A2 CofC exam-day guide
A2 CofC · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Photo ID
Bring the original photo ID (passport or photocard driving licence are the usual accepted forms) in the name you booked under. Confirm with the provider which forms of ID they accept and whether a scanned copy must be uploaded in advance.
Booking confirmation and candidate/reference number
Have the confirmation email, candidate number and the exam join link or portal login saved offline (a screenshot or downloaded PDF) in case email access fails on the day.
Stable internet connection plus a backup
Use a wired connection or strong Wi-Fi, and have a charged phone hotspot ready as a fallback. Test the connection at the same time of day as the exam to check for local congestion.
Charged device, charger and peripherals
A laptop or desktop with a working webcam, microphone and speakers, plus the charger plugged in. If the exam is remotely invigilated, test the camera and mic before the day.
Required software installed and updated
Browser version and any proctoring or lockdown software demanded by the provider. Run the provider's system check in advance rather than five minutes before the start.
A quiet, private, well-lit room with a clear desk
No other people, no pets, no TV or music, and nothing on the desk except what the provider permits. Sit with a plain wall behind you and light on your face, not behind you.
Confirm what materials are allowed
Ask the provider in advance whether the exam is closed-book, whether a basic calculator is permitted, and whether blank paper and a pen are allowed or banned. Do not assume - rules differ between assessment bodies.
Confirm timing, format and pass mark in writing
The A2 CofC exam is commonly around 30 multiple-choice questions in about 60 minutes with a pass mark in the region of 75%, but confirm the exact format, duration, number of attempts and resit rules with your provider.
Confirm the minimum age requirement
There is normally a minimum age to hold the certificate; check the current figure with your provider before booking.
Revise the syllabus areas, not just question drills
Be ready on airspace and operating limitations, meteorology, principles of flight, UAS/technical matters, human factors and the relevant regulations, including the open-category subcategories and the A2 distance-from-people rule.
Watch, water and a clock
A simple analogue watch or a visible clock helps you pace sections without repeatedly tabbing to a timer. Keep water in a closed bottle on the floor, clear of the desk.
Provider's candidate handbook or terms
Read the assessment body's rules on conduct, technical failure, absence and results before exam day so nothing on the day is a surprise.
Plan the day
Re-read the provider's candidate instructions and confirm every logistic detail in writing: start time in your local time zone, join link, ID requirements, permitted materials and what happens if the connection drops.
Run the full technical rehearsal - device, browser, webcam, mic, proctoring software and internet - in the exact room you will use, at the same time of day as the exam.
Finish content revision. Prioritise weak areas, the A2 operating limitations and airspace/regulation topics, and then stop cramming new material.
Clear the exam room of notes, posters and clutter, and tell anyone you live with that the room is off-limits at the exam time.
Do one light practice set or a review of summary notes only - no long study sessions. Protect your sleep.
Charge every device, find the charger and ID, and lay them out together. Save the join link and candidate number offline.
Check your email and the provider portal for any last-minute change of time, link or instructions.
Confirm your sleep, meals and travel or household arrangements so the exam slot is uninterrupted.
Eat properly, avoid heavy caffeine if you are prone to nerves, and do a final five-minute equipment check: power, internet, camera, mic, browser.
Join the session early - typically 10 to 15 minutes before the start - to allow for ID checks, room scans or software loading. Confirm with the provider how early they expect you.
Read each question fully and watch for absolute words such as 'always', 'never' and 'must'. Answer every question - there is normally no penalty for a wrong answer, so never leave a blank.
Do two passes: answer the ones you know first, flag the rest, then return. Keep an eye on the clock and reserve the final minutes for flagged items and a check that nothing is unanswered.
If the connection drops or the software fails, stop and contact the provider immediately using their stated procedure - do not attempt to restart repeatedly on your own initiative.
Note any provisional result and how and when the certificate or record will be issued, then store it where you can find it for future flight planning.
Rules to check
Treat the exam as closed-book unless your provider has told you otherwise in writing. Anything on the desk, on screen or within reach that is not expressly permitted can be treated as misconduct.
The name on your ID must match the name on the booking. Raise any discrepancy with the provider before exam day - it is far easier to fix in advance than at the check-in stage.
You must be alone in the room for the duration, with phones and smart devices away and silenced. Do not communicate with anyone, verbally or by message, while the exam is live.
Do not screenshot, photograph, record, copy or share exam questions in any form. Question content is the provider's intellectual property and sharing it can invalidate your result.
Ask in advance about breaks. Short multiple-choice assessments commonly run without a scheduled break, so plan hydration and comfort around the session rather than during it; confirm the provider's rule.
Scoring is normally a straight count of correct answers against a published pass mark, with no penalty for guessing. Confirm the exact number of questions, pass mark and number of resit attempts with your provider before you sit.
If you believe there was a technical or procedural problem, report it to the provider immediately and in writing. Most bodies have a limited window for appeals or special-consideration requests, so do not wait for the result.