APC exam-day guide
APC · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Official photo ID
Bring the original, government-issued photo ID with signature that matches the name on your registration. Confirm with the provider which ID types are accepted and whether a secondary ID is required.
Exam appointment confirmation
Have your appointment confirmation number, test center address, and reporting time accessible. For remote proctoring, confirm the check-in link and any required system test.
Approved calculator
Confirm with the provider whether a calculator is permitted and which models are approved. If allowed, bring a model on the approved list and verify battery or charging status.
Permitted reference materials
APC candidates should confirm with the provider whether any reference documents, formulas, or code tables are supplied on-screen or must be memorized. Do not bring unauthorized printed materials.
Comfort items for a long exam
Bring water and a snack only if the provider permits them in the testing area; otherwise plan to use scheduled breaks. Confirm storage rules for personal items.
Test center logistics plan
Confirm the exact address, parking or transit options, and arrival buffer. Aim to arrive early enough to complete check-in without stress; confirm the provider's late-arrival policy.
Remote testing environment check
If testing online, confirm the provider's requirements for camera, microphone, room privacy, desk clearance, and internet stability. Run any required system test at least 24 hours before the exam.
Review of exam format and timing
Know the number of questions, time limit, and break policy from your candidate handbook. Confirm with the provider if any section is timed separately.
Scheduling and rescheduling policy
Confirm with the provider the deadline and fees for rescheduling or canceling, and keep your confirmation email available in case of a dispute.
Rest and nutrition plan
Plan a normal night's sleep and a light meal before the exam. Avoid new caffeine or medication routines on exam day.
Backup plan for technology or travel
For remote testing, have a phone and a backup internet option available as instructed by the provider. For in-person testing, identify an alternate route and contact number for the test center.
Needs review: specific prohibited items list
Confirm with the provider the exact list of prohibited items (e.g., smart watches, phones, notes, bags) and where they must be stored. Policies vary by provider and location.
Plan the day
Stop learning new topics. Review your own summary sheets, formulas, and notes on weak areas. Re-read the candidate handbook for format, timing, and rules. Confirm appointment details, ID requirements, and travel or remote-testing setup. Take one short practice set to calibrate pacing, then rest.
Pack your ID, confirmation, approved calculator, and any permitted items. For remote testing, run the system check and clear your desk. Confirm the reporting time and set two alarms. Avoid alcohol and late-night study; aim for a full night's sleep.
Eat a normal meal and hydrate. Recheck your ID and confirmation. Leave with a buffer for traffic or check-in. For remote testing, log in early and complete the room scan as instructed. Keep your phone away unless the proctor instructs otherwise.
Read each question fully and watch for qualifiers such as 'best', 'except', and 'first'. Answer easy questions first, flag uncertain ones, and return to them. Track time against the number of questions remaining. Use scheduled breaks only as permitted. If a technical issue occurs, pause and notify the proctor immediately.
Rules to check
Bring the original government-issued photo ID that matches your registration name. Confirm with the provider which ID types are accepted and whether a secondary ID is required.
Follow the provider's rules on personal items. Phones, smart watches, notes, and bags are typically prohibited in the testing area; confirm with the provider where they must be stored.
Do not communicate with other candidates during the exam. For remote testing, keep your face and workspace visible and follow proctor instructions at all times.
Breaks are governed by the provider's policy. Confirm in advance whether breaks are scheduled, optional, or counted against your time, and whether you may leave the testing area.
Scoring rules, including whether wrong answers are penalized and how results are reported, are set by the provider. Confirm the scoring method and score reporting timeline in your candidate handbook.
If you experience a technical failure, equipment problem, or disruption, notify the proctor immediately and follow their instructions. Do not attempt to troubleshoot in a way that violates testing rules.
Review the provider's policy on rescheduling, cancellation, and late arrival before exam day. These policies are time-sensitive and may involve fees.
Keep your exam confirmation and any correspondence with the provider until results are received, in case you need to resolve a scheduling or score issue.