GAA exam-day guide
GAA · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Government-issued photo ID
Bring the original, unexpired ID in the name used on your registration. Confirm with the provider which forms of ID are accepted and whether a secondary ID is required; do not rely on a photocopy or digital image.
Appointment confirmation and test-centre or proctor details
Save your confirmation email or letter offline, including the exact address, arrival time, and any check-in instructions. For remote proctoring, note the software and system-check links. Confirm the current check-in window with the provider, as it can vary.
Approved calculator or on-screen calculator policy
Check the current candidate handbook for whether a calculator is provided on screen, whether a personal model is allowed, and which models are prohibited. If a personal calculator is permitted, bring only an approved model with fresh batteries. Confirm with the provider rather than assuming.
Knowledge of the break policy
Review whether breaks are scheduled or optional, whether the clock stops, and whether you can leave the testing room. Rules differ by delivery mode, so confirm with the provider and plan hydration and restroom visits around the stated policy.
Scratch paper and writing instrument policy
Many test centres supply laminated note boards and markers and prohibit bringing your own paper or pens. Confirm what is supplied and what is forbidden; do not bring personal stationery unless the handbook explicitly allows it.
Personal items plan
Plan where your phone, watch, bag, and notes will go. Phones are typically required to be powered off and stored, and smart watches are usually prohibited in the testing room. Confirm storage arrangements with the test centre in advance.
Comfort and logistics items
Bring water and a snack for before or after the test only if the centre permits them in the waiting area, and dress in layers because room temperature varies. Arrange transport with a buffer for traffic and security screening.
Remote-testing environment check (if applicable)
If testing remotely, run the provider's system test on the same computer and network you will use, close background applications, and prepare a clear desk and a quiet, private room. Confirm the current room and desk rules with the provider.
Review of exam structure and scoring
Know the number of questions, time limit, and whether the exam is scored on a scaled or pass/fail basis. Confirm the current structure and passing standard with the provider, as these can change between handbook editions.
A realistic pacing plan
Decide in advance how you will allocate time across question blocks and when you will flag items to revisit. Practise this pacing on a timed set so the plan is familiar before exam day.
Rest and readiness plan
Protect sleep in the final nights and avoid last-minute cramming of new material. Bring any permitted medication or accessibility arrangements you have already agreed with the provider; confirm accommodations well before the test date.
Backup plan for disruptions
Save the provider's contact details for scheduling or technical problems and know their policy on lateness, cancellations, and rescheduling. Confirm these policies with the provider rather than relying on memory.
Plan the day
Confirm the appointment time, location or remote-testing link, and ID requirements with the provider. Re-read the current candidate handbook sections on permitted items, breaks, and scoring. Do one timed mixed-topic set to rehearse pacing, then review only your error log and weak areas rather than starting new topics.
Do a light review of high-yield formulas, definitions, and decision rules you have already learned. Check transport or your remote-testing setup, including the system test and a stable network. Prepare the items on your checklist so nothing is left to the morning.
Stop heavy study. Skim summaries for no more than a short session, set out your ID and confirmation, and plan meals and sleep. Confirm the arrival time and check-in window with the provider, and avoid alcohol and late screen time.
Eat a normal meal, arrive with a buffer, and leave prohibited items such as phones and smart watches stored as instructed. For remote testing, close other applications and clear your desk. Follow check-in instructions exactly and raise any ID or technical issue with staff or the proctor immediately.
Read each question fully, answer easy items first, and flag uncertain ones for review. Watch your block timing and keep a few minutes for flagged items. Use breaks only as permitted, and if a technical problem occurs, stop and notify the proctor before continuing.
Note which topics felt weak while the memory is fresh, and check the provider's stated timeline and process for receiving results. Do not discuss specific exam content with others beyond what the provider's confidentiality rules allow.
Rules to check
Bring the original government-issued photo ID in the name used on your registration. Confirm accepted ID forms and any secondary ID requirement with the provider before test day.
Follow the provider's rules on personal items. Phones, smart watches, notes, and bags are typically not allowed in the testing room, and phones are usually required to be off and stored; confirm the exact policy with the provider.
Use only the calculator, note board, and writing instruments the provider permits. Do not bring your own paper, pens, or unapproved devices unless the current handbook explicitly allows them.
Breaks are governed by the provider's policy. Ask in advance whether the clock stops, whether breaks are scheduled or optional, and what you may access during them, and follow proctor instructions.
The exam is scored against the provider's current standard, which may be scaled or pass/fail. Confirm the passing standard and score reporting process with the provider rather than relying on secondhand information.
Maintain exam confidentiality as required by the provider. Do not copy, record, or share exam questions, and do not communicate with others during the test except through the proctor.
If a technical problem or an ID or check-in issue occurs, stop and notify the proctor or test-centre staff immediately. Confirm the provider's policy on disruptions and rescheduling in advance.
Arrive within the provider's stated check-in window. Lateness and rescheduling rules vary, so confirm the current policy with the provider and plan transport or your remote setup with a buffer.