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