ISTQB CT-AT exam-day guide
ISTQB CT-AT · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Government-issued photo ID
Bring the original, valid ID whose name matches your exam registration exactly. Remote-proctored and test-centre deliveries both require ID, but the precise list of accepted documents varies by provider and country - confirm with the provider which forms are accepted and whether a secondary ID is needed.
Exam appointment confirmation
Keep the confirmation email or booking reference accessible (printed or on your phone). It carries your appointment time, test-centre address or remote-session link, and your candidate/registration number. Confirm the provider's policy on what you may bring into the room before relying on a printout.
Know the syllabus version and exam format
CT-AT (Acceptance Testing) is a specialist module. Re-check which syllabus version your exam is based on, the number of questions, the time allowance, and the pass mark from your provider's official exam structure page. Do not rely on memory or forum posts for these numbers.
Logistics plan for the venue or remote setup
For a test centre: confirm the address, travel time, and arrival window with the provider. For remote delivery: run the provider's system check on the same machine and network you will use, and confirm the room and desk requirements (clear desk, no second screen, camera and microphone working) with the provider.
Permitted materials only
Most professional testing exams are closed-book, but the exact rules on notes, calculators, water, and scratch paper differ. Confirm with the provider what is allowed; assume nothing beyond your ID and confirmation unless the provider states otherwise.
Timing strategy rehearsed
Work out an approximate minutes-per-question budget from the official question count and time allowance, and practise it on a full timed mock. Decide in advance how you will flag and revisit uncertain questions.
Weak-area revision sheet
Prepare a one-page summary of the acceptance testing concepts you keep getting wrong (for example acceptance criteria, acceptance test design, and the roles of business stakeholders versus testers). Review it in the final 24 hours, then set it aside before the exam if materials are not permitted.
Rest and fuel plan
Plan a normal night's sleep, a light meal, and hydration before the session. Avoid last-minute cramming of new material in the final hour; it raises anxiety more than scores.
Backup plan for technical failure
For remote exams, note the provider's support contact and their procedure if the connection drops or the proctor session fails. Confirm with the provider how a technical interruption is handled and whether time is restored.
Post-exam next steps noted (needs_review)
Check with the provider how and when results are issued, how long they remain valid, and what is required to claim the certificate. These administrative details change and should be verified rather than assumed.
Plan the day
Re-read the official syllabus sections you scored lowest on in practice, focusing on acceptance testing purpose, the acceptance test process, and how acceptance criteria are derived and evaluated. Take one full-length timed mock under exam-like conditions and review every wrong answer against the syllabus wording rather than against memory.
Do a second, shorter practice set on your two weakest topics. Build the one-page weak-area sheet. Re-confirm your appointment details, venue or remote link, and ID requirements with the provider, and resolve any remaining uncertainty about permitted materials now rather than on the day.
Light review only: skim the weak-area sheet and key definitions. Do not start new topics. Prepare everything you will carry (ID, confirmation, any provider-approved items) and place it by the door. Check travel times or run the remote system check one final time, then stop studying and get a full night's sleep.
Eat a normal meal and arrive or log in with the margin the provider requires. Re-read only your weak-area sheet if materials are permitted at that stage. Keep the environment calm and quiet; avoid discussing exam content with others, which can unsettle you and may breach conduct rules.
Read the instructions and confirm the question count and time remaining. Note your minutes-per-question budget. Answer the questions you are confident about first to bank marks, and flag anything that needs a second pass.
Read each question fully, watching for qualifiers such as 'best', 'most likely', or 'NOT'. Eliminate clearly wrong options before choosing. For scenario questions, identify the stakeholder role and the acceptance focus before judging the options. Keep an eye on the clock and leave a few minutes to check that no question is unanswered.
Return to flagged questions, confirm nothing is blank, and submit within the time limit. If the platform auto-submits, make sure your answers are saved as you go.
Note which topics felt uncertain while they are fresh, in case you need a retake. Follow the provider's stated process for results and certification; do not assume a timeline.
Rules to check
Bring valid government-issued photo ID with a name matching your registration. The accepted document list and any secondary-ID requirement are set by the provider - confirm with the provider before exam day.
Follow all proctor and test-centre instructions. For remote delivery this typically includes staying on camera, keeping the desk clear, and not leaving the view without permission; confirm the specific room and behaviour rules with the provider.
Treat the exam as closed-book unless the provider explicitly states otherwise. Do not use notes, phones, smart devices, or unauthorised software; confirm the permitted-items list with the provider.
Do not communicate about exam content with other candidates during the session, and do not share, record, or reproduce exam questions afterwards. This is standard professional conduct and is usually covered in the provider's candidate agreement.
Breaks: policies differ between test-centre and remote delivery, and the clock may or may not stop. Confirm with the provider whether breaks are allowed and how they affect your time.
Scoring: the pass mark, question count, and whether wrong answers are penalised are defined by the provider for this specific module. Do not guess these figures - confirm with the provider's official exam structure page.
If a technical problem occurs, stop and contact the provider's support immediately rather than improvising. Confirm the provider's incident procedure in advance.
Arrive or log in within the provider's stated window. Late arrival may result in refused entry or forfeiture of fees; confirm the exact cut-off with the provider.