A few weeks before the test

If you’re not a morning person, become one. Tests usually begin in the morning and go into the afternoon. If you’re used to waking up late, let your body and mind adjust by starting to get up early a few weeks before your exam.

Also, if you need the centre to make any special accommodations for you (for example, if you're hard of hearing and need to sit closer to the audio device during the Listening paper), you need to contact the centre before test day. They may request a note from your doctor so give enough time for this.

1 week before the test

• • Don’t try to learn anything new; focus only on reviewing what you already know.

  • Find out where the test centre is and plan out how you're going to get there on that day. Plan to be there early.

24 hours before the test

Have an English day!

• • Spend the day communicating, reading, listening etc. in English. This ensures that you are thinking in English well before your exam.

  • Prepare your documents and snacks in a bag the night before.

    • 1. Bring your ID (passport or national ID card)

      2. Bring your confirmation documents

      3. Bring pens (black or dark blue) - You will need them for the Writing paper if doing the paper exam

      4. Bring pencils (B or HB) - You will need them for the Listening and Reading and Use of English papers if doing the paper exam

      5. Bring erasers

      6. Even if you are doing the computer-based exam, you may want to bring a pencil or pen so you can take notes and plan your writing

      7. Bring water in a clear bottle (no labels)

      8. Anything you need (like bus tickets or money) for getting to the test centre

      9. Pack food or drinks - Your test centre may or may not have a place where you can leave things, such as your cell phone or a snack. You can ask them in advance. If there's a place to store things, you can bring a snack. You will be able to eat and drink during breaks, but not during the exam.

      10. Get to bed early. 

      11. Don't forget to set your alarm.

Test day

Here is a checklist to ensure you do your best on test day:

1. • 1. Eat a good breakfast. 

        • Protein and fat will keep you fuller longer. Consider eating eggs, grains, oats or fruit with yogurt. These are better than simple carbohydrates. 

        • Eat a bit more than usual but try not to eat anything too heavy; you don’t want to feel sleepy.

        • If you cannot bring snacks to the exam, you may also want to eat something on your way there.

        • Don’t drink too much because bathroom breaks will take up time.

     2. Wear comfortable clothes.

        • Dress in layers so you don’t become too hot or too cold.

     3. Bring the documents and snacks that you prepared the night before.

        • Bring your ID (passport or national ID card)

        • Bring your confirmation documents

        • Bring pens (black or dark blue)

        • Bring pencils (B or HB) 

        • Bring erasers

        • Bring water in a clear bottle (no labels)

     4. You should already know how to get to the test centre.

        • Make sure you know where the test centre is and how to get there before the exam day.

     5. Get to the test centre early. 

        • Do not be late. Don't waste your preparation time by arriving late.

        • Arrive early. You need time to have your ID checked and your photograph taken. You will also need time to check your personal items into the secure room if there is one.

        • Find out where everything is, including your test room and the bathroom.

        • When you go to your test room, you will have to wait in line to have your passport checked again. You will be assigned a desk with your name on it. There will also be a pencil or two and an eraser.

     6. Do not panic. Stress is normal. Use your energy to focus. Don't let you nerves control you.

     7. Do not be afraid to ask the staff for help if you need anything. They are there to help you.

        • If you need help during the exam or need to go to the washroom quietly raise your hand and wait for someone to assist you.

        • You cannot leave the test room during the first 10 minutes of any part of the exam. 

Note

• • • There are breaks between the start of the exam, the writing, listening and reading and use of English parts of the exam. If you can bring a snack, you can eat it at this time.

    • You won't be able to bring food or drink to your desk in the exam room (apart from a clear plastic bottle of water). You cannot have your personal belongings at your desk or keep your mobile phone/electronic items inside the exam room. Test centres don't always have a place to store your belongings, so you should check beforehand.

    • If you must leave the exam room to go to the washroom, take your ID with you. You’ll need it to re-enter the exam room.

    • You cannot take your notes with you after the test.

    • Stop writing immediately when you're told. Give all papers to the invigilator, including question papers, answer sheets, and notes. 

    • Stay in your seat until you're told you can leave the room. 

    • If you have any questions or problems, tell the invigilator immediately. 

    • During the Listening test, raise your hand immediately if you cannot hear the recording. Do not wait until the end to tell them there's a problem.

    • Listen carefully to the instructions which the invigilator will read out and make sure you follow them. 

    • Make sure your writing on the answer sheet is clear, easy to read and your answer is inside the box. Use an eraser to correct your mistakes. 

Test day breakdown

• • • The test usually begins with the Writing paper, followed by Reading and Use of English and then Listening.

      • You cannot leave your seat until all papers have been collected and you have been told to leave. 

      • If you need help during the exam, or need to go to the washroom, quietly raise your hand and wait for someone to assist you.

      • You cannot leave the test room during the first 10 minutes of any part of the exam.

      • If you finish the test early, you must wait quietly until it is over and you are told that you can leave. 

• • • You will be advised of the time and place of the speaking test. 

      • It could be directly following the first part of the test, but often it is scheduled on a different day.