Iran Specialty Board Psychiatry exam-day guide
Iran Specialty Board Psychiatry · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
National identification document (birth certificate or national ID card)
Bring the original, valid photo ID required by the examination center. Confirm with the provider which specific document is accepted and whether a photocopy is permitted; do not assume a driver's license or passport alone will suffice.
Printed admission card / exam entry permit
If the exam authority issues a printed entry card, bring it. If access is via SMS or an online portal, have the message or login ready. Confirm with the provider whether a printed copy is mandatory.
Confirmation of exam venue and session time
Re-check the exact building, hall, and reporting time on your admission document. Venues for specialty board exams can change; confirm with the provider if anything is unclear.
Permitted stationery (pencils, eraser, blue/black pen)
Bring only what the exam regulations allow. Confirm with the provider whether pencils are provided or must be brought, and whether pens are allowed for written sections.
Simple analog watch (no smart features)
Many exam halls do not have visible clocks. A basic watch helps with time management. Confirm with the provider whether any watch is permitted; smartwatches and phones are usually prohibited.
Water and a light snack for scheduled breaks
Bring only if the exam regulations permit items in the hall or in a designated break area. Confirm with the provider the policy on food and drink during the exam.
Review the official exam instructions and scoring format
Know the number of questions, time per section, and whether negative marking applies. Confirm with the provider the exact scoring rule; do not rely on rumor.
Plan and rehearse the route to the venue
Do a trial commute at the same time of day if possible. Identify a backup route and arrive early. Confirm with the provider the earliest entry time and whether latecomers are admitted.
Arrange accommodation near the venue if traveling
Book a quiet place to sleep within easy reach of the hall. Keep your admission documents and ID in one place. Confirm with the provider any recommended accommodation list if one is published.
Leave prohibited items at home or in safe storage
Phones, smart devices, notes, and bags are typically banned from the exam hall. Confirm with the provider where bags can be left and what happens if a prohibited item is found.
Prepare for identity verification and security screening
Allow extra time for ID checks, fingerprinting, or bag searches. Confirm with the provider whether a photo will be taken at the center and whether any biometric process is used.
Know the break and restroom policy
Ask in advance whether breaks are scheduled, whether you may leave the hall, and whether supervision applies. Confirm with the provider; policies vary by center.
Plan the day
Re-read the official instructions and admission card. Check the venue address, reporting time, and ID requirements one final time. Confirm with the provider any point that is unclear. Stop starting new heavy study; focus on summarizing high-yield topics and reviewing your own notes. Adjust sleep so you wake naturally at the exam-day time. Prepare the documents and stationery in one bag.
Do a light review only, no new material. Confirm your transport plan and, if traveling, check in to accommodation. Set two alarms. Eat a normal meal and avoid heavy caffeine or alcohol. Lay out ID, admission card, stationery, watch, and water. Check the weather and plan clothing in layers. Go to bed at a reasonable hour; sleep is more valuable than last-minute cramming.
Eat a normal breakfast and hydrate moderately. Re-check that ID and admission card are in your bag. Leave earlier than the estimated travel time to absorb delays. Arrive at the venue with enough margin to complete security and identity checks. Avoid discussing content with other candidates, which can raise anxiety. Use the restroom before entering the hall.
Read the instructions on the first page and confirm the number of questions and time. Do a quick scan and answer confident questions first; mark uncertain ones for review if the format allows. Allocate time per question and keep an eye on the clock. For clinical vignettes, identify the key finding and the question asked before choosing. If negative marking applies, answer only when you can reasonably exclude options. Leave a few minutes to transfer answers and check that no question is left blank unintentionally.
Rules to check
Bring the exact identity document required by the examination authority. If you are unsure which document is accepted, confirm with the provider before exam day; a wrong document can result in denial of entry.
Follow all instructions from invigilators. Do not talk, pass materials, or look at others' papers during the exam. Unauthorized behavior may lead to disqualification, and the decision process should be confirmed with the provider.
Keep prohibited items out of the hall. Phones and smart devices must be switched off and stored as directed. If you are unsure where to leave bags, confirm with the provider in advance.
Use scheduled breaks only as permitted. If you leave the hall during a break, expect identity re-checks and supervision. Confirm with the provider whether unscheduled restroom breaks are allowed and whether they count against your time.
Understand the scoring rule before you start. Ask or confirm with the provider whether wrong answers carry a penalty and how omitted questions are scored; guessing strategy depends on this.
Do not attempt to record, photograph, or remove exam content. Exam materials remain the property of the examination authority. If you believe there is an error in a question, report it through the official channel after the exam rather than during it.
If you have a disability or medical condition requiring accommodation, arrange it with the provider well before exam day. Do not assume accommodation will be granted on site.
If you arrive late or face an emergency, contact the exam center staff immediately and follow their instructions. The late-entry policy should be confirmed with the provider in advance.