Exam day
Timetable
Arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled session.
On arrival, confirm your identity and sign the confidentially agreement. Exam staff will direct you to the waiting area. Remain here until it’s time to enter your exam room.
Example timetable
Time
|
Session 1 |
Session 2 |
| 1:20 to 1:25pm |
Reading time |
Reading time |
| 1:25 to 1:55pm |
John Smith |
Frances Houseman |
| 1:55 to 2pm |
Break |
Break |
| 2:05 to 2:10pm |
Reading time |
Reading time |
| 2:10 to 2:40pm |
Frances Houseman |
John Smith |
Exact times are confirmed in your candidate allocation letter.
Bring
- Printed copy of your candidate allocation letter confirming your candidate name, number, session time and venue
- Current photo ID with your full name and signature, for example a passport or driver licence – digital IDs are not accepted.
- Blue or black ballpoint pens (no pencils, gel or felt-tip pens)
- Highlighters or other stationary items (in a clear plastic bag or case)
- Water in a clear plastic bottle (optional)
- 1 x basic analogue watch
Dress appropriately. Consider the weather conditions, the venue and your comfort. It’s not necessary to wear a suit however you should look professional. Casual clothes, such as shorts or thongs, are not acceptable.
Not permitted
- Written material (other than your candidate allocation letter)
- Calculators/electronic devices (including smart watches and communication devices)
- Food or beverages (other than water)
- All other belongings (for example, bags).
During the exam, all electronic devices including mobile phones and smart watches must be switched off and placed in your bag. Your bag will be securely stored on-site.
If you’re found with one of these devices on you during the exam, you’ll be automatically disqualified and immediately escorted out of the exam venue.
Completing the exam
An invigilator will be assigned to you for the duration of the exam. They’ll enter the exam room with you to manage the video conferencing process and provide instructions. They’re not involved in any other capacity and will remain out of your line of view while your session is in progress.
Reading time
Five minutes before the start of the first interview session, you’ll be seated inside the room with a folder containing the first part of questions 1 and 2. We’ll provide notepaper and you’ll have 5 minutes to read, take notes and prepare yourself.
At the end of the reading period, your invigilator will start the video conferencing session.
Interview sessions
You’ll discuss 4 questions with each panel — questions 1 to 4 in session 1 and questions 5 to 8 in session 2. You’ll need to cover at least 3 of the 4 exam questions in each session.
The examiners will take turns as the lead questioner. Both examiners will assess your responses.
An AChSHM-approved observer may also be in the room with the examiners. You may be able to see them however they're not involved in examining or contributing in any way to the assessment.
Break
Between exam sessions, there will be a 5-minute break for you to regroup and use the toilet (escorted by your invigilator). Otherwise you must remain in the room for the full duration.
After the break, your invigilator will give you the first part of questions 5 and 6 and tell you when to start reading. We’ll provide notepaper and you’ll have 5 minutes to read, take notes and prepare yourself.
Leaving the exam venue
After you complete the exam, your invigilator will collect your folder and all papers. Your personal belongings will be returned and you can leave.