documented, then follow the provider's process for reporting issues.
Follow the provider's rules on rescheduling, cancellation, and no-shows, and keep your confirmation documents in case you need to appeal or follow up. needs_review: reschedule and appeal process - confirm with the provider.