NZ Level 5 Life, Disability and Health Insurance exam-day guide
NZ Level 5 Life, Disability and Health Insurance · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Photo ID matching your enrolment name
Bring the original government-issued photo ID (passport or driver licence) in the exact name you enrolled under. If your enrolment name differs from your ID (e.g. married name), contact the exam provider before exam day to confirm what supporting documentation they accept. Confirm the specific ID requirements with the provider.
Exam admission or booking confirmation
Print or download the confirmation email showing your candidate number, exam session time, and venue or online platform. You may not be admitted without it, so keep a digital copy on your phone as backup.
Approved calculator
You will handle premiums, benefit calculations, and percentage-based sums insured. Confirm with the provider which calculator models are permitted (many exams allow only non-programmable, non-financial calculators) and whether the platform supplies an on-screen calculator.
Permitted reference material or formula sheet
Most closed-book exams supply a formula sheet or allow a specified standard. Ask the provider whether any legislation extracts, tables, or formula sheets are supplied or permitted, and whether annotations are allowed. Do not assume anything is allowed.
Two pens or pencils plus a spare
For paper-based sittings bring at least two dark pens and a pencil for any multiple-choice answer sheet. For computer-based sittings bring a pen and paper only if the venue confirms scratch paper is provided.
Watch (non-smart) and layers of clothing
A simple analogue or digital watch helps pace yourself if the room clock is out of view. Smart watches and phones must be switched off and stored. Rooms can be hot or cold, so dress in layers you can remove.
Water bottle and small snack for before/after
Bring water in a clear bottle if the venue allows it, and a snack for after the exam. Confirm the venue's rules on drinks at the desk; many prohibit anything other than a clear water bottle.
Know your exam format, duration, and pass mark
Confirm with the provider the number of questions, whether it is multiple choice, short answer or mixed, the total time, and the pass mark or grading structure. Write these on your study notes so you can plan your pace on the day.
Confirm venue, parking, and arrival time
Check the exact address or online proctoring link, travel time, parking, and the arrival window (often 20-30 minutes before start). For remote sittings, test your camera, microphone, and internet the day before and have a backup connection plan.
Review the provider's rules on breaks, items, and misconduct
Read the candidate handbook or information page for your specific provider. Rules on toilet breaks, leaving the room, permitted items, and consequences of misconduct vary, so confirm rather than assume.
Personal circumstances / special consideration
If you have a disability, medical condition, or English as a second language, confirm with the provider well before the exam whether special assessment conditions (extra time, separate room) can be arranged. These usually need prior approval, not same-day requests.
Study summary of key formulas and definitions
Prepare a one-page summary of core content: premium and benefit formulas, definitions of disablement, waiting and stand-down periods, non-disclosure and duty of disclosure concepts, and NZ regulatory terms. Use it for final revision only, not in the exam unless permitted.
Plan the day
Stop learning new material. Do two timed practice sets under exam conditions, then review only your error list. Re-read your one-page formula and definitions summary. Confirm with the provider the exam format, permitted items, ID requirements, and venue or proctoring details, and resolve any uncertainty now rather than on the day.
Do a light final review of the topics you keep getting wrong. Prepare your bag: ID, confirmation, calculator, pens, watch, water. Check transport or test your remote setup again. Aim for a normal night's sleep.
Confirm the start time and arrival window one last time. Pack everything by the door. Do not start a new topic. Review your summary sheet for 30-45 minutes maximum, then stop. Eat a normal meal, avoid heavy caffeine late in the day, and set two alarms.
Eat a proper breakfast and arrive with time to spare. Leave your phone and smart watch off and stored as required. Use the toilet before entering. Once seated, read the instructions fully, note the total time and question count, and write down any formulas you are afraid of forgetting if scratch paper is allowed.
Do a first pass answering questions you know and flagging the rest. Budget roughly one minute per multiple-choice question, leaving 10-15 minutes to review. For calculation questions, write the formula first, then substitute, then check units and rounding. For scenario questions, identify the client's need, the relevant policy feature, and the regulatory obligation before choosing an answer. Never leave a multiple-choice question blank unless the exam penalises wrong answers; confirm with the provider if unsure.
Return to flagged questions. Check you have answered every question and that your name and candidate number are correct on any answer sheet. Submit or hand in only when you are satisfied.
Rules to check
Bring original photo ID in your enrolled name and your booking confirmation. Candidates without acceptable ID may be refused entry, so confirm the provider's ID policy in advance.
Arrive within the stated arrival window. Late arrivals may not be admitted or may lose exam time, and no extra time is given for lateness. Confirm the provider's late-arrival rule.
Phones, smart watches, and other electronic devices must be switched off and stored away from your desk. Unauthorised devices or notes on your person may be treated as misconduct.
Only permitted items may be at your desk: ID, confirmation, approved calculator, pens, and any allowed reference material. Confirm with the provider what is allowed; do not assume.
Breaks are generally not permitted during the exam, or only with supervision and without extra time. Confirm the provider's break policy, and plan hydration and toilet visits before the exam.
Scoring is based on the number of correct answers or marks against the provider's pass mark. There is usually no penalty for wrong multiple-choice answers, but confirm with the provider before guessing.
Any attempt to communicate with other candidates, copy answers, use unauthorised material, or share exam content afterwards is misconduct and can lead to invalidation of your result.
If you feel unwell or a technical failure occurs during a remote sitting, raise your hand or contact the invigilator or proctor immediately and follow their instructions; do not attempt to fix platform issues yourself.