SJAM First Aid at Workplace exam-day guide
SJAM First Aid at Workplace · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Original photo ID
Bring the original government-issued photo ID you registered with; the name must match your registration. Accepted ID types vary, so needs_review: confirm with the provider which documents are accepted and whether a photocopy is ever allowed.
Registration or admission confirmation
Have your booking confirmation available, either printed or on your phone before you enter the hall. needs_review: confirm with the provider whether a printed copy is required and whether phone display is acceptable at check-in.
Any exam permit or authorisation letter issued to you
If the provider issued a permit, letter, or candidate number, bring it. needs_review: confirm with the provider whether one is issued for your sitting and what happens if it is lost.
Candidate handbook or regulations
Read the provider's candidate rules before exam day, especially sections on ID, prohibited items, lateness, and practical stations. Keep a copy of key contact numbers for the venue.
Black or blue pens, pencils, eraser, and sharpener
Pack spares. Written papers may require pen for short answers and pencil for machine-read answer sheets. needs_review: confirm with the provider which writing instrument is required for each paper.
Simple non-smart wristwatch
Many exam rooms have no visible clock. A basic watch helps you pace sections. needs_review: confirm with the provider whether wristwatches are permitted and whether smart or fitness watches are banned.
Clear water bottle
Bring water, especially if the day includes practical activity. needs_review: confirm with the provider whether bottles must be clear, unlabelled, or left outside the room.
Medication and a light snack for before or after the test
If you need regular medication or food, plan around the exam timetable. needs_review: confirm with the provider whether medication can be taken into the room and what access you have during breaks.
Venue and travel plan
Confirm the exact room, building entrance, and reporting time. Check parking, public transport, and a backup route. A dry run in the days before reduces morning stress.
Approved access arrangements evidence
If you have approved extra time, a separate room, or other adjustments, bring the approval letter. needs_review: confirm with the provider well before the exam that arrangements are confirmed in writing.
Practical station requirements, if applicable
If your assessment includes CPR, bandaging, or casualty simulation, wear comfortable clothing and follow the provider's kit list. needs_review: confirm with the provider whether gloves, bandages, and manikins are supplied and whether you may bring your own.
Prohibited items left at home or stored as directed
Phones, smart devices, notes, and study materials must not be in the exam room. Plan where they will go before you enter the building.
Plan the day
Confirm the exam date, reporting time, venue, and room with the provider. Re-read the candidate regulations and check ID requirements. Resolve any access arrangements or practical-kit questions now rather than on the morning.
Plan your journey and a backup route. Check whether the venue has parking, whether public transport is reliable at that hour, and how much buffer time you need for security or registration queues.
Review weak topics and practise practical skills if your assessment includes them. Do not try to learn a large new syllabus in the last three days; consolidate what you already know and get normal sleep.
Pack your bag: ID, confirmation, permit if issued, pens, pencils, eraser, watch, water, medication, and access approval letter. Put everything in one place so nothing is hunted for in the morning.
Check travel disruptions, weather, and venue notices. Set two alarms. Avoid a late night, heavy alcohol, or an intense cramming session that leaves you tired.
Eat a normal breakfast, take regular medication, and leave earlier than the route suggests. Aim to arrive with enough time to find the room, use the toilet, and settle without rushing.
At check-in, present your ID and confirmation, follow storage instructions for bags and phones, and listen for seat allocation. If you are unsure where to go, ask staff before the test begins.
Read the front-page instructions and check the paper structure, marks, and time allowance before starting. Write your candidate details exactly as instructed and check them before handing in.
Pace yourself: note the time at the start of each section and leave a few minutes to transfer answers or check your work. If there is no penalty for wrong answers, needs_review: confirm with the provider whether you should attempt every question.
At practical stations, follow the assessor's safety instructions, verbalise key actions if that is expected, and stop immediately when told. If equipment is missing or faulty, raise it before you begin rather than improvising.
Rules to check
Bring original photo ID; your name must match the registration. Accepted ID types vary, so confirm with the provider in advance what is accepted and what happens if you arrive without it.
Arrive at the reporting time stated by the provider. Late admission is not guaranteed; confirm with the provider how lateness is handled and whether you can sit the paper if you miss the start.
Phones, smart watches, notes, and study materials must not be taken into the exam room. Follow the provider's storage instructions and switch devices off before entry.
Breaks and toilet access are controlled by the invigilator. Raise your hand and wait to be escorted; confirm with the provider whether scheduled breaks apply to your sitting.
Pass marks, results release dates, and resit rules are set by the provider. Confirm these directly with the provider rather than relying on what other candidates say.
At practical stations, follow all safety and infection-control instructions. Do not improvise with equipment or continue an activity after an assessor says stop.
Do not communicate with other candidates during the test, share materials, or attempt to view another candidate's answers. Misconduct can lead to invalidation.
Follow every invigilator or assessor direction. If an instruction is unclear, ask before the test begins, not while others are working.