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 test begins.
Exam Day Timeline
1️⃣ 60-30 Minutes Before Exam: Device and Environment Preparation
💻 Primary Device (Exam Computer)
Mandatory 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 the 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
📱 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
🌐 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
🗂️ 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!)
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
3️⃣ Calculator Policy & Time Management (Many students fall into this trap!)
❌ Calculators are completely prohibited
CSCA Math and Physics exams do not permit the use of any calculators—this catches many students accustomed to calculators off guard.
CSCA questions aren't extremely difficult, but time is extremely tight. Many students report: "I could solve the problems, but I couldn't finish them."
✅ Prep Recommendations (Start practicing weeks before the exam!)
- 🧮 Practice mental math: Addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, fraction operations, decimal conversions—all without calculators
- 📐 Memorize trigonometric values: sin30°=0.5, cos60°=0.5, tan45°=1... These must be recalled instantly
- ⏱️ Time-Limited Practice: Complete each problem within 2-3 minutes to develop time awareness
- 🔢 Estimation Techniques: Learn to quickly estimate and verify answer plausibility
4️⃣ Login and Identity Verification
Follow these 5 steps to log in:
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 proctor instructions:
- Present your ID
- Perform a 360° environmental scan
- Display blank drafting tools
Step 5 → Read and confirm the Integrity Pledge
5️⃣ Begin Answering Questions
📝 Exam Instructions
- 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 numbers indicate: 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
6️⃣ 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 "Submission Successful" confirmation message
- ✅ In the presence of the proctor, erase all content from the whiteboard
- ✅ Exit the exam client
❓ Quick Answers to Common Questions
What if my internet disconnects?
Simply log back in to continue. The system will retain your progress and you will not be penalized.
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 examinees 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 holders.
🔗 Related Resources
: Detailed information on hardware specifications, software requirements, and environment setup 📅 2026 Exam Schedule
:
View exam dates and plan your preparation schedule
✏️ Online Practice System
: Familiarize yourself with question types and get accustomed to the exam interface
📝 Online Mock Exam
24 timed questions simulating the real exam — get your score report instantly
Best of luck on your exam! 🍀
For more information, visit the CSCA Official Website
Take a CSCA Online Mock Test
24 timed questions, instant score report with weak spot analysis