PECB ISO/IEC 38500 Foundation Exam Practice & IT Governance Study Guide exam-day guide
PECB ISO/IEC 38500 Foundation Exam Practice & IT Governance Study Guide · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Government-issued photo ID
Bring the original ID you used to register; the name must match your appointment. Confirm with the provider which ID types are accepted for online or test-centre delivery before exam day. needs_review: accepted ID types and name-change rules vary by provider.
Exam appointment confirmation
Save the confirmation email or portal page offline with your appointment time, time zone, candidate number, and provider support contact. Do not rely on opening it from a web link during check-in.
Computer with working webcam and microphone
Use a supported device with a front-facing camera and microphone. Run the provider’s system check at least 24 hours before the exam and again on the morning of the test.
Stable internet connection plus backup
Use a wired or strong Wi-Fi connection and have a phone hotspot ready as a backup. Confirm with the provider how to reconnect if the exam session drops. needs_review: reconnect and incident-reporting procedure is provider-specific.
Quiet, well-lit, private room
Choose a closed room with a plain background, no other people, and enough light for the proctor to see your face and workspace. Tell household members not to enter during the session.
Power adapter and charged device
Keep the laptop or computer plugged in and the battery charged. Have a charged phone nearby only if the provider permits it for support; otherwise keep it out of reach and silenced.
Clear desk and workspace
Remove notes, books, sticky notes, smart devices, smart watches, and any unauthorised materials from the desk and surrounding area. Keep only items the provider explicitly allows.
Login credentials and provider support details
Know your exam portal username and password, and keep the provider’s support phone or chat details accessible on a separate device if allowed. Do not store passwords in a document visible on screen.
Scratch paper and pen - only if permitted
Confirm with the provider whether blank paper, a pen, or an on-screen notepad is allowed during the exam. If permitted, show both sides of the paper to the proctor at check-in and destroy it after the exam. needs_review: scratch-paper rules vary by delivery mode.
Water in a clear container - only if permitted
Confirm with the provider whether drinks are allowed at your desk. If allowed, use a transparent container with no label and keep it away from the keyboard and camera view.
One-page review of the ISO/IEC 38500 model
Before check-in, review the evaluate–direct–monitor cycle and the six principles from memory: responsibility, strategy, acquisition, performance, conformance, and human behaviour. Put the page away before the session starts.
A reliable timekeeping plan
Know the exam duration and how much time to leave for review. Use the on-screen timer if provided; do not rely solely on a phone, which may be prohibited during the test.
Plan the day
Re-read your appointment confirmation and confirm the delivery mode, start time, time zone, ID requirements, and permitted materials with the provider. Run the full system test and fix any webcam, microphone, browser, or bandwidth problems now, not on exam morning.
Do a focused review of the ISO/IEC 38500 governance model and principles rather than new topics. Rehearse how the principles apply to evaluating, directing, and monitoring IT use, and practise explaining each principle in one or two sentences.
Stop cramming new material. Review your own summary of the six principles, the difference between governance and management, and common governance artefacts such as policies, roles, and performance reporting. Confirm that your ID name matches the registration exactly.
Re-run the technology check, charge all devices, prepare the room, and save the provider’s support contact offline. Confirm whether breaks are allowed and how they are requested. Set two alarms and plan to arrive or log in early.
Avoid alcohol and late-night study. Prepare clothes and desk items, remove unauthorised materials from the room, and tell household members your exam window so interruptions are less likely.
Eat a normal meal, hydrate, and do only a light 10–15 minute review. Do not open new study material. Set up the computer, close all unrelated applications, silence notifications, and keep your ID and login details ready.
Log in early, complete identity verification, and follow proctor instructions. Keep your face and hands visible, show the room if asked, and resolve any technical issue through the provider’s support channel before the timer begins.
Read each question fully and identify the ISO/IEC 38500 concept being tested before looking at the options. Answer every question, flag uncertain ones if the platform allows review, and return to them only after securing easier marks.
Watch the timer and keep a steady pace; do not spend too long on one item. If a rule or platform feature is unclear, ask the proctor or provider rather than guessing. Do not communicate with anyone except the proctor.
Use remaining time to check unanswered questions and confirm that each selected answer matches the question asked. Submit only when you are ready, and follow the provider’s instructions for ending the session.
Rules to check
The exam is closed-book unless the provider explicitly states otherwise. Do not use notes, textbooks, search engines, messaging apps, or unauthorised devices; confirm permitted materials with the provider before exam day.
Keep your face, hands, and workspace visible to the proctor for the whole session. Do not leave the camera view, cover the webcam, or allow another person into the room.
Breaks may be restricted or unavailable in online-proctored Foundation exams. Confirm the provider’s break policy before starting; if a break is permitted, follow the proctor’s instructions exactly.
Present valid photo ID and complete identity verification. The ID name must match your registration; confirm with the provider in advance if your name differs or you need an accommodation.
Do not record, screenshot, copy, or share exam content. Do not communicate with other candidates or third parties during the exam about the questions.
If a technical failure occurs, stay calm and contact the provider’s support or proctor immediately. Do not attempt to restart the exam independently unless instructed by the provider.
Scoring and the pass mark are set by the certification body. Answer every question unless the platform penalises incorrect answers; confirm the current scoring and navigation rules with the provider.
Follow all instructions from the proctor and provider. If any rule in this guide conflicts with the provider’s current exam policy, the provider’s policy controls - confirm uncertain points before exam day.