On Test Day

Taking a certification exam is a major event in your personal and professional life.  You will want to prepare yourself appropriately.  Equally important as your confidence about the exam’s content is your confidence in your approach to the exam.

For most adults, it has been some time since they last took an examination of any kind.  The prospect of having to demonstrate professional knowledge used on a daily basis may raise anxieties about taking an exam.

Physical and Mental Preparation
Once of the most effective ways to prepare for an exam is to be certain you are felling confident physically and mentally.  It is recommended that you get a good night’s sleep the night before the exam.  Try to relax the evening before. A brief content review is fine but the night before the exam is not the time to do late-night intensive cramming.  You want to go into the exam feeling refreshed and ready to concentrate.

A bit of planning in the days before the exam can go a long way toward feeling confident and avoiding problems which can unsettle you.  You might want to consider staying close to the exam location the night before.  If the location is unfamiliar to you, obtain directions from the testing centre website.

You may want to consider visiting the exam location a few days ahead of time.  Determine where you will park and if you will need to bring money to pay for parking.

Wearing comfortable clothing during the exam is also important.  It is not necessary to dress in your best business suit.  Do remember that exam rooms may have temperature conditions that differ from the local weather.  We strongly suggest that you dress in layers, as getting the room temperature comfortable for everyone is difficult.  In cooler weather, the room may be especially warm; during the summer months, air conditioning may be turned up very high.  It is advisable to wear layers of clothing which you can add or remove as you adjust to the room environment.

Plan to eat something before the exam.  Remember, it will be several hours before you have the chance to eat again.  Food and drink are not permitted in the testing area, although some sites may have vending machines available.  All sites do have water coolers.  You will be permitted to leave the room to get a drink or use the restroom as needed.

All you need to bring with you to the exam is two forms of government-issued identification.  At least one must bear your signature. 

Taking the exam should be viewed as a journey, not necessarily a dreaded task.