CAIS exam-day guide
CAIS · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Government-issued photo ID
Bring the original ID whose name matches your registration exactly. Confirm accepted ID types, expiration rules, and name-change requirements with the provider. (needs_review)
Appointment confirmation and provider login
Have your registration confirmation, candidate ID, and test-provider credentials accessible. If you cannot locate them, contact the provider before test day rather than waiting until check-in.
Current candidate handbook or exam rules
Read the provider's current handbook for ID, allowed materials, breaks, conduct, and scoring. Delivery rules differ between test-center and remote-proctored exams, so verify rather than assume. (needs_review)
Remote-proctoring system test
If testing online, run the provider's system check on the same computer, camera, microphone, and network you will use. Have a backup internet option such as a mobile hotspot.
Quiet, private test space
Use a room with a door, a clear desk, and no unauthorized materials. Confirm whether wall notes, second monitors, phones, or other items must be removed or powered down. (needs_review)
Allowed-materials confirmation
Ask the provider whether scratch paper, pen, calculator, reference sheets, or on-screen tools are permitted. Do not bring unapproved items into the test environment. (needs_review)
Break and water/snack plan
Confirm break timing, whether the exam clock stops during breaks, and whether water or snacks are allowed at your desk. (needs_review)
Travel or login plan
For a test center, plan to arrive early enough for traffic, parking, and security screening. For remote delivery, log in early and close all other applications.
One-page weak-domain summary
Use a short summary to review weak blueprint areas before check-in only if the provider allows outside notes beforehand. Do not carry it into the secure test environment unless explicitly permitted.
Timing plan
Confirm whether an on-screen clock is available and how many questions or sections you will see. Set rough checkpoint times so you do not spend too long on any one item. (needs_review)
Accommodations confirmation
If you requested extra time, a separate room, or another accommodation, confirm approval and logistics with the provider in advance. (needs_review)
Provider contact details
Save the provider's support number or chat link in case of check-in or technical problems. Report issues immediately rather than troubleshooting alone.
Plan the day
Confirm your appointment, ID name match, delivery mode, and start time. Complete any remote system test. Read the current handbook. Do timed practice on your weakest domains, then stop adding new topics. Protect sleep.
Do light review only: formulas, frameworks, and weak-domain summaries. Pack your ID and confirmation, prepare the test room or travel plan, charge devices, and confirm break rules. Set two alarms and sleep at a normal hour.
Eat a normal meal and hydrate. Arrive at the test center early or log in early for remote delivery. Use the restroom before check-in. Close extra applications and have your ID ready.
Follow proctor or administrator instructions exactly. Show the required ID, read the non-disclosure and conduct terms, and ask about breaks before the clock starts if the rules are unclear.
Read the tutorial and note the time limit. Work at a steady pace, flag uncertain items if the interface allows it, and avoid spending excessive time on one question. Take only approved breaks.
If review is permitted, check flagged items and make sure no questions are blank. Submit before time expires and keep any provided materials until dismissed.
Rules to check
Bring the exact ID required by the provider; your registered name must match. Confirm accepted ID forms and name-change rules before test day. (needs_review)
Do not use unauthorized materials, devices, people, or notes. Confirm what is allowed in your delivery mode, and remove or power down anything prohibited. (needs_review)
Do not communicate with others, record the exam, or share exam content. Expect to accept a non-disclosure and conduct agreement at check-in.
Follow the provider's break policy. Confirm in advance whether breaks are scheduled, whether the clock stops, and whether you may leave the camera view during remote delivery. (needs_review)
Understand the scoring rule before you sit: confirm the passing score, whether unanswered questions count as wrong, and whether wrong answers are penalized. (needs_review)
If a technical problem occurs, notify the proctor or provider support immediately. Do not continue alone or restart the exam without instruction.
Rescheduling, cancellation, and late-arrival rules are provider-specific. Confirm deadlines and fees before making any change. (needs_review)
Request any accommodation early and confirm approval in writing. Do not assume a request will be granted on test day. (needs_review)