FENZ General Ability Screen exam-day guide
FENZ General Ability Screen · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Government-issued photo ID
Bring the original, valid photo ID (passport or driver licence) whose name matches your registration exactly. If you are unsure which ID types are accepted for the FENZ General Ability Screen, confirm with the provider before test day. needs_review
Test invitation / booking confirmation
Print or save the confirmation email showing your test time, location or online link, and any candidate number. Check the arrival time stated on it, as it may be earlier than the start time.
Confirmation of test format and venue
Confirm whether your sitting is in person at a test centre or online-proctored, and note the address or platform. Details vary between sittings, so confirm with the provider rather than relying on second-hand information. needs_review
Permitted calculator (only if allowed)
Numerical reasoning sections may or may not permit a calculator. Check your candidate information; if calculators are allowed, bring a basic non-programmable one and spare batteries, and confirm the model rules with the provider. needs_review
Stationery and scratch materials
Bring a couple of HB pencils, an eraser and a blue or black pen. Do not assume scrap paper is supplied; ask the invigilator on arrival what is permitted.
Water and a light snack
Bring a clear bottle of water and a snack for after the test. Check the venue's rules on bringing items into the testing room, as bags and phones are usually stored outside.
Phone silenced and stored
Turn your phone off or to silent and stow it as instructed. Do not keep it in a pocket during the test, even if it is switched off.
Travel plan with buffer
Plan to arrive with at least 20 to 30 minutes to spare, allowing for traffic, parking and sign-in. Late arrival can mean you are refused entry, so confirm the venue's late-arrival rule with the provider.
Rest and preparation in the days before
Protect sleep in the 72 hours before the test. Avoid last-minute cramming the night before; familiarity with the question types matters more than new content.
Read the candidate information pack
Read the official candidate guide cover to cover for rules on timing, breaks, calculators, misconduct and results. This is the authoritative source for anything not confirmed here.
Access or special arrangements confirmed
If you need extra time, a separate room or other adjustments, confirm in writing that these have been approved and will be in place. Raise any gap with the provider immediately. needs_review
Emergency contact and provider number saved
Save the provider's contact number so you can call if something goes wrong on the day, such as transport delays or illness.
Plan the day
Re-read the candidate information pack and confirm the time, date, venue or online link, and ID requirements. Check your travel route and parking, and decide what you will bring. Do one short familiarisation session on the question types rather than heavy study, then stop.
Lay out your ID, confirmation, stationery and calculator so nothing is left to the morning. Check that your ID is valid and the name matches your registration. If anything is unclear about the format or permitted items, contact the provider now rather than on the day.
Avoid alcohol and late screens, eat normally and go to bed at your usual time. Do not start new practice tests or try to learn new material. Set two alarms and re-check the departure time and journey plan. Prepare clothes and a light breakfast or snack.
Eat a normal breakfast and drink water. Leave earlier than you think you need to. Arrive at the venue or log in early as instructed, keep your phone off and stored, and follow the invigilator's sign-in and ID checks without rushing.
Read the instructions for each section and note the time limit. Work at a steady pace, answer every question since there is usually no penalty for guessing, and flag or skip questions that stall you, returning to them if time allows. Keep an eye on the clock and leave time to check that all answers are recorded.
Note any questions or sections you found difficult while they are fresh, and check the candidate guide for how and when results are issued. Do not discuss specific questions with other candidates if the provider asks you not to.
Rules to check
Bring original, valid photo ID matching your registration name. If you do not have acceptable ID you may be refused entry, so confirm accepted ID types with the provider in advance.
Follow all invigilator instructions on seating, starting and stopping, and materials. Do not begin a section before you are told to or continue writing after time is called.
Phones, smart watches and other electronic devices must be switched off and stored as directed, not kept on your person. Unauthorised devices in the testing room may be treated as misconduct.
Only use materials the provider permits, such as a calculator if allowed or supplied scratch paper. If you are unsure whether an item is allowed, ask before the test starts rather than assuming.
Breaks are usually only at times set by the provider. Confirm the break policy beforehand and, if you need to leave the room for any reason, raise your hand and wait for the invigilator.
Do not communicate with other candidates during the test, and do not copy, photograph or share test questions afterwards. Treat all test content as confidential.
Scoring and results processes vary by sitting. Check the candidate guide for how results are reported and when, and contact the provider directly with any query about your result rather than relying on rumour.
If you are unwell or delayed, contact the provider as soon as possible. Do not assume you can reschedule or sit late; the options available depend on the provider's policy, so confirm them directly.