Not sure what to expect on your test day? Let us tell you! Check out the information below, which will prepare you for what you can expect at the test center. It includes what you need to bring with you, how and when you can take breaks and what to do if you experience a problem at the center. Please note: the CAQ exams now have 15 minutes of break time.

Exam Blocks

Our exams are administered in multiple blocks of test questions. You may answer the questions within a block in any order, and you may review and change responses within a block of questions during the time allotted for that section. However, after you exit a block of test questions, or after time expires for that block, you won’t be allowed to review its questions or change your answers.

Exam Length

• The five-hour PANCE exam includes 300 multiple-choice questions administered in five blocks of 60 questions with 60 minutes to complete each block. There is a total of 45 minutes allotted for breaks between blocks and you will be responsible for managing your break time. You will have 15 minutes to complete the PANCE tutorial.
• The four-hour PANRE exam includes 240 multiple-choice questions administered in four blocks of 60 questions with 60 minutes to complete each block. There is a total of 45 minutes allotted for breaks between blocks and you will be responsible for managing your break time. You will have 15 minutes to complete the PANRE tutorial.
• The two-hour CAQ exams include 120 multiple-choice questions administered in two blocks of 60 questions with 60 minutes to complete each block. There is a total of 15 minutes allotted for a break between the two blocks and you will be responsible for managing your break time. You will have 15 minutes to complete the CAQ tutorial.

Arrive Early

Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled testing time. If you arrive late you may not be admitted to the test center and will have to forfeit your exam fee and reapply and pay for the exam. A photo, signature, fingerprint and/or palm vein image will be digitally obtained at the test center.

ID Requirements

You must present two forms of valid and current ID. One ID must contain a permanently affixed photo with your printed name and signature and the second ID must contain your printed name and signature. You will not be admitted to the test if the names on your ID do not match your name listed with NCCPA’s. Notify NCCPA immediately if your name must be changed in our records.

No Personal Belongings

No personal belongings (i.e., brimmed hats, bookbags, handbags, books, notes, study materials, calculators, watches of any kind, electronic paging devices, recording or filming devices, radios, cellular phones, outerwear, or food and beverages) are allowed in the testing room, but you’ll be assigned a locker to store them in. Upon reasonable suspicion, personal belongings and their contents may be subject to inspection. Any materials that are, or reasonably appear to be, a reproduction of any NCCPA examination materials will be confiscated.

While taking a “scheduled” break, you can access personal items that have been stored in your locker during the exam.

While on an “unscheduled” break, you are not allowed to access any personal items other than medication or food required at a specific time and with the prior approval of NCCPA. Items not permitted include, but are not limited to, cell phones, PDAs, computers, blackberries, exam notes, books or study guides.

Instruction

You’ll have the opportunity to complete a brief tutorial before starting the testing session. The examination will be managed and observed by test center staff with the aid of audio and video monitors and recording equipment.

Breaks

There is a total of 45 minutes allotted for breaks during the PANCE and PANRE examinations and 15 minutes for the CAQ examinations to be taken between blocks. After completion of each block, the “scheduled” break screen will appear. Follow the break instructions that appear at the end of each block. Any “scheduled” break time used over your 45 minute or 15 minute break time will be deducted from your exam time and may result in your examination closing earlier than you anticipated.

If you take a break during a block of questions, or without properly responding to the prompt to do so, you will be taking an “unscheduled” break. The amount of “unscheduled” break time that you take will be deducted from the time allotted to answer questions.

You are responsible for managing your break time. Monitor on-screen clocks to manage your break time carefully.

While taking a “scheduled” break, you are permitted to access personal items that have been stored in your locker.

While on an “unscheduled” break, you are not allowed to access any personal items other than medication or food required at a specific time and with the prior approval of NCCPA. Items not permitted include, but are not limited to, cell phones, PDAs, computers, blackberries, exam notes, books or study guides.

Taking long breaks early in the testing day may leave you with no break time even between blocks later in the day. Each time you leave and reenter the exam room, a digital fingerprint and/or palm vein scan will be required.