ICSAN Sector Governance exam-day guide
ICSAN Sector Governance · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Admission letter or exam slip
Carry the slip showing your candidate number, paper title, venue and reporting time. Format and whether a printed copy is mandatory can change by diet - confirm with the provider. (needs_review)
Valid photo ID
Bring the original ID used at registration, such as a passport, driver's licence or national ID. Confirm which IDs the provider accepts and whether a photocopy is required. (needs_review)
Candidate number and registration details
Keep your candidate number where you can see it for rough work or CBT login. Check that your name, paper title and centre match your registration before the exam begins.
Writing materials
Pack two blue or black pens, a pencil, eraser and sharpener if the paper is handwritten. If the exam is computer-based, confirm whether rough paper and pen are supplied. (needs_review)
Non-programmable calculator
Bring a non-programmable calculator only if permitted for this paper. Confirm the allowed model and whether calculators are provided or prohibited. (needs_review)
Clear water bottle and light snack
Bring water in a clear container and a small snack for before or after the paper. Confirm whether food and drink are allowed at the desk. (needs_review)
Simple wristwatch
A non-smart watch helps you pace structured answers. Smart watches are normally prohibited; confirm whether any watch is allowed in the hall. (needs_review)
Travel and venue plan
Save the venue address offline, check transport routes and plan to arrive with a buffer. Confirm reporting time and whether late entry is allowed. (needs_review)
One-page sector framework summary
Prepare a single sheet listing the regulator, code and core principles for each sector you studied, such as public sector, financial services, not-for-profit and SMEs. Use it for final review only, not as a crib sheet.
Phone and smart devices plan
Leave devices at home or be ready to switch them off and surrender them as directed. Do not rely on a phone for time, notes or calculator functions during the exam.
Exam instructions and rubric
Re-read the rubric for the number of questions to answer, marks per question and any compulsory section. Confirm the format with the provider if your admission letter is unclear. (needs_review)
Provider helpline and emergency contact
Save the exams office contact for delays, document problems or venue confusion. Take the number from your admission letter rather than a general website.
Plan the day
Confirm venue, date, time, format and permitted items with the provider. Download or print the admission letter, check ID validity and finalise travel. Do one timed practice paper under exam conditions, then review your sector-framework summary. Stop starting new topics; focus on consolidating regulator names, code principles and answer structures.
Pack the bag with documents, pens, calculator, water and watch. Recharge devices, set two alarms, confirm transport and lay out clothes. Do light revision only: review headings, model answer plans and any weak sector. Sleep at a normal time rather than cramming overnight.
Eat a proper breakfast and leave early. Aim to arrive with a comfortable buffer before the reporting time - confirm the provider's recommended arrival window. Keep your phone off and stored, present your ID and admission letter, locate your seat and read the instructions before the clock starts.
Spend the first five to ten minutes reading the paper and allocating time by marks. Answer your strongest question first, use an issue–rule–application–conclusion structure for governance scenarios, and watch the clock. Leave about 10% of the time to check question numbers, saved CBT answers and handwriting. In the final minutes, confirm every required question is answered and that your script or CBT submission is complete.
Rules to check
Bring only permitted items. Phones, smart watches, notes and unauthorised materials must be switched off and stored as directed; confirm the provider's storage arrangements before exam day.
Present the original photo ID and admission letter. The name must match your registration; confirm in advance what to do if your ID is expired or your registered name differs.
Follow invigilator instructions and do not communicate with other candidates during reading time, the exam or supervised breaks. Ask an invigilator if you need paper, a calculator check or a restroom break.
Breaks are normally supervised and do not extend your writing time. Confirm the provider's restroom and break policy, especially for computer-based tests.
Answer the required number of questions. Confirm whether there is negative marking or a compulsory section; do not assume that extra answers earn marks.
Do not share calculators, notes or any materials. Any borrowing must go through the invigilator and is subject to the provider's rules.
Late arrival may result in exclusion or reduced time. Confirm the cut-off; if delayed, call the provider's exams helpline immediately and keep evidence of the delay.
Maintain academic integrity. Answers must be your own; copying, collusion or use of unauthorised devices can lead to cancellation of results.