PEIC Level 1 (A2) exam-day guide
PEIC Level 1 (A2) · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Confirmation / admission document
Bring the booking confirmation or admission letter your test centre sent you, printed or downloaded as they instruct. Confirm with the provider which format they accept and whether a printed copy is required.
Valid photo ID
Bring the original ID document named in your registration (usually a passport or national ID card). The name must match your booking exactly. Photocopies and expired documents are normally refused - confirm the accepted ID types with your centre.
Two black or blue pens
Bring spare pens in case one fails. Ask the centre in advance whether written answers must be in pen or pencil, since some centres require pencil for answer sheets.
Pencil, eraser and sharpener
Useful if any part of the paper is completed on a machine-read answer sheet. Check the centre's stationery rules beforehand.
Clear water bottle
A small transparent bottle with the label removed is usually accepted, but rules vary by centre. Confirm whether drinks are allowed in the exam room.
Simple wristwatch
A plain analogue or digital watch (no smartwatch, no phone) helps you pace yourself if the room clock is hard to see. Watches may need to be placed on the desk - ask the invigilator.
Travel plan and venue address
Check the exact building and room, plus transport times, the day before. Aim to arrive at least 30 minutes early so a delay does not cost you your place.
Centre contact number
Save the test centre's phone number and email so you can call immediately if transport fails or you cannot find the room.
Speaking test appointment details
In PEIC the speaking test may be on the same day or a different day and time from the written papers. Confirm your speaking slot with the provider and bring your ID to it as well.
Phone switched off and handed in
Mobile phones, smartwatches and any other devices are normally banned from the exam room. Leave them at home or be ready to hand them in as instructed.
Candidate number / registration details
Know the registration number or candidate details on your confirmation so staff can locate your record quickly at check-in.
Plan the day
Re-read the confirmation email and check the venue, start time, ID requirements and speaking appointment. Do one short familiarisation task for each paper (reading, writing, listening, speaking) rather than cramming new grammar. Confirm the centre's rules on stationery, water and devices.
Pack your bag: ID, confirmation, pens, pencil, eraser, water, watch. Plan the route and set two alarms. Charge nothing you cannot take in - leave devices at home. Go to bed at a normal time; avoid last-minute study after the evening.
Eat a normal breakfast and drink water. Leave with plenty of margin for delays. On arrival, find the room and the check-in desk, keep your ID in your hand, switch your phone off and hand it in if asked. Use the toilet before you go in.
Listen to the instructions and fill in your details exactly as shown. Read each task fully before answering, keep an eye on the clock, and never leave a blank - an educated guess costs nothing. In listening, read the questions in the pause before each recording. Leave a few minutes to check spelling and transfer of answers.
Greet the examiner, speak clearly and at a steady pace, and use full sentences rather than one-word answers. If you do not understand, ask politely for the question to be repeated. It is fine to pause and think - silence for a moment is better than a rushed, unclear answer.
Rules to check
Bring the original photo ID named in your booking. If your ID is missing, expired or shows a different name from your registration, you may be refused entry or your result may be withheld. Ask the provider in advance about acceptable ID.
Arrive at the time stated on your confirmation. Centres set their own late-arrival cut-off and may not admit you after it - confirm the exact rule with your provider.
Phones, smartwatches, notes and any unauthorised materials must stay outside the exam room. Possession of a device during the test is normally treated as malpractice.
Follow the invigilator's instructions at all times: do not talk, do not look at other candidates' work, and do not leave your seat without permission. Raise your hand if you need help.
Do not open the question paper or write anything until you are told to start, and stop writing immediately when told. Writing after the stop instruction can lead to your paper being cancelled.
If you need the toilet or feel unwell during the test, raise your hand and wait for the invigilator. Whether the clock is stopped during an absence varies - confirm with the provider.
Speak only in the language of the test during the speaking test, and answer the examiner's questions yourself; prompting from anyone else is not allowed.
Results, certificates and the grading scheme (including how pass levels are reported) are issued by the provider. Confirm the release date, the score report format and the appeals procedure with your test centre rather than relying on second-hand information.
If you have a disability or medical condition, request any access arrangements well before the test date; adjustments are usually not granted on the day.