NBPTS AYA Math exam-day guide
NBPTS AYA Math · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Government-issued photo ID
Bring the exact name-matching ID your authorization requires. Confirm the accepted forms and name-match rules with the provider before test day.
Admission/authorization confirmation
Have your appointment confirmation and any candidate ID number printed or saved offline. Confirm whether a printed copy is required with the provider.
Testing location and arrival logistics
Confirm the exact address, parking or transit plan, and required arrival time (often before your scheduled start). Verify with the provider.
Permitted calculator
Confirm which calculator models are allowed for this assessment and whether one is provided on-screen. Do not assume your personal calculator is permitted.
Scratch paper and writing tools
Confirm whether scratch paper and pencils are supplied at the site or whether you may bring your own. Do not bring your own unless explicitly allowed.
Personal items plan
Plan for keys, phone, wallet, and outerwear to be stored per site rules. Confirm the secure-storage policy with the provider.
Comfort and timing items
Bring water and a snack for before/after the test only if site rules allow; confirm food and drink rules in the testing room.
Review scoring and reporting basics
Know how the assessment is scored and when results are released. Confirm current details with the provider rather than relying on secondhand accounts.
Rest and logistics buffer
Protect sleep the night before and build in extra travel time. This is a judgment item, not a provider rule.
Accessibility accommodations (if applicable)
If you requested accommodations, confirm approval and setup in advance with the provider. needs_review
Break policy familiarity
Confirm the number and length of breaks and whether the clock stops during them. needs_review
Prohibited-device plan
Confirm the policy on phones, smartwatches, and other devices, including whether they must be left outside the testing room. needs_review
Plan the day
Re-read the official candidate handbook or authorization for rules, timing, and permitted materials. Confirm your appointment, ID requirements, and site logistics with the provider. Do light review of high-level content and formula familiarity rather than cramming new material. Prepare your bag with ID and confirmation. Prioritize sleep.
Stop heavy studying. Do a short, calm review of key ideas and problem-solving strategies. Lay out clothes, ID, confirmation, and any permitted items. Confirm travel time and set two alarms. Eat a normal meal and go to bed at a reasonable hour. Avoid last-minute policy questions you cannot resolve.
Eat a normal breakfast and hydrate moderately. Arrive with buffer time per the provider's instructions. Leave prohibited items secured as directed. Use the restroom before check-in. At check-in, follow staff instructions and keep your ID accessible.
Read directions carefully and note the time budget. Answer easier items first and flag hard ones to revisit. Show reasoning where required and check units and labels on math responses. Use breaks as allowed to reset. If technology fails, raise your hand and follow staff instructions rather than troubleshooting alone.
Rules to check
Bring the ID that matches your registration exactly; confirm accepted forms and name-match rules with the provider.
Follow all site security and prohibited-item rules; confirm the device and storage policy with the provider before arrival.
Arrive by the required check-in time; confirm late-arrival and rescheduling consequences with the provider.
Use only materials the provider permits (calculator, scratch paper, references). Confirm what is allowed and what is supplied.
Take breaks only as permitted; confirm whether the clock runs during breaks with the provider.
Understand how the assessment is scored and what counts as complete work; confirm scoring and reporting details with the provider.
Do not attempt to record, share, or reproduce test content; treat all assessment materials as confidential.
If you have accommodations or special circumstances, confirm arrangements in advance with the provider rather than assuming they are in place on test day.