ICG AC (CGCAT) exam-day guide
ICG AC (CGCAT) · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Government-issued photo ID
Bring the exact form of ID the provider specifies (often a passport or national ID card). The name must match your registration. Confirm accepted ID types and expiry requirements with the provider before test day, since rules vary by test centre and delivery mode (in-person vs remote proctored).
Exam appointment confirmation
Have your booking confirmation, candidate number, and the test centre address or remote-session link available. For remote delivery, test your link and login credentials the day before. If any detail is unclear, confirm with the provider.
Remote-proctoring setup (if applicable)
If you are testing online, confirm the required browser, webcam, microphone, and system-check tool, and run the equipment check 24-48h ahead. Requirements differ between providers, so confirm the exact technical checklist with the provider.
Admission ticket / printed instructions
Some centres require a printed admission document. Check whether printing is mandatory or a digital copy is accepted; confirm with the provider if the instructions are ambiguous.
Know the permitted reference materials
ICG AC (CGCAT)-style exams may be closed-book. Do not assume a formula sheet, notes, or calculator is allowed. Confirm the permitted-aids list with the provider and plan to memorise key facts if closed-book.
Calculator policy check
If a calculator is permitted, confirm the approved type (basic vs scientific, on-screen vs physical). This is a common source of last-minute problems; verify with the provider rather than guessing.
Timing and route plan
Plan to arrive well before the scheduled start (many centres advise 30 minutes for ID checks). For remote exams, plan to log in early for the identity and environment check. Confirm the required arrival window with the provider.
Rest, hydration, and a light meal
Eat a normal meal beforehand and bring water only if the venue rules allow it. Avoid heavy caffeine if you are prone to anxiety. Confirm whether drinks and snacks are permitted in the test room.
Watch or silent timer awareness
Many test rooms have a visible clock, but not all. A plain analogue watch may be allowed where smartwatches are not. Confirm the watch policy with the provider; do not assume smart devices are permitted.
Scratch paper / pen policy
Some centres supply laminated sheets and a marker; others prohibit all paper. This varies, so confirm with the provider and practise mental arithmetic in case no scratch paper is allowed.
Emergency contact and provider phone number
Save the test centre or provider support number in your phone in case of travel delays or technical failure. Report technical problems immediately during a remote exam rather than troubleshooting alone.
Review the syllabus weighting one last time
Skim the published topic weightings to decide where to spend any remaining study time. Do not attempt to learn new topics in the final 24 hours; consolidate what you already know.
Plan the day
Finish your last full-length practice paper under timed conditions and review only your error log, not new material. Confirm your appointment time, venue or remote link, and ID requirements with the provider. Check travel or internet backup plans. Stop heavy study by the end of this window so you can sleep well for the final two nights.
Do a light pass over high-yield summaries and any formulas or definitions you must recall. Re-run the remote-proctoring system check if you are testing online. Prepare your bag or desk: ID, confirmation, permitted aids, water if allowed. Confirm the exact arrival or login time and how early the provider wants you there.
No new topics. A short, low-stress review of key facts only. Lay out clothes and ID. Check the venue route or test your internet and webcam again. Set two alarms. Avoid alcohol and late screens; aim for a full night's sleep. If any logistical detail is still unclear, call the provider today rather than on the morning.
Eat a normal breakfast and arrive or log in with time to spare. Re-read the ID and permitted-aids rules one final time. Leave your phone and smart devices stowed as instructed. Do a brief calm breathing exercise; do not cram in the queue, as last-minute cramming tends to raise anxiety more than it helps.
Read each question fully and watch for qualifiers such as 'most appropriate' or 'except'. Answer easier questions first if the platform allows navigation, flag uncertain ones, and return to them. Track the clock against the number of questions remaining and keep a reserve for review. If a technical problem occurs in a remote exam, note the time and contact the proctor immediately. If you must guess, eliminate clearly wrong options first.
Rules to check
Bring the exact ID the provider specifies and ensure the name matches your registration; confirm accepted document types and validity with the provider before test day.
Arrive or log in at the time the provider states. Late arrival may result in refused admission or a shortened test, but the precise cut-off is set by the provider, so confirm it in advance.
Do not bring unauthorised materials into the test room. Phones, smartwatches, notes, and unapproved calculators are typically prohibited; confirm the permitted-aids list with the provider.
Follow all proctor instructions, including identity checks, room scans for remote exams, and any desk or environment rules. Non-compliance can lead to invalidation of your result.
Break policy varies by exam and provider. Confirm in advance whether scheduled breaks exist, whether the clock stops, and whether you may leave the room; do not assume breaks are allowed.
Scoring and pass marks are set by the awarding body. Confirm the current pass standard, question count, and time limit from official provider material rather than relying on second-hand reports.
If you believe a question is faulty or your session is disrupted, report it to the proctor or provider promptly and follow their escalation process; keep a record of times and reference numbers.
Do not discuss or share exam content afterwards in a way that breaches the provider's confidentiality rules. Confirm the exact confidentiality terms with the provider.