III IC-78 exam-day guide
III IC-78 · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Valid government-issued photo ID
Bring the exact ID the registration name matches. If your ID uses a different name form (maiden name, middle name, transliteration), confirm with the provider before test day whether additional documentation is accepted.
Appointment confirmation and candidate number
Save the confirmation email or letter offline on your phone and print a copy. It typically carries your candidate ID, test centre address, and reporting time. Confirm with the provider which identifier they require at check-in.
Test centre location and travel plan
Verify the venue address and entrance the day before; large centres often have multiple halls. Plan to arrive with buffer time, since late arrival rules vary and are set by the provider.
Permitted calculator or reference materials
Check the current candidate handbook for the approved calculator model and whether any formula sheet or reference material is supplied. Do not assume a model is allowed; confirm with the provider.
Personal items plan
Most centres restrict bags, phones, and watches to a locker or designated area. Decide in advance what you will carry and what stays home; confirm storage availability with the provider.
Comfort and medical essentials
Bring water and any permitted medication, and know the procedure for medical items. If you need accommodations (extra time, separate room, medical devices), confirm approval with the provider well before test day.
Rest and logistics the night before
Sleep, a normal meal, and a rehearsed route matter more than last-minute cramming. Avoid new caffeine levels or unfamiliar food on test morning.
Exam-format familiarity
Know the number of questions, time limit, and whether the exam is computer-based or paper. Confirm the current structure with the provider, since formats can change between administrations.
Scratch paper and writing tools policy
Find out whether the centre supplies scratch paper and pencils or whether you must bring your own, and whether notes are collected. Confirm with the provider; do not bring your own unless explicitly permitted.
Break and timing expectations
Know in advance whether breaks are scheduled, optional, or unavailable, and how the clock behaves during breaks. Confirm with the provider, as this affects pacing strategy.
Scoring and results timeline
Understand how the exam is scored and when results are released, so you are not surprised by a delay. Confirm the pass standard and reporting method with the provider.
Plan the day
Shift from learning new material to consolidating. Review your own error log and summary sheets, redo a small set of representative questions under timed conditions, and stop heavy study by the evening before. Reconfirm the appointment time, venue, and ID requirements, and check the provider's site for any last-minute notices about the session.
Pack the ID, confirmation, permitted calculator, and any approved medical items. Lay out clothing and travel details. Do a light review of high-yield facts and the exam structure only. Eat a normal meal, avoid alcohol, and set two alarms. Do not start a new topic or a full mock exam.
Eat a normal breakfast, arrive at the centre with buffer time, and keep conversation with other candidates light to avoid last-minute anxiety or misinformation. At check-in, follow staff instructions on ID, personal items, and seating. Use any waiting time for calm breathing, not for cramming.
Read the instructions and note the time limit and question count. Work at a steady pace, flag uncertain items, and answer every question if there is no penalty for guessing; confirm the guessing policy beforehand. Watch the clock at set checkpoints, use breaks only as permitted, and if a technical problem occurs, raise your hand and get it documented by staff before continuing.
Rules to check
Bring the ID that matches your registration exactly. If names differ, confirm with the provider in advance what documentation is accepted; centre staff apply the provider's rules, not your explanation.
Arrive at the reporting time stated on your confirmation. Late-arrival and admission policies are set by the provider, so confirm the cut-off rather than assuming you will be admitted.
Do not bring phones, smart watches, or notes into the testing room unless the provider explicitly permits them. Assume devices must be stored as instructed and powered off.
Use only the calculator or reference materials the current handbook allows. If you are unsure whether a model or aid is permitted, confirm with the provider before test day.
Breaks are governed by the provider's rules. Confirm whether breaks are scheduled or optional and whether the clock runs during them, then plan your pacing accordingly.
Follow staff instructions during check-in, seating, and any incident. If equipment fails or you believe there is an error in the exam, report it immediately and ask how it will be recorded.
Understand the scoring and pass standard before you sit. Confirm with the provider how results are reported and whether any guessing penalty applies, rather than relying on secondhand accounts.
Do not discuss, copy, or share exam content. Candidate conduct and confidentiality obligations are defined by the provider; read the current candidate agreement and confirm anything unclear with them.