FAQs about the day of the exam

Please arrive a bit before the test centre opening time, ensure you have all your documents ready for the checks. As soon as the doors open the test centre staff will prioritise getting the ID checks completed for your sitting and get the exam started as soon as possible. The exam timer starts at the point your exam is launched, so you will have the correct amount of time in the exam, even if you start after your scheduled time.

If you experience technical difficulties either sitting online or in a test centre we will conduct a full investigation to establish the cause of the issue. If it is established that you are not responsible for the issue and if deemed appropriate you will be able to sit the exam at the next available opportunity. We encourage all candidates to sit the exam at a test centre, wherever possible to reduce the likelihood of any technical issues.

We have made allowances within the timing of each round to allow for minor dropouts in internet connection. The invigilator will manage any adjustments needed to the task times to allow you to complete the station.  

Yes, once you connect again you will immediately return to the room that you were in when you disconnected. Remember to press connect to reconnect your video stream.   

We recommend that you have your mobile phone nearby so our IT team can contact you if your internet connection fails. The team will do everything they can to get you back into the exam.

Do not use a hotspot connection or a wireless dongle unless advised to do so by the IT support team as this will not provide a good and reliable connection. 

Please flag any issues to the invigilator. If this is not possible please contact the IT support team on +44 (0) 208 318 4266. Note this number is only available on exam days. 

There will be a 7 minute comfort break-after round 5, which marks the halfway point of the exam in both morning and afternoon sessions. At all other times, you must be sat in front of the camera.  

You need two forms of ID. The primary ID needs to be a passport, driving license or a nationality card with a photo, your name as it appears on your government documents and in date. No expired documents will be accepted on the exam date unless otherwise approved by the examinations team. The second ID that needs to be provided needs to have the exact same name as the primary ID and a signature.

Please email examinations@rcpsych.ac.uk within three days of the exam with details of your complaint, we will then investigate the matter and discuss any issues with the Examinations Sub Committee.

Please contact the examinations teams via examinations@rcpsych.ac.uk.