FIG 2.0 · Test-day checklist
Everything to square away before and on test day.
A practical checklist so the only thing you have to think about on the day is the test itself.
The week before
Logistics first: get these out of the way so the final days are for rehearsal, not admin.
- Confirm your test date, time and venue (or your remote-proctoring setup).
- Check exactly which ID you must bring. It must match your booking.
- Re-read the format and timing of each sub-test so nothing is new.
- Do one final full, timed mock under exam conditions.
- Confirm the score each regulator or employer you are applying to requires.
- Plan your route and arrival time, with a buffer for delays.
The night before
Light and steady. Cramming the night before rarely helps; rest does.
- Lay out your ID and any required documents.
- Set two alarms.
- Charge devices if you are testing remotely; test your camera and microphone.
- Stop heavy study: review a short list of high-value phrases at most.
- Get a normal night's sleep.
On the day
Arrive early, settle, and let the format work for you.
- Eat a proper meal and hydrate sensibly.
- Arrive early enough to settle before you start.
- Bring only what is permitted: leave prohibited items out of the room.
- In Listening, write as the audio plays; it runs once.
- In Reading, respect the two clocks: do not overspend on Part A.
- In Writing, spend the first 5 minutes reading the case notes before you write.
- In Speaking, use the full 3 minutes' preparation for each role-play.
- Read every instruction on screen, even the ones you think you know.
Honest note
This is a general OET-style preparation checklist. Exact ID, equipment and venue rules are set by the official test owner and your test centre. Always follow their current instructions, which take precedence over anything here.
FIG R · More resources