The complete CSCA exam day process: a 10-minute pre-exam must-see list

What's the biggest fear on exam day? Not difficult questions, but procedural errors—uncalibrated equipment, sudden internet outages, non-compliant drafting tools... These issues catch many test-takers off guard every year.

This guide walks you through every step of exam day. Review it the night before and again 10 minutes before the exam starts.

Exam Day Timeline

T-60 minutes

Equipment Preparation

→

T-30 minutes

Identity Verification

→

T-0

Begin Test

→

End

Automatic Submission

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1️⃣ 60-30 Minutes Before Exam: Device and Environment Preparation

💻 Primary Device (Exam Computer)

Required Checklist:

✅ Disable all antivirus software (including Windows Defender real-time protection)
✅ Close all non-exam-related applications
✅ Ensure stable internet connection (preferably wired)
✅ Connect power adapter and keep device fully charged throughout
✅ Open proctoring app

Prohibited Items:

❌ MacOS System — Not supported; Windows is mandatory
❌ Windows Virtual Machine — Virtual machine environments are not permitted
❌ Wireless Headphones — Use of any wireless headphones is strictly prohibited
❌ Privacy Screens/Anti-Peep Screens — May not be used

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📱 Secondary Device (Monitoring Phone/Tablet)

Required Checklist:

✅ Position at a 45° angle behind you, ensuring the frame covers: Upper body + Computer screen + Both hands
✅ Enable Airplane Mode before connecting to WiFi
✅ Set to Silent/Do Not Disturb mode
✅ Connect to power source to ensure sufficient battery life

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🌐 Network Environment Optimization

This step is often overlooked by many test-takers, yet it's the number one cause of network interruptions.

Optimization Checklist:

✅ Preferred: Direct Ethernet connection to router (most stable)
✅ Secondary: Position near router, avoid walls (structural walls severely degrade WiFi signal)
✅ Turn off other network-consuming devices at home:
- Smart TVs, smart speakers
- Gaming consoles, other computers
- Family video calls/live streams
✅ Disable background downloads, updates, and cloud syncing on your computer
💡 Backup plan: Prepare a mobile 4G hotspot as a contingency

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🗂️ Required Materials on Your Desk

Must be presented to the proctor before the exam begins:

Required	Notes
Original ID Card	Must match admission ticket information
Admission Ticket	Contains login credentials
Compliant Drafting Tools	See detailed instructions below

2️⃣ Drafting Tools (Important!)

⚠️ Read this section carefully

CSCA does not permit standard scrap paper. Proctors will inspect before and after the exam. You must erase all writing immediately upon finishing; failure to do so will result in an immediate violation.

✅ Only the following may be used:

Small whiteboard + erasable whiteboard marker
or: Clear document pouch + blank paper inside the pouch
Only erasable whiteboard markers may be used

❌ All prohibited

Pencils, ballpoint pens, gel pens
Sticky notes, notebooks
Paper towels or any paper items

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3️⃣ Login and Identity Verification

Complete login in 5 steps:

Step 1 → Open the exam client and complete system and network checks

Step 2 → Log in with your admission ticket number and complete facial recognition

Step 3 → Scan the QR code or enter your account to connect the secondary camera

Step 4 → Follow the proctor's instructions:

Present your ID
Perform a 360° room scan
Display blank scratch paper tools

Step 5 → Read and confirm the Integrity Pledge

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4️⃣ Begin Answering Questions

📝 Exam Guidelines

After the countdown ends, the exam will automatically switch to full-screen mode and begin timing
Use mouse to answer; system auto-saves
Left-side question number display: Green = Answered
You may return to edit answers at any time during the exam period

📌 Network Disruption? Don't Panic

If your internet unexpectedly disconnects:

Simply log back in to continue
Your progress will be saved
You will not be penalized for the disconnection

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5️⃣ Submitting Your Exam and Ending

✅ When time is up, the system will automatically submit your answers (early submission is not permitted).
✅ Wait for the screen to display the confirmation message "Submission Successful".
✅ In the presence of the proctor, erase all content from the whiteboard.
✅ Exit the exam client.

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❓ Quick Answers to Common Questions

What if my internet disconnects?

Simply log back in to continue. Your progress will be saved, and you won't be penalized for the interruption.

What if I forget my ID/admission ticket?

You won't be able to access the exam system and will be marked as absent with no refund. Be sure to check in advance!

Can I submit my exam early?

No. All candidates must wait until the time ends for the system to automatically submit.

What happens if I use regular scratch paper?

This will be deemed a violation and result in the cancellation of your exam score. Please ensure you use compliant whiteboards or transparent document pouches.

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🔗 Related Resources

📖 Full Device Requirements Guide
:

Detailed information on hardware specifications, software requirements, and environment setup .📅 2026 Exam Schedule
: View exam dates and plan your preparation .✏️ Online Practice System : Familiarize

yourself with question types and get accustomed to the exam interface.

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Best of luck on your exam! 🍀

For more information, visit the CSCA Official Website