NY POST exam-day guide
NY POST · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Government-issued photo ID
Bring the original, unexpired ID you used to register. Confirm with the provider which forms are accepted and whether a secondary ID is required.
Admission or scheduling confirmation
Print or save the confirmation email showing your test date, time, and location. Some sites require it for entry; confirm with the provider.
Know your test format and timing
Review the number of questions, time limit, and whether sections are separately timed. Confirm the current structure with the provider, as formats can change.
Arrival time
Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled start unless your admission materials state otherwise. Confirm the site's arrival policy with the provider.
Travel and parking plan
Check the route and parking or transit options the day before. Allow extra time for security screening or check-in lines.
Personal items policy
Leave prohibited items at home. Confirm with the provider what is allowed in the testing room (e.g., water, tissues, medication) and whether lockers are available.
Rest breaks
Ask whether breaks are scheduled or optional and whether the clock stops. Confirm the break policy with the provider before test day.
Scratch paper and writing tools
Do not assume you may bring your own. Confirm with the provider whether scratch paper, a marker, or a calculator is supplied, and what is prohibited.
Electronics policy
Phones, smartwatches, and other devices are commonly restricted. Confirm with the provider where devices must be stored and the consequences of a violation.
Scoring and reporting
Know how the exam is scored and when results are released. Confirm the passing standard and score report timeline with the provider.
Accommodations
If you requested accommodations, confirm approval and arrival instructions in advance. Bring any approval documentation the provider requires.
Emergency contact and site phone number
Save the testing site's contact number in case of delay or emergency. Confirm the correct number with the provider.
Plan the day
Confirm your appointment, location, and start time. Re-read the provider's candidate handbook for ID, prohibited items, and break rules. Do a light review of high-yield topics and practice the exam's question format; avoid learning new material. Protect sleep and keep the final day before the exam light.
Pack your ID, confirmation, and any approved items. Check the weather and route, and set two alarms. Avoid heavy study and stimulants late in the day. If you feel unwell, contact the provider about rescheduling or cancellation policies before the exam.
Eat a normal meal and arrive early. Follow check-in instructions exactly, store prohibited items as directed, and use the restroom before entering the testing room. Read the on-screen instructions carefully, including how to flag and review questions.
Pace yourself against the time limit and note the question count. Answer easier questions first if review is allowed, flag uncertain items, and return to them. Read each question stem fully and watch for qualifiers such as 'best' or 'except.' Use breaks only as permitted, and monitor the clock so you leave time to review flagged items.
Rules to check
Bring the original, unexpired government-issued photo ID required by the provider; a copy or expired ID is typically not accepted. Confirm the exact ID policy with the provider.
Arrive by the stated check-in time. Candidates who arrive late may be denied entry or have their appointment forfeited; confirm the late-arrival policy with the provider.
Do not bring or use prohibited electronic devices, notes, or study materials in the testing room. Follow the provider's storage instructions and assume any violation may void your score.
Follow all instructions from test center staff and proctors. Disruptive behavior or attempting to access unauthorized materials can result in removal and score cancellation.
Use breaks only as permitted. Confirm with the provider whether breaks are timed, optional, or scheduled, and whether the exam clock stops during breaks.
Understand the scoring and reporting rules before test day: how the exam is scored, when results are released, and how to request a review if needed. Confirm these details with the provider.
If you require accommodations, request and confirm approval in advance and bring any required documentation. Do not assume accommodations will be available on test day.
If you are ill or unable to attend, contact the provider as soon as possible to ask about rescheduling, cancellation, or refund policies; do not simply fail to appear.