New York Regents exam-day guide
New York Regents · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Photo ID
Bring a current, government-issued photo ID (e.g., driver license, passport, or school ID if permitted). Confirm with your school or test site which forms of ID are accepted for Regents exams.
Admission ticket or school-provided exam schedule
If your school issues an admission ticket or exam pass, bring it. Otherwise, know your assigned room and reporting time; confirm with your school counselor or testing coordinator.
Two or more No. 2 pencils
Most Regents exams require a No. 2 pencil for bubble answer sheets. Bring at least two sharpened pencils and a handheld sharpener. Confirm with your school whether pens are allowed for written responses.
Eraser and blue or black pen
Bring a clean eraser and a blue or black ink pen for written responses if your school permits. Confirm with your school which writing instruments are allowed for constructed-response questions.
Approved calculator (for exams that allow one)
Check the New York State Education Department (NYSED) calculator policy for your specific exam (e.g., Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II, Chemistry, Physics). Bring a calculator you are familiar with and that meets the allowed model list. Confirm with your teacher.
Reference table or formula sheet (if provided by the school)
For some exams (e.g., Earth Science, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics), a reference table is provided. Do not bring your own unless your school explicitly allows it. Confirm with your teacher what will be supplied.
Clear water bottle and a light snack
Stay hydrated and bring a snack for after the exam if your school allows food outside the testing room. Confirm with your school whether water bottles are permitted at your desk.
Watch (non-smart)
A simple wristwatch can help you pace yourself if the room clock is not visible. Smartwatches and phones are not allowed. Confirm with your proctor whether a watch is permitted.
Review the exam format and timing
Know the number of questions, sections, and total time for your specific Regents exam. Confirm the exact timing with your teacher or the NYSED exam schedule.
Get a good night's sleep and eat breakfast
Plan to sleep at least 8 hours and eat a balanced breakfast. These are general best practices, not official exam rules.
Arrange transportation and arrive early
Confirm your reporting time with your school and plan to arrive at least 15–20 minutes early to allow for check-in.
Leave prohibited items at home
Do not bring phones, smartwatches, or other electronic devices unless your school has a specific storage policy. Confirm with your school where to store such items if you must bring them.
Plan the day
Review your notes and practice questions for the specific exam. Focus on the format and directions. Confirm your exam room, reporting time, and what to bring with your teacher or school. Gather your ID, pencils, eraser, pen, and approved calculator. Check the calculator policy on the NYSED website or with your teacher. Avoid cramming new material; get regular sleep.
Pack your bag with ID, admission ticket (if any), pencils, eraser, pen, approved calculator, and a watch. Lay out clothes. Confirm transportation. Eat a healthy dinner and avoid excessive caffeine. Set two alarms. Review a one-page summary of key formulas or concepts if it helps you feel prepared, but stop studying at least an hour before bed.
Eat breakfast and hydrate. Arrive at the test site at least 15–20 minutes early. Leave phones and smartwatches at home or store them as directed by your school. Listen carefully to proctor instructions. Use the restroom before the exam begins.
Read all directions carefully. Pace yourself: note the total time and number of questions, and allocate time accordingly. Answer the easier questions first if you tend to get stuck. For multiple-choice, eliminate wrong choices and mark your answer sheet clearly. For constructed-response questions, show your work and write legibly. If you finish early, review your answers, especially on the answer sheet, and check that you have not left any blanks. Use all available time; do not rush to leave.
Rules to check
Bring a valid photo ID and any admission ticket required by your school. Confirm with your school which forms of ID are accepted.
Electronic devices, including phones and smartwatches, are generally not permitted in the testing room. Confirm with your school where to store them if you must bring them.
Follow all proctor instructions. Do not communicate with other students during the exam. Raise your hand if you need assistance.
Breaks are typically not allowed during Regents exams, but confirm with your school for any scheduled breaks or restroom policies.
Scoring: Regents exams are scored on a 0–100 scale, with a score of 65 generally considered passing for most exams. However, some exams have different passing standards or appeal processes. Confirm the specific passing score and any appeal policy with your school counselor.
Use only approved calculators and reference materials. Confirm the NYSED calculator policy for your exam with your teacher.
Do not remove any exam materials from the testing room. All scratch paper and answer sheets must be collected by the proctor.
If you arrive late, you may not be admitted. Confirm your school's late-arrival policy in advance.