NZ CFS L5 Trustee Services exam-day guide
NZ CFS L5 Trustee Services · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Photo identification
Bring the exact form of ID the provider specifies (commonly a current passport or driver licence). The accepted ID types and any secondary ID requirement vary by provider - confirm with the provider before exam day.
Exam admission or confirmation email
Print or save offline a copy of your booking confirmation, candidate number, and the venue or online-proctoring instructions. Confirm with the provider whether a printed copy is required.
Venue and session details
Record the address, room, start time, and arrival time. Plan to arrive earlier than the stated check-in time; the exact arrival window is set by the provider - confirm with the provider.
Permitted reference materials
Some trustee services exams permit specified legislation or standards extracts. Check the current permitted-materials list for your exam and bring only what is allowed. Do not assume any material is permitted - confirm with the provider.
Approved calculator (if permitted)
If a calculator is allowed, bring a non-programmable model matching the provider's rules. Confirm whether calculators are permitted and which models qualify.
Writing implements and clear container
Bring spare pens or pencils in a clear pouch if the venue requires it. Stationery rules vary - confirm with the provider.
Water and a light snack
Bring water in a clear bottle and a small snack for before or after the session. Check venue rules on food and drink in the exam room.
Personal medication and accessibility arrangements
If you need medication, extra time, or other adjustments, confirm that approval has been arranged in advance. Adjustments are not granted on the day without prior approval.
Watch (non-smart)
A simple analogue or digital watch helps you pace yourself if the room clock is not visible. Smart watches are commonly prohibited - confirm with the provider.
Leave valuables and smart devices behind or stowed
Phones, smart watches, and other devices are typically required to be switched off and stored away from your desk. Confirm the provider's device policy.
Rest and logistics plan
Confirm transport, parking, and a backup route. Aim for a full night's sleep in the days before; avoid last-minute cramming of new material.
Review the exam structure
Re-read the official exam guide for question format, number of questions, time allowed, and pass mark. Confirm these details with the provider rather than relying on secondhand information.
Plan the day
Stop learning new content. Review your own summary notes, key legislation principles, and worked examples of trustee duties, trust administration, and breach/remedy scenarios. Confirm your booking, ID, venue, and permitted materials with the provider.
Do one timed practice set under exam conditions using only permitted materials. Review errors and note the reasoning behind each correction rather than memorising answers.
Light review only: skim summaries and formulas or definitions you tend to forget. Prepare your bag with ID, confirmation, stationery, and permitted materials. Check transport and set two alarms. Get a full night's sleep.
Eat a normal breakfast, arrive at the venue or log in early as instructed, and do a brief calm review of your summary sheet. Avoid discussing content with other candidates in a way that raises anxiety.
Present your ID and confirmation, stow devices as directed, and listen carefully to invigilator instructions. Note where the clock is and how to ask a question.
Read the instructions, note the total time and question count, and budget time per section. Answer easier questions first if the format allows, and flag harder ones to return to.
Check your pace against the clock. For scenario questions, identify the parties, the duty or power in issue, and the most appropriate course of action before selecting an answer.
Ensure every question is answered, review flagged items, and check that you have not misread negatives such as 'least appropriate' or 'except'.
Rules to check
Bring the identification specified by the provider and present it at check-in; candidates without acceptable ID may be refused entry. Confirm the accepted ID types with the provider.
Follow all invigilator and proctor instructions. Unauthorised materials, notes, or devices on your desk may lead to confiscation or invalidation of your result.
Switch off and store phones, smart watches, and other electronic devices as directed. Do not keep them on your person during the exam.
Use only materials and equipment on the provider's permitted list. If you are unsure whether an item is allowed, ask before the exam starts.
Breaks are generally limited and may be supervised; leaving the room may be recorded. Confirm the break and toilet policy with the provider before exam day.
Results and the pass mark are set by the provider. Do not rely on rumoured pass marks or scoring rules; check the official exam guide.
If you feel unwell or experience a problem during the exam, raise it with the invigilator or proctor immediately so it can be recorded.
Maintain academic integrity. Sharing, reproducing, or soliciting exam content breaches conduct rules and may result in sanctions.