PEIC Level 5 (C2) exam-day guide
PEIC Level 5 (C2) · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Photo identification
Bring the original, valid photo ID in the name you used to register. Confirm with the provider which forms are accepted and whether a second ID is required.
Admission or confirmation document
Print or download the appointment confirmation, candidate number, and venue instructions sent by the centre. Keep a screenshot offline in case of poor signal.
Stationery
Pack two or three black or blue pens, a pencil, an eraser, and a sharpener. Check the provider's rules on whether correction fluid or highlighters are allowed before bringing them.
Water and a light snack
A clear bottle of water and a small snack for the break help maintain concentration during a long session. Confirm whether food and drink are permitted at your desk.
Watch
A simple analogue watch lets you pace yourself if the room clock is not visible. Smart watches and phones are normally prohibited, so confirm what the centre allows.
Venue route and arrival time
Plan the journey in advance, check transport disruptions, and arrive earlier than the stated reporting time to allow for security checks and registration.
Know the paper structure
Review the number of tasks, sections, and total duration so you can allocate time per task. Confirm the exact format and timing with the provider, as these can change between sessions.
Scoring and grade boundaries
Understand how marks are weighted across skills and what result you need. Ask the provider for the current scoring scheme and any pass or grade thresholds rather than relying on older information.
Break policy
Check whether breaks are scheduled, how long they last, and whether you may leave the room. Confirm with the provider in advance if you need an approved adjustment.
Medical or access arrangements
If you have an approved adjustment, bring the confirmation letter and arrive early to set it up. Arrangements usually must be requested well before test day, so confirm deadlines with the provider.
Sleep and rehearsal
Do a short timed practice under exam conditions and protect your sleep in the days before. Avoid learning new material in the final 24 hours.
Personal items plan
Decide where to leave your phone, bag, and coat, since these are usually stored away from the desk. Confirm the centre's storage arrangements.
Plan the day
Confirm the venue, reporting time, and ID requirements with the provider. Print or download your confirmation and check the route and transport. Do one full timed practice or a substantial section under exam conditions, then review your errors and note two or three specific fixes for each skill.
Consolidate rather than cram. Review your own notes on recurring mistakes, useful linking phrases, and timing per task. Rehearse the structure of longer responses so you can plan quickly on the day.
Pack your bag with ID, confirmation, stationery, water, and snack. Recheck the journey and set two alarms. Stop intensive study early, eat a normal meal, and go to bed at your usual time. Do not attempt new topics.
Eat a proper breakfast, hydrate, and arrive at the venue ahead of the reporting time. Leave your phone and smart devices as instructed. Use waiting time for calm breathing and a brief review of your timing plan, not for last-minute cramming.
Read the instructions and check the number of tasks and total time. Note your target time per section. If planning is allowed, spend a short, fixed period outlining longer answers before writing.
Keep to your time allocation and do not let one difficult task consume the whole section. If you get stuck, mark it, move on, and return if time allows. Watch for word limits and task requirements.
Leave time to check that every task is attempted and that answers are in the right place. Correct obvious slips in spelling, grammar, and punctuation, and check that you have written your candidate details as instructed.
Note which sections felt weak while the memory is fresh, and ask the provider about result dates and how to request a review or resit if needed.
Rules to check
Bring the original photo ID in the name used at registration. If you do not have it, you may be refused entry, so confirm accepted documents with the provider in advance.
Follow the centre's rules on phones, smart watches, and other electronic devices; these are normally switched off and stored away from your desk.
Arrive by the stated reporting time. Late arrival may mean you are not admitted or receive less time, so confirm the provider's late-arrival policy.
Only bring items the provider permits at your desk. Ask before bringing notes, dictionaries, or correction materials, as rules vary by centre and session.
Follow all instructions from invigilators. Any communication with other candidates, or looking at another candidate's work, may be treated as misconduct.
If you need to leave the room, raise your hand and wait for permission. Confirm the break and toilet policy with the provider beforehand.
If you need an access arrangement or a rescheduled session, request it well before test day and bring the approval confirmation with you.
Results and scoring are set by the provider. Ask for the current marking scheme and result timeline rather than relying on unofficial sources.