Exam Day Checklist
A printable, career-specific checklist for the morning of your exam — ID and confirmation, arrival time, route, what to bring, the rules to follow, and tips that matter for your particular exam.
LicenseFig · Exam Day Checklist
🩺 Certified Nursing Assistant — exam day checklist
August 20, 2026
Checklist for every exam
- ☐Government-issued photo ID — Must match the name you registered under. No exceptions at most vendors.
- ☐Confirmation email / scheduling number — Bring it printed or on your phone for check-in (phone goes to your locker).
- ☐Arrive 30–45 minutes early — Late arrivals are usually turned away and you lose the fee.
- ☐Know your test center address & route — Do a dry run a few days ahead if it is a new area.
- ☐Approved calculator (if allowed) — Check the vendor policy first — some exams ban or restrict calculators.
- ☐Check phone & smartwatch rules — They stay in the locker at most centers; wearing one can void your exam.
- ☐Read the on-screen instructions — The tutorial before the exam shows how the interface works — use it.
- ☐No notes or study materials — Anything written on you or your ID is grounds for dismissal.
- ☐Dress comfortably, in layers — Test rooms are often cold; layers fix that without extra gear.
- ☐Eat and hydrate beforehand — A light meal beats an empty stomach for a 2–4 hour exam.
- ☐Plan your breaks — Some vendors let you pause the clock; confirm before you start.
- ☐Get real sleep the night before — Cramming the night before costs more than it saves.
Career-specific tips — CNA
Two parts
Written + clinical skills. You usually test both in one appointment.
Skills demonstration
You perform 3–5 randomly assigned skills. Practice them on a bed and mannequin beforehand.
Nothing to bring
Supplies and equipment are provided. Wear professional attire; no jewelry that interferes with care tasks.
Speak your steps
State each step aloud as you perform it — many candidates miss points by doing skills silently.
Rules, ID policies and practical-exam requirements vary by state and vendor — verify the details in your confirmation email and with your state board before exam day.
FAQ
What ID do I need for a licensing exam?
A current, government-issued photo ID that matches the name on your registration — typically a driver’s license or passport. Expired IDs and photocopies are usually rejected at every major vendor (PSI, Pearson VUE, Credentia).
What can I bring into the test room?
Very little: your ID, and an approved calculator if the vendor allows one. Phones, smartwatches, notes, bags and outerwear go in a locker. Read the vendor’s personal-item policy before exam day — a smartwatch on your wrist is grounds for dismissal at most centers.
What happens if I arrive late?
Most vendors turn away late arrivals and you forfeit the exam fee. Plan to arrive 30–45 minutes early, do a route dry-run if the center is unfamiliar, and confirm your appointment time in your confirmation email.
Are the career-specific tips the same for every state?
No — practical exams (CNA skills, beauty practicals) and exam formats vary by state and vendor. The tips are general guidance for the career; verify the specifics in your confirmation email and with your state board before the day.
Rules, ID policies and practical-exam requirements vary by state and vendor — verify the details in your confirmation email and with your state board before exam day.