Printable checklist

ACSA NCSO Exam Day Checklist

Written and fact-checked by the NCSO Prep team, Alberta · Last reviewed 14 September 2026 · Sources

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Print this page or save it as a PDF and tick off each section so exam morning goes smoothly.

Before the exam

• Confirm your booking date, time, online-proctoring instructions and time zone with ACSA.
• Review key facts and legislative references - do not cram new material.
• Re-read your weakest modules from your Readiness score.
• Get a full night of sleep - fatigue hurts recall more than last-minute studying helps.
• Run the required camera, microphone, browser and internet checks, then plan to log in early.
• Have your ID and booking confirmation ready the night before.

What to have ready

• Government-issued photo ID (matching the name on your booking).
• Your booking confirmation email and current proctoring instructions.
• A supported computer, camera, microphone and stable internet connection.
• A quiet, private and well-lit workspace that meets the proctor's current rules.

What not to use during the session

• A mobile phone within reach, unless the current proctoring instructions explicitly require it for check-in.
• Notes, textbooks, or any reference material.
• Smartwatches or fitness trackers with notifications.
• Loose paper or blank notebooks.

During the exam

• Read every question fully before looking at the options.
• Answer the questions you are sure of first; flag the rest to return to.
• Manage your time - with up to 2 hours, budget roughly 1 to 2 minutes per question and keep a buffer for review.
• Eliminate clearly wrong options before choosing.
• Watch for legislation-specific wording - the correct answer depends on current Alberta law.
• Use any remaining time to review flagged questions and check for misreads.
• Answer every question - there is no penalty for guessing.

After the exam

• Wait for your results on the timeline set by ACSA.
• If you pass, complete the remaining designation steps: courses, verified field experience, and the COR auditor qualification.
• If you do not pass, review your Readiness score and target your weakest modules before a rewrite (a rewrite fee applies).
• Keep your confirmation documents for your designation file.

Questions people ask

What should I bring to the NCSO exam?

Have government-issued photo ID and your booking confirmation ready. ACSA currently describes the exam as online proctored and closed book, so complete the system check, use a private workspace, and log in early.

Is the NCSO exam open book or closed book?

The NCSO exam is closed book. You cannot use notes, textbooks, or reference material during the online-proctored session. Follow the proctor's current device and workspace rules.

How long is the NCSO exam and what is the pass mark?

The NCSO exam allows up to 2 hours and requires a 75% pass mark, according to the ACSA NCSO Information Booklet. Manage your time so you can answer every question and flag any you want to return to.

What happens after the NCSO exam?

After the exam you receive your results on a timeline set by ACSA. If you pass, you complete the remaining designation requirements (courses, verified field experience, and the COR auditor qualification). If you do not pass, you can rewrite the exam; a rewrite fee applies.

What is the best way to prepare the night before the NCSO exam?

Confirm your booking, complete the required device and connection checks, have your ID ready, review key facts rather than cramming new material, and get a full night of sleep. Log in early so you are not rushed.

Last reviewed 14 September 2026.