Exam Day

The key to a successful exam is preparation. This includes having the correct credentials and identification when you arrive at the Foreign Examination Bureau on exam day. Let’s face it, exams are stressful events! Read the following and save yourself some stress. It is better to defer an exam than show up and be refused.

What do I need to bring (and not bring) to my exam?

You will need to bring TWO (2) forms of identification to the Foreign Examination Bureau. One MUST be a current, valid, non-expired government-Issued photo ID. This would include a valid Passport, or Driver’s License* that contains a photo that looks like you, your full name, date of birth and contains your signature. The second may be a valid signed bank card or credit card.

A National Identity Card IS acceptable for those who hold one provided that it is current, and contains the holders full name in English, their date of birth, a recent photo and the holders’ signature. Garda Age cards, utility bills, birth or marriage certificate are NOT acceptable. Examples of acceptable ID are shown here:

Be sure the names on your ID’s are displayed the same way it is displayed on your exam record, and that BOTH ID’s have your signature. Examples of other acceptable secondary ID are credit cards and bank cards. A good and common combination proof of identity is a passport or driving licence (or both) and a SIGNED bank / credit card.

Please note:

The test will NOT be delivered without the appropriate form of identification. There is no exception to this rule. Failure to produce the correct ID will be deemed a ‘No-Show’ and you will forfeit your exam.

* In the case of Sri Lankan candidates, the new format drivers’ licence or National Identity card with holders’ signature is required.

The Foreign Examination Bureau does not retain any copies of candidate’s ID documents at any time. ID documents need to be presented by candidates only when they arrive at the test centre for a scheduled test and will be immediately handed back to the candidate once his/her identity has been confirmed.

What NOT to bring:

Do not bring notes, pens, pencils, paper, large purses, or backpacks to the Foreign Examination Bureau. The Foreign Examination Bureau will provide everything needed for the exam.

Please note if your exam permits the use of a calculator so you will need to bring one with you. The calculator must NOT be capable of storing data and will be inspected prior to being used. No mobile phones or pagers are allowed in the test room. There are small lockable cabinets available for candidates to store keys, wallets and small purses during the exam. There is no secure storage available for large books, bags, or large coats.

When do I need to arrive for my exam?

You should arrive at the test centre at least 20 minutes before the test is scheduled to begin. Tests are given by appointment. If you have an appointment you can expect the centre to open at least 30 minutes before your appointment. It takes about 4-6 minutes per candidate to complete the sign-in process. If there are questions or disputes about your ID, your registration, any of the pre-test qualifications, or if you are late, you will be asked to wait until other candidates are signed in. Don’t worry! Each test is individually timed; your test will not start until you are signed in and seated. If you arrive at the Foreign Examination Bureau more than 15 minutes late for your appointment you may not be allowed to sit your exam. If you feel that you may be late for your appointment please contact the Foreign Examination Bureau immediately on +94 112 733 088. Please note that the exam duration may include an exam tutorial and survey.

General Rules and Guidelines

• ID :
  Please be sure to bring in a government issued photo ID with signature as required by the test that you will be taking. Depending on the test, they require you to bring different types of
• Cell Phone / Electronic Device Usage :
  Please make all phone calls before entering the building and keep volume to a minimum because testing may be in progress. All mobile phone usage is prohibited within the building. Please either turn phones or devices OFF or put them on SILENT when entering the building. All cell phones must be turned off and stored in the provided locker before you enter the testing room for your test. Phones cannot be left on silent or vibration mode during your exam. If possible please do not bring cell phones into the building.
• Noise :
  Once entering the building please respect others and be as quiet as possible because testing will be in progress.
• Beverages, food and medication :
  All beverages, including water, cannot be taken into the testing room and must be left in the waiting area or stored in the locker provided for you. You can access food, drink and medication during breaks if such a break is scheduled during the test you are taking. You cannot access prohibited items such as cell phones, notes, books or electronic devices during breaks. If you are thirsty in the middle of the test, please raise your hand to take an un-scheduled break. Please note that during an un-scheduled break the timer on your test will still be running and cannot be stopped or paused and questions cannot be re-played. Please kindly keep in mind that these rules are as per the rules and regulations set out by the testing bodies and no exceptions can be made.
• Intimidation and abuse of staff :
  Please note that any attempt to intimidate or abuse test centre staff by candidates or any person related or associated with candidates will be viewed as a serious violation of test procedure and will result in the candidate not being permitted to sit a scheduled test / future test or completing a test in progress. You will be asked to leave the test centre or removed. Please note that in such circumstances where there is any attempt to intimidate or abuse test centre staff, we will not hesitate to contact the police as well as the relevant testing body. Please ensure you maintain a high level of discipline and self-control at all times during the testing process or any time you visit our centre.
• Visitors to the test centre :
  Please note that while tests are in progress, only test candidates will be allowed to remain within the test centre. No family members or anyone associated with test candidates may remain within the test centre when test are in progress. No outside observers will be entertained while tests are in progress, unless they have approval from the relevant testing body. Anyone entering the test centre seeking information will be admitted to the test centre when tests are in progress, provided they do not try to interfere in the testing process or act in any way inappropriately.The Foreign Examination Bureau reserves the right to deny entry to any person or persons deemed by them to be disruptive to the smooth-running of the centre or a threat to the health and safety of staff or candidates. If any visitor violates these rules, they will be asked to leave immediately. Please note that no exceptions will be made to these rules and procedures.

WE ASSUME NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR YOUR PERSONAL ITEMS

The Foreign Examination Bureau – facilities regarded as the best available…

• Located in heart of the city with easy access via public & private transport
• Modern, secure facility with up-to-date equipment
• Fully air conditioned and temperature-controlled rooms
• Professionally trained and courteous staff
• Distraction free, comfortable exam environment
• We are the only dedicated test centre to offer a wide range of testing services in Sri Lanka.
• We are open Monday to Saturday for your convenience
• Walking distance to the major hotels in the area