NY Regents Chemistry exam-day guide
NY Regents Chemistry · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Photo ID
Bring a current school-issued or government-issued photo ID. Exact ID requirements vary by testing site (school vs. regional site); confirm with your school counselor or testing coordinator before exam day.
Admission ticket or registration confirmation
If your school or the test site issued a room assignment, admission ticket, or registration confirmation, bring it. Some sites post room lists only, so confirm with the provider what is actually issued.
Two No. 2 pencils and a good eraser
Bring at least two sharpened No. 2 (HB) pencils and a soft eraser. Multiple-choice answers are machine-scored, so clean erasures matter.
Blue or black pen
Useful for written responses; some coordinators require pen for constructed-response sections. Confirm the site's pen/pencil preference with the provider.
Approved scientific calculator
The Chemistry Regents allows a four-function, scientific, or graphing calculator. Bring one you know well, with working batteries, and confirm the current permitted-calculator policy for your administration with the provider.
Reference table
The Chemistry Reference Tables (physical setting/chemistry) are provided with the exam and are used throughout. Do not assume you must bring your own; confirm with the provider whether a copy is supplied or you should bring a clean printed copy.
Watch (optional, non-smart)
A simple wristwatch helps you pace sections. Smartwatches and phones are generally not permitted at the desk; confirm the site's device policy with the provider.
Know your pacing plan
Decide in advance roughly how long to spend on multiple choice versus each constructed-response part so you reach the final questions.
Review Reference Table locations
Before the exam, be able to find solubility rules, the activity series, common ions, and the periodic table quickly in the provided reference tables.
Sleep and breakfast
Plan a normal night's sleep and a light breakfast; the exam is long and stamina matters for the written sections.
Transportation and arrival time
Confirm your report time and location with your school or testing coordinator; arrive early to allow for check-in.
Plan the day
Do a timed full practice run under exam-like conditions using only the reference tables and an approved calculator. Identify your weakest topic (commonly stoichiometry, gas laws, or acid-base) and review just that.
Rehearse reference-table navigation: locate solubility guidelines, the activity series, ion tables, and periodic trends quickly, since speed here saves minutes.
Light review only: formulas, unit conversions, significant figures, and common calculation traps (moles, molarity, percent composition). Avoid new material.
Pack your bag: ID, pencils, eraser, pen, approved calculator with fresh batteries, and any admission materials. Confirm report time and location with the provider.
Eat a normal breakfast, arrive early, and leave phones/smart devices stowed per site rules. Skim the reference tables once to warm up, not to cram new content.
Read directions for each part carefully, show work and units on constructed-response items (partial credit is common), and budget time so you reach the last questions. If stuck, mark and return rather than stalling.
Check that every question is answered, erase stray marks on the answer sheet, and verify units and significant figures on calculations.
Rules to check
Follow all instructions from the proctor and testing coordinator; site-specific procedures govern seating, materials, and timing. Confirm details with the provider.
Bring and display the required photo ID if your site requires it; ID and admission requirements vary, so confirm with the provider.
Electronic devices such as phones and smartwatches are generally not allowed at the desk; confirm the site's device and calculator policy with the provider.
Use only an approved calculator; do not share calculators or reference materials during the exam.
Breaks, if any, are set by the proctor; confirm the break policy with the provider and remain in designated areas.
Scoring: multiple-choice and constructed-response sections are combined into a total score later converted to a final rating; written answers should show reasoning and units to earn partial credit.
Academic integrity rules apply: no communication with others about exam content during or after the session as directed by the proctor; confirm specific rules with the provider.
If you are unsure about any logistical rule (late arrival, makeup testing, permitted materials), ask your school counselor or testing coordinator before exam day rather than guessing.