ICA exam-day guide
ICA · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Government-issued photo ID
Bring the original physical ID (passport or national ID card) whose name matches your registration exactly. Confirm with the provider which ID types it accepts and whether a digital copy is allowed; do not assume a photocopy will be accepted.
Appointment confirmation and test-centre address
Save the confirmation email or letter offline on your phone and print one copy. Check the exact building entrance and room, since large centres often have multiple halls. If testing remotely, confirm the platform link and login credentials work the day before.
Provider's current allowed-items list
Re-read the exam-day rules on the provider's website the week before the test. Rules on calculators, notes, water bottles, and scratch paper vary by exam and change over time. Confirm with the provider rather than relying on forum posts.
Permitted calculator (only if the exam allows one)
Many ICA-style exams restrict or prohibit calculators. Confirm with the provider whether a calculator is allowed and, if so, which models. If in doubt, plan to attempt the arithmetic by hand.
Travel and arrival plan with buffer
Arrive at the centre earlier than the stated reporting time to absorb transport delays and security checks. For remote testing, plan to be at your desk and connected well before the start.
Remote-testing environment check (if applicable)
Test your camera, microphone, browser, and internet connection in advance. Clear your desk and room of notes, phones, and second screens. Confirm with the provider which proctoring software and room rules apply.
Rest, food, and hydration plan
Sleep normally the night before, eat a familiar meal, and bring water only if the provider permits it at the desk. Avoid trying new caffeine levels on exam day.
Time-management plan for each section
Write down the number of questions and minutes per section, and decide in advance how long to spend on a hard question before flagging it and moving on. Practise this on a timed mock.
Review list of weak topics
Bring a one-page summary of formulas, definitions, and recurring mistakes to review in the final hour before the test, then set it aside once the exam begins.
Backup plan for technical failure
Know the provider's support phone number or contact route in case the test platform fails. Confirm with the provider how a technical interruption is handled and what evidence you should keep.
Watch or silent timer
If the centre has no visible clock, a simple watch can help pace yourself. Confirm with the provider whether wristwatches are permitted in the testing room.
Post-exam plan
Note how and when results are released and what the retake policy is. Confirm with the provider the score-report timeline and any appeal window.
Plan the day
Stop learning new material. Re-read the syllabus or content outline and mark any topic you cannot explain in one sentence. Spend the remaining time on those gaps plus a timed mock under exam conditions, then review every wrong answer and record the reason for the error (knowledge gap, misread question, or time pressure). Confirm logistics: appointment time, address or remote link, ID requirements, and allowed items with the provider. Protect sleep, starting two nights before the exam, because the night before matters less than the preceding one.
Do a light review of your one-page summary only; do not start a new topic. Pack your ID, confirmation, and any permitted items in one bag. Check transport times or test your remote setup once more. Set two alarms. Eat a normal dinner, avoid alcohol, and go to bed at your usual time. If you feel anxious, write down your three biggest worries and one practical response to each.
Eat a normal breakfast and limit caffeine to your usual amount. Arrive at the centre with buffer time, or be at your remote desk early. Do a short review of your summary sheet, then put it away. Use the restroom before checking in. During check-in, follow proctor instructions exactly and keep your ID visible if asked. Take a few slow breaths and remind yourself that flagging and returning to hard questions is part of the plan.
Read each question fully before answering, watching for words like 'except' or 'most likely'. Answer easy questions first and flag anything that stalls you beyond your planned limit. If the exam permits review, return to flagged questions with the remaining time. For calculation questions, sanity-check the magnitude of your answer. If a technical problem occurs, stop and contact the proctor or support immediately and note the time. Leave a few minutes to confirm all questions are answered before submitting.
Rules to check
Bring original government-issued photo ID whose name matches your registration; confirm with the provider which forms of ID are accepted and what happens if the name differs slightly.
Follow the provider's list of permitted and prohibited items. Do not bring notes, phones, smart watches, or unauthorised calculators into the testing room; confirm with the provider how personal items are stored.
Breaks are governed by the provider's rules. Do not leave your seat during a section unless the exam allows it; confirm with the provider whether scheduled or unscheduled breaks are available and whether the clock stops.
Do not communicate with other candidates, share questions, or attempt to record exam content. Such conduct is typically treated as misconduct and can lead to score cancellation; confirm with the provider's candidate agreement for the exact policy.
If testing remotely, keep your camera on and your workspace visible as required, and do not leave the view during the test. Confirm with the provider which room and equipment rules apply.
Understand the scoring before you sit: check whether wrong answers are penalised, whether sections are scored separately, and what the pass mark is. Confirm with the provider rather than assuming.
If a technical failure or interruption occurs, report it immediately through the provider's stated channel and keep any reference number or screenshot, since outcomes may depend on timely reporting.
Know the retake and result-appeal rules in advance. Confirm with the provider the waiting period, fees, and deadline for any challenge to your result.