IT Passport CBT Exam Day Flow and What to Bring | On-Site Tips

What is the CBT Exam?

CBT stands for Computer Based Testing, a method where you take the exam using a computer at the test center. The IT Passport exam switched to this CBT format in 2011, allowing you to take it on your preferred schedule throughout the year. The exam lasts 120 minutes and consists of 100 questions.

Preparation the Day Before

What to Bring

The essential items required for the exam are the exam voucher (confirmation slip) sent via email and a form of identification. Acceptable IDs include a driver's license, My Number card, passport, health insurance card, and others. Handy items to have include a handkerchief, a drink for the break room, and a light snack. Reference books, calculators, and smartphones must be stored away during the exam and are prohibited from being brought in.

Confirm the Test Center

Double-check the address and access route to the test center the day before. Aim to arrive 30 minutes before the start time on the day to allow some leeway.

Manage Your Health

It is recommended to go to bed early the night before the exam and have a solid breakfast on the day. If you are not feeling well on the exam day, you can check the CBT exam rules for how to reschedule.

Exam Day Flow

1. Check-in (Up to 30 Minutes Before the Exam Starts)

At check-in, present your exam voucher and ID. After that, store items like your smartphone and wallet in a locker, and receive an explanation of the exam rules.

2. Guided to the Exam Room

After check-in, you will be guided to an assigned PC seat. The proctor will hand out memo paper and a pen, which must be returned after the exam. Before starting, you will watch an instructional video on how to operate the system.

3. Exam Begins (120 Minutes)

Read the questions displayed on the screen, select your answer, and click to respond. You can flag questions you are unsure about to review later. The remaining time is always displayed on the screen, making time management easier.

4. Exam Ends

When you press the end button, your score will be displayed on the screen immediately. You will also receive a paper score report on the spot, showing your correct answer rate by category.

5. Results Announcement

The official results are announced within one month after the exam. If you pass, a certificate of completion will be mailed to you later.

Tips During the Exam

Time Management

With 100 questions to solve in 120 minutes, aim for about one minute per question. Start by quickly going through all questions, flagging difficult ones to review later. Use the remaining time to re-examine flagged questions efficiently.

Unknown Questions

Even for questions you don't understand at all, it's important to narrow down the choices to two or three using the process of elimination. Since you cannot submit with blanks, be sure to select some answer for every question.

Stamina and Focus

Concentration tends to drop after about 90 minutes into the exam. Taking deep breaths or hydrating in the break room can help you refresh. Note that drinking water is not allowed inside the exam room.

Handling Issues on the Day

Feeling Unwell

If you feel unwell during the exam, you can notify the proctor to pause. In severe cases, you may consider rescheduling for another day.

PC Malfunctions

If a PC malfunction occurs, report it to the proctor immediately. Depending on the situation, measures such as extending the exam time may be taken.

Tardiness

The rule that you cannot take the exam after the start time is strictly enforced. Rescheduling due to lateness may incur additional fees, so allow plenty of time to get there.

After the Exam

Immediately after the exam, a score report is displayed, and you can check your correct answer rate by category. Even if you fail, you can retake the exam any number of times, but the exam fee applies each time. For details on retaking, see Retake Strategy After Failing the IT Passport.

Related Articles

• IT Passport Student Discount and Exam Fee Discount Programs
• Retake Strategy After Failing the IT Passport
• Complete Plan to Pass in One Month

Summary

The two essential items to bring on exam day are your exam voucher and ID. Aim to arrive at the test center 30 minutes early, and you can check your score immediately after the exam ends. To get used to the actual test format, we recommend using the practice exams on this site.