MCOLES Test exam-day guide
MCOLES Test · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Government-issued photo ID
Bring the original, unexpired photo ID required for check-in. Confirm the exact acceptable ID forms and name-match requirements with the test provider before test day.
Test registration or confirmation
Bring any printed or electronic confirmation, appointment letter, or candidate number the provider issues. If the provider does not require it, keep it available anyway.
Comfortable athletic clothing
Wear clothing appropriate for the physical components of the test and for the weather if any portion is outdoors. Confirm any dress or uniform requirements with the provider.
Properly fitting athletic shoes
Bring broken-in running or training shoes with good traction. Avoid brand-new shoes on test day. Confirm whether any specific footwear restrictions apply.
Water and hydration plan
Bring a refillable water bottle if permitted and drink fluids before, during, and after the test. Confirm whether water is provided at the site.
Light familiar snacks
Pack easy-to-digest foods you have used before, such as a banana, granola bar, or sports drink, for before or after testing. Confirm whether food is allowed in the waiting or testing areas.
Any required medical clearance or forms
If you have a medical condition or prior injury, bring any clearance or waiver the provider requires. Confirm documentation requirements directly with the provider; do not assume a standard form.
Directions, parking information, and provider contact number
Know exactly where to report, where to park, and whom to call if you are delayed. Confirm the reporting location and arrival time with the provider.
A plan to leave valuables at home
Bring only essentials. Confirm whether secure storage or lockers are available; if not, plan to keep valuables in your vehicle or leave them at home.
Prepared warm-up routine
Plan a brief dynamic warm-up you can perform safely before testing. Confirm how much warm-up space and time will be available.
Review of the published scoring standards
Read the current standards and event order from the official provider materials so you know what is measured. Confirm you are using the current version.
Backup transportation and arrival cushion
Plan to arrive early enough to check in, use the restroom, and warm up without rushing. Confirm the provider's late-arrival policy.
Plan the day
Confirm the exact test date, reporting time, location, ID requirements, and any forms with the provider. Review the current event list and scoring standards. Reduce intense training, prioritize sleep, and practice normal hydration and meals. Pack your bag and set out clothing and shoes.
Do only light activity or rest. Avoid alcohol and unfamiliar foods. Pack ID, confirmation, water, snacks, and any required forms. Set two alarms, confirm transportation, and check weather if any portion is outdoors. Aim for a normal night's sleep.
Eat a light, familiar breakfast and sip water. Dress in athletic clothing and shoes. Arrive with time to spare, check in, use the restroom, and perform your planned warm-up. Listen carefully to the pre-test briefing.
Follow staff instructions and event order. Use the movement standards demonstrated or described, pace yourself across events, and take only the rest breaks the provider allows. Report any injury or equipment problem immediately. Cool down and confirm how and when results will be provided.
Rules to check
Follow all instructions from test staff and safety personnel. If an instruction conflicts with something you read online, ask the on-site staff to clarify before you begin.
Carry and present the ID and registration documentation the provider requires. Confirm acceptable ID and check-in procedures with the provider in advance; do not assume an expired or photocopied document will be accepted.
Keep phones, smartwatches, and other devices silent and out of the testing area unless the provider explicitly permits them. Confirm the provider's device and recording policy before test day.
Perform each event with the form and range of motion described by the provider. Repetitions that do not meet the demonstrated standard may not be counted.
Scoring is based on the provider's current published standards. Ask the provider to confirm which version of the standards applies to your test date.
Take breaks only at times and locations designated by staff. Confirm the break and restroom policy during the pre-test briefing.
Stop and notify staff immediately if you feel faint, experience sharp pain, or suffer an injury. Do not attempt to continue through a medical problem.
Arrive on time and be ready to begin when your group is called. Confirm the provider's late-arrival and rescheduling policy in advance.