Exams Centre — Delivery and Results
On exam day: session rules, cancellation and results
This page explains what typically happens on exam day, including check-in, candidate validation, session conditions and communication of results.
The final rules are always those of the specific assessment. Therefore, the conditions defined for your session apply. When there is a provider, their rules also apply. For example, there may be specific requirements for delivery mode, administration and candidate conduct.
In 60 seconds
- It is common to check in early and have your identification document ready, according to the applicable rules.
- When online, there may be an environment validation and a technical check before the start.
- If an unexpected issue occurs, the support channel indicated in the instructions should be used.
- If the session is cancelled or invalidated, the defined process applies, including 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
Assessment session: check-in, validation and start
The usual pattern is simple: check-in, identification, validations where applicable and session start. After that, the rules defined for the assessment or by the provider apply.
Candidate check-in and identification
- It is common to check in early, according to the instructions received.
- A valid identification document may be required, with type and validity defined by the applicable rules.
- Where applicable, identity validation and confirmation of entry conditions may take place.
Environment and delivery conditions
- In general, a quiet environment with no interruptions is expected.
- The space should remain clean and neutral, with no visible reference materials.
- Specific conditions may apply depending on the certification and the mode, whether online or in-person.
Technical conditions for online delivery
- 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, such as an alternative network, helps with unexpected issues.
Session rules: integrity and delivery conditions
Rules exist to protect integrity and ensure comparable conditions between candidates. For that reason, it is common to have requirements about permitted materials, devices and communication. However, the exact rules vary by certification and provider.
What is typically checked before and during delivery
- Candidate identity and, where applicable, alignment with the registration.
- Environment conditions, especially online: neutrality, no visible materials and controlled interruptions.
- Permitted materials: as a rule, only what is allowed by the applicable instructions.
Situations that may require intervention
- Inconsistencies in validations, including identity, environment or eligibility checks.
- Frequent interruptions, noise, third parties in the room or visible non-permitted items.
- Situations that create ambiguity about integrity, according to the applicable instructions.
Confidentiality: content and information
In many certifications, 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 defined process applies. As such, intervention may occur and, where applicable, cancellation or invalidation.
Cancellation or invalidation: typical reasons and next steps
Cancellation or invalidation means the assessment session is not considered valid for results purposes. In that case, the process defined by the certification or provider applies.
In some cases, 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. The reasons and exact process depend on the certification and, where applicable, the provider.
When a session may be cancelled
- Failure in required validations, such as identity or environment conditions, where applicable.
- Presence of non-permitted materials or devices, according to applicable rules.
- Behaviours or conditions that breach integrity requirements.
- Conditions that prevent administration or continuity of the session, according to the defined procedure.
Note: this list is indicative. The decision always applies the certification or provider rules.
What happens after cancellation or invalidation
- The occurrence may be recorded, where applicable, and the defined procedure applies.
- Depending on the context, rescheduling, a retake or a case review may be possible.
- Where applicable, the Exams Centre supports administrative routing and clarification of the next step.
Incidents, interruptions and support channels
If a technical problem, interruption or question occurs during the session, there is usually a support channel indicated in the instructions. That channel should be 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, such as technical failure or interruption, can help support.
- The channel indicated by the instructions provides the immediate next step.
- 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, including rescheduling, retake or review, depending on the certification context.
Results and retake: communication and follow-up
The results communication method and whether a retake exists depend on the certification 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, including confirmation, session record, result and closure record, to support traceability.
Retake or new attempt, where applicable
If a retake exists, conditions are defined by the certification or provider, including timelines, eligibility and rules. The next step can be indicated upon request.
FAQ — Session, results and retake
What happens if I am late?
It depends on the certification, provider and session type. In some cases there may be tolerance; in others, the session may not proceed and rescheduling may be required. In some cases, lateness or no-show may lead to additional costs or the need for a new registration. The applicable procedure is stated in the instructions.
Can I take breaks or go to the bathroom during the assessment?
It depends on the certification, the mode, whether online or in-person, and, where applicable, the provider. Some assessments may allow controlled breaks; others may have restrictions. The exact rules are in the instructions and are the ones that apply at the time of delivery.
Can I have water, drinks or food during the session?
It depends on the certification or provider rules and the administration type. In general, there are restrictions on items and consumption at the desk, especially under proctoring. Therefore, the instructions specify what is allowed.
How do I confirm the exact conditions?
The exact conditions are set out in the 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 do not pass?
It depends on the certification and, where applicable, the provider. In many cases, the candidate can try again through a retake or a new assessment, but there may be rules on timelines, eligibility and maximum attempts.
The applicable procedure, including how to schedule a new attempt and any associated costs, is described in the certification or provider rules.
Do you need clarification or support?
For questions about delivery conditions, incidents, cancellation, results or retake, you can use the form. The Exams Centre will respond with the context and the next steps.