Exams Centre — Delivery and Results
On exam day: typical rules, session cancellation and results
This page describes what typically happens on exam day: check-in, validations and exam conditions. It also explains how results are communicated.
The final rules are always those of the exam. Therefore, the conditions defined for your session apply. When there is a provider, their rules also apply. For example, there may be rules on delivery mode (online/in-person), administration and conditions.
In 60 seconds
- It is common to check in early and have your identification document ready (as per exam rules).
- When online, there may be an environment validation and a technical check before the start.
- If an unexpected issue occurs, there is a support channel indicated in the exam instructions.
- If the session is cancelled or invalidated, the exam/provider process applies (record, decision and next steps).
For booking and preparation information, the main Exams Centre page brings together the steps and points of contact.
See Exams Centre — Booking and Preparation
On exam day
On exam day, the pattern is simple: check-in/identification, validations (where applicable) and session start. After that, the exam/provider rules apply.
Check-in and identification
- It is common to check in early, according to the instructions received.
- The exam may require a valid identification document (type and validity as per exam rules).
- Where applicable, identity validation and confirmation of entry conditions may take place.
Environment and conditions
- In general, a quiet environment with no interruptions is expected.
- The space should remain clean and neutral, with no visible reference materials.
- Specific rules may apply depending on the exam and the mode (online/in-person).
Technical conditions (when online)
- It is recommended to have stable equipment and connectivity.
- Specific applications, permissions and resources may be required before the start.
- When possible, having a simple fallback (e.g., an alternative network) helps with unexpected issues.
Typical exam rules: integrity and exam conditions
Rules exist to protect exam integrity and ensure comparable conditions between candidates. For that reason, it is common to have rules about permitted materials, devices and communication. However, the exact rules vary by exam and provider.
What is typically checked
- Candidate identity (and, where applicable, alignment with the exam registration).
- Environment conditions (especially online): neutrality, no visible materials and controlled interruptions.
- Permitted materials: as a rule, only what is allowed by the exam rules.
Situations that may require intervention
- Inconsistencies in validations (identity/environment) or questions about exam conditions.
- Frequent interruptions, noise, third parties in the room or visible non-permitted items (as per rules).
- Situations that create ambiguity about integrity, according to the exam rules.
Exam confidentiality (content and information)
In many exams, the content is confidential. Therefore, it is not permitted to record or share questions or content (including photos, screenshots and recordings). If that happens, the exam/provider process applies. As such, intervention may occur and, where applicable, cancellation or invalidation.
Session cancellation: typical reasons and what happens next
Cancellation or invalidation means the session is not considered valid for results purposes. In that case, the process defined by the exam/provider applies.
In some exams, a session may be cancelled or invalidated. However, this depends on the applicable rules. This mechanism exists to ensure integrity when required conditions are not met. Therefore, it may be applied in specific situations. Finally, the reasons and exact process depend on the exam and, where applicable, the provider.
When it may be cancelled
- Failure in required validations (e.g., identity or environment conditions, where applicable).
- Presence of non-permitted materials/devices, according to exam rules.
- Behaviours or conditions that breach integrity rules, as per exam rules.
- Conditions that prevent administration/continuity of the session, according to the exam/provider procedure.
Note: this list is indicative. The decision always applies the exam/provider rules.
What happens if it is cancelled
- The occurrence may be recorded (where applicable) and the exam/provider procedure applies.
- Depending on the context, rescheduling, a retake (new attempt) or a case review may be possible.
- Where applicable, the Exams Centre supports administrative routing and clarification of the next step.
Incidents and support
If a technical problem, interruption or question occurs during the session, there is a support channel indicated in the exam instructions. Therefore, that is the first point of contact. In addition, where applicable, the Exams Centre supports routing and incident recording.
What helps in case of an unexpected issue
- Recording the time and type of issue (e.g., technical failure, interruption) can help support.
- The channel indicated by the exam provides the immediate next step (procedure varies by exam/provider).
- When necessary, administrative routing through the Exams Centre may apply.
What the Exams Centre can clarify
- Who the correct point of contact is, when multiple parties are involved.
- What administrative evidence exists (where applicable) and how it is recorded.
- What next steps may be possible (rescheduling, retake, review), depending on the exam context.
Results and retake (new attempt)
The results communication method and whether a retake exists depend on the exam and, where applicable, the provider. Therefore, they may vary. Still, the method and typical timeline are usually indicated at the close of the process.
How results are communicated
Results may be communicated via a portal, provider email, or formal process communication. Timelines may vary.
Evidence and administrative closure
Where applicable, there is administrative evidence of the process (confirmation, session, result and closure record) to support traceability.
Retake (new attempt), where applicable
If a retake exists, conditions are defined by the exam/provider (timelines, eligibility and rules). The next step can be indicated upon request.
FAQ — Exam day and results
What happens if I am late?
It depends on the exam/provider and the session type. In some cases there may be tolerance; in others, the session may not proceed and rescheduling may be required. In some exams, lateness or no-show may lead to additional costs or the need for a new registration. The applicable procedure is stated in the exam instructions.
Can I take breaks or go to the bathroom during the exam?
It depends on the exam, the mode (online/in-person) and, where applicable, the provider. Some exams may allow controlled breaks; others may have restrictions.
The exact rules are in the exam instructions and are the ones that apply at the time of delivery.
Can I have water, drinks or food during the exam?
It depends on the exam/provider rules and the administration type. In general, there are restrictions on items and consumption at the exam desk, especially under proctoring. Therefore, the exam instructions specify what is allowed.
How do I confirm the exact conditions of my exam?
The exact conditions are set out in the exam instructions and, where applicable, in the provider’s portal or documentation.
If there is any doubt, the Exams Centre can clarify the context and the next step.
What happens if I fail the exam?
It depends on the exam and, where applicable, the provider. In many cases you can try again (retake or a new exam), but there may be rules on timelines, eligibility and maximum attempts.
The applicable procedure (how to schedule a new attempt and costs) is described in the exam/provider rules.
Do you need clarification or support?
For questions about exam day, incidents, session cancellation, results or retake (new attempt), you can use the form. The Exams Centre will respond with the context and the next steps.