EPR exam-day guide
EPR · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Government-issued photo ID
Bring the original ID in the name used on your registration; a photocopy or expired document is normally refused. Confirm with the provider which ID types it accepts and whether a secondary ID is required.
Appointment confirmation and test-centre address
Save the confirmation email offline and note the exact building entrance, floor, and room. If testing remotely, confirm the platform link, login credentials, and system check requirements with the provider.
Arrival timing
Plan to arrive well before your slot to allow for security checks and sign-in. The exact cut-off for late arrival is set by the provider, so confirm it in advance and treat it as a hard deadline.
Permitted items only
Most providers restrict what you may bring to the desk. Assume phones, smart watches, notes, and bags must be stored away; confirm the provider's list of allowed items, including whether water or snacks are permitted.
Know the question format and timing
Review the published format: number of questions, time limit, whether sections are separately timed, and whether you can flag and revisit questions. Do not rely on memory of the format; check the current handbook.
Scoring and pass mark
Confirm how the exam is scored (scaled score, percentage, or pass/fail) and whether wrong answers are penalised. Guessing strategy depends on this, so verify it with the provider rather than assuming.
Break policy
Check whether breaks are scheduled, optional, or unavailable, and whether the clock stops during them. If breaks are allowed, know the procedure for leaving and re-entering the room.
Calculator or reference materials
If the exam permits a calculator or provides a formula sheet, confirm the approved model and whether it is supplied on screen or you must bring it. Bring nothing that is not explicitly allowed.
Accessibility or special arrangements
If you need extra time, a separate room, or other accommodations, confirm that approval is already recorded and what proof to bring. These requests usually need lead time, so resolve them before exam day.
Logistics: travel, parking, and backup plan
Check transport timetables and parking availability, and identify a backup route. For remote testing, have a backup internet option and a charged device.
Rest and readiness
Protect sleep in the days before, eat a normal meal, and avoid last-minute cramming of new material. Fatigue affects performance more than one extra hour of review.
Rescheduling and cancellation terms
Know the deadline and fees for moving or cancelling your appointment in case of illness or emergency. Terms vary, so confirm them with the provider and keep any cancellation reference.
Plan the day
Switch from learning new content to consolidating. Review your own summary notes and error log, and practise a timed set of questions under exam conditions. Confirm your appointment details, ID requirements, and centre or remote-testing logistics. Stop heavy study the evening before and prioritise sleep.
Do a light review of key facts and formulas only. Prepare your bag or desk setup: ID, confirmation, permitted items. Check travel times and weather, set two alarms, and go to bed at a normal hour. Avoid intensive practice tests, which can dent confidence without adding knowledge.
Eat a proper meal and hydrate moderately. Arrive early rather than exactly on time. Do not study new material; a brief skim of your summary sheet is enough. Keep phones and notes stored as required before entering the testing area.
Read the instructions and confirm the time limit before starting. Work at a steady pace and watch the clock at checkpoints. Answer easier questions first if the platform allows navigation and flagging; return to harder ones. If there is no penalty for wrong answers, never leave a question blank. If you lose time or hit a technical problem, note it and inform the invigilator or support immediately rather than after the exam.
Rules to check
Bring the original government-issued photo ID matching your registration name; without acceptable ID you may be refused entry, and the accepted document types should be confirmed with the provider.
Follow all invigilator instructions. Unauthorised materials, phones, or smart devices at the desk are typically treated as misconduct, with consequences set by the provider.
Do not communicate with other candidates during the exam and do not attempt to copy, record, or share exam content; doing so usually breaches the candidate agreement.
Breaks are governed by the provider's policy. If you leave the room, expect to be escorted or monitored, and confirm in advance whether the clock continues to run.
Scoring, the pass mark, and any penalty for incorrect answers are set by the provider and may change. Verify the current rules from the official handbook before relying on a guessing strategy.
If you test remotely, complete the required system and identity checks beforehand and keep the workspace clear as specified; technical failures may not automatically extend your time.
Report any illness, emergency, or technical disruption to the provider as soon as possible, and keep records, since rescheduling or appeal options depend on their terms.
Do not assume you can reschedule or cancel at short notice; check the deadline and fees with the provider before exam day.