SIA Physical Intervention exam-day guide
SIA Physical Intervention · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Photo ID
Bring current government-issued photo ID; the exact accepted forms and name-match rules should be confirmed with the provider.
Confirmation / booking documents
Bring your exam confirmation, candidate number, and any joining instructions the provider issued.
Comfortable training clothing
Wear practical clothing you can move, kneel, and get up from the floor in; avoid loose jewellery and anything that could snag.
Suitable footwear
Closed-toe, flat, non-slip training shoes. Confirm with the provider whether footwear is specified or provided.
Water and light snacks
Physical assessment is exerting; bring water and something light to eat between sections if permitted.
Any declared medical items
Bring inhalers, medication, supports or taping you normally need, and tell the assessor about relevant injuries or conditions before starting.
Pre-existing injury disclosure
Inform the provider in advance of any injury, pregnancy, or condition that affects physical participation so adjustments can be discussed.
Hair tied back and nails trimmed
Practical hygiene and safety; long hair secured, short nails, no dangling jewellery.
Know the venue and travel plan
Confirm address, parking, and arrival time with the provider; plan to arrive with margin for changing and briefing.
Rest and hydration in the days before
Avoid heavy training or alcohol in the final 24-48 hours; sleep well and eat normally.
Read the provider's candidate handbook
Confirm assessment format, pass criteria, permitted equipment, and what happens if you are injured or late.
Plan the day
Re-read the provider's candidate guidance and confirm venue, arrival time, and what to bring. Check your physical readiness; taper heavy training and prioritise sleep.
Confirm any medical or injury disclosures with the provider and ask what adjustments or deferral options exist.
Prepare and pack clothing, footwear, ID, water, snacks, and any medication. Avoid alcohol and unfamiliar strenuous activity. Confirm your travel route and set alarms.
Eat a normal meal, hydrate, arrive early, sign in, and attend the safety briefing. Raise any new injury or concern with the assessor before practical work begins.
Listen carefully to each task brief, ask clarifying questions before starting if instructions are unclear, work within your training and the provider's safety rules, and stop immediately if you or a partner feels pain or distress.
Use breaks to rehydrate and recover; report any injury to the assessor straight away rather than continuing.
Follow the provider's process for results and feedback; confirm with the provider how and when outcomes are communicated.
Rules to check
Bring valid photo ID and be ready to show it at registration; confirm accepted ID types with the provider.
Follow all safety instructions from assessors and stop immediately if a partner signals discomfort or you feel pain.
Treat partners, assessors, and other candidates with respect; controlled contact only, within the techniques taught.
Declare injuries, medical conditions, or pregnancy before the practical starts; do not conceal problems to try to pass.
Ask the assessor before leaving the room, and follow the provider's rules on breaks, water, and phone use.
Do not coach, prompt, or communicate with other candidates during assessed tasks.
Confirm with the provider in advance the scoring criteria, pass marks, retake policy, and whether any section is scored separately.
Confirm with the provider the policy on lateness, absence, injury during the test, and deferral or appeal routes.