As candidates prepare for their upcoming examinations, please take note of the following important requirements and reminders. These measures are in place to support a consistent, fair, and secure examination environment for all candidates.

1. Venue-Based Examinations – Arrival and Seating Requirements

Candidates writing at a venue must be seated 30 minutes before the scheduled examination start time. Venue doors will close at this point.

Candidates arriving after the seating cut-off time will not be permitted entry and will forfeit their examination attempt.

For example, for a 09:00 examination, all candidates must be seated by 08:30.

Once seated, candidates will not be permitted to leave the venue until 30 minutes after the start of the examination. Candidates are therefore strongly advised to make use of restroom facilities prior to presenting themselves for registration. Candidates are also not permitted to leave the examination venue during the final 30 minutes of the examination.

This approach enables invigilators to complete essential checks, provide instructions, and ensure systems are functioning correctly prior to the start of the examination.

Please note that once candidates have completed the exam-day registration and pre-checks at the venue and have been granted entry to the examination venue, they are considered to be under formal examination conditions and all examination rules apply; accordingly, the use of mobile devices or any unauthorised materials is strictly prohibited, and any breach may result in the forfeiture of their examination attempt.

2. Remote Examinations – Start Time Requirement

Candidates writing remotely must be logged into the examination system at the scheduled start time.

The previous one-hour grace period for late logins has been removed. Candidates who are not logged in at the start time will forfeit their examination attempt.

3. Prohibited Items and Venue Storage (ASSA Examinations)

Candidates must bring only the items required to attempt the examination. Unless explicitly approved in advance, the following are not permitted:

Where candidates are unable to leave mobile devices elsewhere, these must be switched off, stored as instructed, and not accessed at any time during the examination.

All personal items (excluding permitted items and approved concessions) must be stored in the chair bags provided:

Candidates must ensure all personal items fit within this space. Any personal items that do not fit into the designated chair bags will be required to be kept outside the venue at the candidate’s own risk.

The chair bags will be used again for the next exam sessions and must not be removed from the examination venues.

4. Remote Examination Equipment Requirements (ASSA-Administered)

Candidates writing ASSA-administered examinations remotely must use a laptop only.

The use of any external devices is not permitted, including:

Desktop computers may not be used under any circumstances.

Candidates must use the laptop’s built-in keyboard and trackpad/mouse for the duration of the examination.

(These requirements apply only to ASSA-administered examinations. Candidates writing IFoA examinations must refer to IFoA guidance.)

5. Candidate Conduct and Compliance

All candidates are expected to conduct themselves in a manner consistent with the ASSA Code of Conduct, both at venues and in remote environments.

ASSA maintains a zero-tolerance approach to inappropriate or unacceptable behaviour towards invigilators, proctors, or support staff.

Any candidate who:

may be removed from the examination and will forfeit their attempt.

Candidates are strongly encouraged to arrive early (or log in well in advance for remote examinations) to allow sufficient time for entry procedures and pre-examination checks. This will help avoid unnecessary stress and ensure a smooth start to your examination.

Please ensure that you also review your Examination Instructions and Day Before Communication for exam-specific requirements.

Contact assaadmin@actuarialsociety for enquiries.