ISTQB CT-GaMe exam-day guide
ISTQB CT-GaMe · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Government-issued photo ID
Bring the exact ID form the test provider accepted at booking. The name must match your registration. If you are unsure which ID types are accepted at your test centre or for remote proctoring, confirm with the provider before test day.
Appointment confirmation and test-centre details
Save the confirmation email or booking reference offline, plus the address, floor, and arrival instructions. For remote testing, save the login link and system-check instructions. Confirm the exact arrival or check-in time with the provider, since some centres require earlier arrival than the appointment time.
Remote-testing system check completed
If testing online, run the provider's equipment or compatibility check in advance and again the day before. Verify webcam, microphone, browser version, and internet stability. Requirements vary, so confirm the supported setup with the provider rather than assuming.
Approved calculator or on-screen calculator knowledge
CT-GaMe includes quantitative content such as metrics, coverage, and defect prediction, so you may need arithmetic. Learn to use the on-screen calculator if one is provided. Do not bring your own unless the provider explicitly permits it; confirm the calculator policy with the provider.
Syllabus-based summary sheet (paper or permitted notes)
Prepare a one- or two-page condensed sheet of key definitions, metric formulas, and technique names for last-minute review. Do not plan to use it during the test unless the provider allows reference material; confirm the permitted-materials policy.
Settled logistics: travel, parking, and timing
Plan the route and a backup option, and aim to arrive with buffer time. Remote candidates should secure a quiet, private room and inform household members. Exact arrival windows and room rules differ by provider, so confirm them in your appointment instructions.
Personal items plan
Decide in advance where you will store phone, watch, bag, and notes, since most providers restrict items at the desk. Check the provider's list of prohibited items for your venue or remote session.
Rest and hydration plan
Protect sleep in the final 48 hours and plan a light meal before the test. Avoid heavy caffeine if you are sensitive to it. These are general wellbeing steps, not provider requirements.
Break and timing expectations clarified
Ask the provider in advance whether breaks are allowed, whether the clock stops, and whether you can leave the room during a remote session. Policies differ, so confirm rather than assume.
Accessibility or special arrangements confirmed
If you need extra time, a separate room, or other adjustments, confirm approval and how to invoke it on the day. Arrange this well before the test; lead times vary by provider.
Scoring and results process understood
Know the pass mark, question count, and how and when results are released for your exam version. These details can change, so verify them with the provider or the official exam syllabus rather than relying on memory or forum posts.
Emergency contact and provider support number
Save the provider's support contact so you can report a technical failure or late arrival. Keep it accessible without unlocking a prohibited device during the test.
Plan the day
Shift from learning to consolidation. Re-read the syllabus sections you scored weakest on in practice, and redo a timed practice set under exam conditions. Rewrite your summary sheet from memory, then check it against your notes. Confirm appointment time, location or remote link, ID requirements, and any permitted materials with the provider. Stop introducing new topics in the last 24 hours.
Do a light review of your summary sheet only, focusing on definitions, metric formulas, and the distinctions between similar techniques. Prepare clothing, ID, confirmation, and any permitted items. For remote testing, run the system check and clear your desk area. Set two alarms, confirm travel plans, and go to bed at a normal time. Avoid cramming new material late at night.
Eat a normal meal and hydrate moderately. Skim the summary sheet once, then put it away. Arrive early per your provider's instructions, or log in ahead of time for remote testing and close other applications. Keep your ID and confirmation within reach. Do a brief breathing exercise to settle nerves rather than trying to learn anything new.
Read the full question and all options before answering. Answer easy questions first if the interface allows flagging and review. For calculation questions, write out the formula and check units. Watch for qualifiers such as 'most likely' or 'BEST'. Flag uncertain items and return to them. Keep an eye on the remaining time and reserve a few minutes to review flagged questions and confirm submission.
Rules to check
Follow the provider's identification policy exactly. Present the ID you registered with, and if you are unsure which documents are accepted, confirm with the provider before test day rather than bringing an unverified alternative.
Do not bring or use unauthorized materials, devices, or notes at the desk. Prohibited-item lists differ between test centres and remote proctoring, so confirm the specific list with the provider.
Breaks are not guaranteed to be available or to stop the clock. Ask the provider in advance how breaks work for your exam version, and plan hydration and timing accordingly.
Scoring, pass marks, and the number of scored questions are set by the exam owner and can change between versions. Verify the current pass mark and results process with the provider or official syllabus; do not rely on recollection.
If a technical failure occurs during a remote session, stop and contact the provider's support immediately, following their instructions. Do not attempt to troubleshoot in ways that could be read as prohibited behaviour.
Maintain academic integrity: do not share, record, or discuss live exam content, and do not seek help during the test. Report any suspected misconduct through the provider's channels.
If you arrive late or cannot attend, contact the provider as soon as possible. Rescheduling, cancellation, and refund terms vary, so confirm them with the provider before the appointment.
Keep your registration details and results correspondence. If results are delayed or disputed, the provider's process governs; confirm the appeal or query procedure with them.