What to Expect on the Exam Day

Exam Overview & What to Expect

• On exam day, you will check into your selected testing center.  The testing center will send instructions upon registration. (i.e., bring a photo ID, no food or drink in the testing room, etc).  

• You can take up to 6 hours to complete the exam, which is completed on a computer.

Exam Rules & Policies

• Calculator & Scrap Paper Policy

  • There are NO calculators allowed (this includes your phone) during the test. The testing software also has no calculator application on the computer. Rest assured that the calculations required are relatively basic and use round numbers.

  • There is no scrap paper, however the test center will provide you with a dry-erase sheet and marker. I found this to be adequate to perform the necessary calculations and jot down formulas.

  • *Pro tip: write down key formulas as soon as sitting down using the dry-erase provided. This will avoid having to recall them later if you are fatigued or stressed.

• Breaks & Timing Rules

  • Breaks are allowed, but the testing clock will still be running.  It is critical that you manage your time accordingly. 

• Answer Review & Flagging Questions

  • You can flag your questions and return to these to review them or change answers.   At the conclusion, the test will prompt you to submit your final answers. 

  • You will learn immediately after submitting your answers whether you have passed or failed.  In addition, you will receive a breakdown of your performance on each section.

Scoring & Results

• How Exam Is Scored

• The exam is scored on 200 multiple-choice questions.  The balance of questions ( typically 30 more) are used by test administrators for future tests and test banks. You will not be able to tell which of the 30 are test bank questions. 

• Pass/Fail & Retake Policies

  • Historically, only ~ 65% of test takers pass

  • A retake is available after a 60-day waiting period. You can retake the exam as needed within your 2-year approval window.