CLVS exam-day guide
CLVS · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Government-issued photo ID
Bring a current photo ID whose name matches your registration exactly. Confirm with the provider which ID types are accepted and whether a secondary form is required.
Admission/registration confirmation
Have your appointment confirmation, candidate number, or admission letter on hand, printed and/or on your phone. Confirm with the provider whether a printed copy is mandatory.
Camera and recording media
Bring the camera you trained on, with freshly formatted recording media and a spare card. Confirm with the provider the required recording format, frame rate, and aspect ratio before test day.
Charged batteries plus backups
Charge every battery the night before and pack at least one spare plus the charger. Do a full record-and-playback test at least 72 hours out so a failing battery or card is caught early.
Tripod and stable mounting hardware
Bring your tripod, plate, and any tools you need for a fast, level setup. Practice a full setup-and-frame in the time you expect to have during the practical segment.
External microphone and headphones
Bring the mic and headphones you use to monitor audio levels. Confirm with the provider whether on-camera audio alone is acceptable or an external mic is expected.
Time/date stamp or slate capability
Know how to display or slate the required identifying information on the recording. Confirm with the provider whether a burned-in time/date stamp is required and in what format.
Notebook and pen
Bring a small notebook for the spoken identification, log notes, and timing cues. Confirm with the provider what note-taking materials are permitted in the testing room.
Timer or watch
A simple watch or timer helps you pace the practical segment and any timed written portion. Confirm whether personal timing devices are allowed at your test site.
Logistics: directions, parking, arrival window
Confirm the test location or remote-proctoring link, the check-in time, and how early you should arrive. For remote testing, verify your webcam, microphone, internet, and a quiet private room the day before.
Current candidate handbook and code of ethics
Read the current handbook for the exact test format, scoring, and conduct rules. Download it from the provider rather than relying on an older copy.
Backup plan
Pack a spare camera body or a second recording device if you own one, plus a charged phone for reaching the proctor. Have the provider's contact number saved in case of equipment failure or delay.
Plan the day
Download and read the current candidate handbook end to end. Confirm appointment time, location or remote-testing link, ID requirements, and permitted equipment with the provider. Then run a full dress rehearsal: set up the tripod, frame a subject, record a spoken identification, check audio on headphones, and play the file back on a different device to confirm it is usable.
Format all media cards, charge every battery, and label your gear. Review the scoring criteria or practical checklist you were given and rehearse the timed sequence, including at least one full run-through of the production or editing portion if your exam includes one.
Pack the bag from the checklist and place it by the door. Lay out clothing, confirm travel time and parking or test your remote setup once more, and verify the name on your ID matches your registration. Stop studying new material; do a light review of the practical sequence and get a full night's sleep.
Eat a normal meal, arrive at the site or log in early (confirm the required window with the provider), and set up equipment before check-in so setup problems are not counted against your time. Verify framing and audio levels, silence your phone, and have your ID ready. Read every written question in full and answer the easy ones first; during the practical, do a quick confidence playback of the first minute before continuing.
Watch the clock and leave time to verify the recording before you finish. Note anything you need to confirm with the proctor rather than guessing at a rule, and do not discuss exam content with other candidates afterward.
Rules to check
Present valid government-issued photo ID matching your registration name at check-in; confirm the accepted ID types and any secondary documentation with the provider.
Bring only permitted equipment and materials into the testing area. Phones and other devices must be off and stored as directed; confirm the provider's policy on personal items and smart devices.
Follow the provider's code of ethics and candidate confidentiality agreement. Do not copy, photograph, record, or discuss exam questions or practical scenarios.
Break policy varies by delivery method and location. Ask the proctor at check-in how many breaks are allowed, whether they are timed, and whether you may leave the room; do not assume a break will pause your clock.
The written portion is scored on correct answers and the practical portion is scored against a rater checklist covering framing, audio, identification, and production requirements. Confirm the current passing standard and whether each component must be passed separately.
Arrive or log in within the check-in window. If you are late, the provider may refuse admission or forfeit your fee; confirm the late-arrival rule in advance.
If testing remotely, keep the room private and the desk clear, stay in camera view, and avoid interruptions. Confirm the provider's room-scan and environment requirements beforehand.
If equipment fails during the practical, notify the proctor immediately and document what happened. Ask in advance what the procedure is for technical failure so you are not improvising under time pressure.