PSE SASE exam-day guide
PSE SASE · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Government-issued photo ID
Bring the original ID document you registered with. The name must match your registration exactly. Confirm with the provider which ID types are accepted and whether a secondary ID is required.
Admission or confirmation document
Print or save the confirmation email showing your test date, time, location or online link, and candidate number. Confirm with the provider whether a printed copy is mandatory.
Knowledge of your test centre or online platform
Verify the address, arrival time, and transport route, or run the platform's system check in advance if testing remotely. Confirm with the provider the required arrival margin and any software or browser requirements.
Permitted items only
Assume nothing beyond ID, confirmation, and any explicitly permitted aids is allowed. Confirm with the provider whether a calculator, scratch paper, or pen is permitted, and whether the test centre supplies them.
Personal medication and accessibility arrangements
If you need medication, food, or extra time, confirm approval and procedures with the provider well before test day. Bring only what has been approved.
Clothing and comfort plan
Dress in layers because room temperature varies. Avoid items likely to trigger security screening such as large jewellery, belts with metal, or bulky outerwear; confirm with the provider whether a jacket may be worn at the desk.
Hydration and a light meal
Eat a normal meal and drink modestly before arrival. Confirm with the provider whether water is allowed at the desk or only during breaks.
Storage plan for phone and valuables
Phones are normally switched off and stored away from the desk. Confirm with the provider whether lockers are available or whether you should leave valuables at home.
Timing strategy for each section
Write down your target pace per question or per section based on the published format. Do not rely on memory alone; rehearse the pacing in your final practice sessions.
Rest and travel buffer
Plan to arrive with a buffer for delays. Confirm with the provider what happens if you arrive late, as late admission policies vary.
Plan the day
Stop learning new material. Review your error log, formulas, and section strategy. Do one timed section under realistic conditions, then review it thoroughly. Confirm your test centre address or platform check, ID requirements, and permitted items with the provider. Protect sleep.
Do a light review only, no full mock. Prepare your bag with ID, confirmation, and approved items. Check travel times or internet and power backup for a remote test. Set two alarms. Eat normally and go to bed at your usual time.
Eat a normal breakfast, avoid heavy caffeine if it makes you anxious, and arrive at the centre or log in early per the provider's instructions. Leave your phone stored as directed. Do a brief warm-up of a few easy questions, not a full practice test.
Read each question fully before answering. Answer easy questions first if the platform allows navigation, flag uncertain items, and return to them. Watch the clock against your section targets. Use breaks only as permitted, and return on time. If a technical problem occurs, note it and notify the invigilator or support immediately.
Rules to check
Present the original government-issued photo ID you registered with; the name must match your registration. Confirm with the provider which documents are accepted.
Follow all invigilator and platform instructions. Do not communicate with other candidates, and do not attempt to view another candidate's screen or paper.
Electronic devices, including phones and smart watches, must be switched off and stored as directed. Confirm with the provider whether any device may be kept on your person for medical reasons.
Breaks are taken only at designated times and are usually not permitted during a timed section. Confirm with the provider the break policy and whether the clock stops during breaks.
Scoring and result reporting follow the provider's published rules, including any penalty or non-penalty for incorrect answers. Confirm with the provider how omitted and incorrect answers are treated.
Do not remove or copy test materials. Scratch paper, if permitted, is collected at the end. Confirm with the provider what materials are supplied and what must be returned.
If you believe a test-day problem affected your performance, report it to the invigilator or support before leaving and follow the provider's incident procedure. Confirm with the provider the deadline and process for filing a report.
Misconduct can lead to score cancellation or a testing ban. Confirm with the provider the full list of prohibited items and behaviours before test day.