CTA Exam FAQs - Test Centre

Before the exam day

When will I know whether I was allocated my first choice of exam venue?

You will receive your Candidate Information email, including details of the Test Centre, approximately three weeks before your exam day.

Where there is more than one venue, for example in London, you cannot pick the venue you would prefer.  You will be allocated a venue.

How can I practice using Exam4?

Around four weeks before the exam, you will be able to download a test version of Exam4.

It is vital that you familiarise yourself with the software before you sit your exam.

Check the IT specification to make sure you can download the test version of Exam4 on your device. 

Watch the guidance videos as to how Exam4 will work on the day, as there may be some slight differences when you practice depending on the settings on your device. 

Note: You must use a Windows device – there is no Mac version as all devices in Test Centres are Windows devices.

Do I need to have my Candidate Information email before I can practice using the test version of Exam4?

Yes.  

You do need to use your candidate number to practice using Exam 4.

Use the Viewable Questions as many times as you want to practice on the test version of Exam4 before your exam day.

New for May 2024 - I want to get rid of the black area on the right hand side of Exam4. How do I do this?

You cannot get rid of this area of the screen.  

Watch the guidance videos here and follow the advice to leave this area as the minimum size, which is the default when you first open Exam4.

On the exam day

What time should I arrive at the Test Centre?

You must arrive at the Test Centre a minimum of 30 minutes before the exam start time, so that security checks can be completed. See the Candidate Instructions document.

However, we recommend that you arrive 60 minutes before the exam start time.  You will be able to wait in a breakout area before your exam. 

By arriving earlier, you reduce the risk of travel delays making you late.

How will my ID be checked?

The Invigilator will check your ID before you enter the exam room.

The Invigilator will also check you are only bringing in permitted items, with full information shown in the Candidate Instructions document.

Note: If you do not bring appropriate ID, you will not be allowed into the exam room. 

What happens if I forget to bring my ID with me?

You will not be allowed to sit your exam.

There are no exceptions to this.  No ID will mean no entry to the exam room.

Can I bring in any paper/notes into the exam room?

You are not permitted to bring in any hard copy materials, with the exception of a printed copy of your Candidate Information email.

Remember: If you have an Online Legislation subscription that you want to access, you must write down your Username and Password in the space provided on your Candidate Information email.  Otherwise you will not be able to access the Online Legislation.

What can I bring into the exam room?

Look at the information provided in the Candidate Instructions document.

Will I have two screens at my desk at the Test Centre?

No.  You will have one screen for your exam.

Watch the guidance videos for advice on best practice during your exam, such as how to resize Exam4 onscreen if you want to also view, for example, the Online Legislation at the same time.

We strongly recommend you only use one screen when accessing the test version of Exam4 on your device prior to your exam, so that you are used to how it will work on your exam day.

How big is the screen I will be using in the exam room?

You will have a 24 inch monitor.

Can I take a calculator into the exam room?

Yes, you are allowed to take in a calculator (basic or scientific).

For full information, see the Candidate Instructions document.

Can I bring my own watch or clock into the exam?

Watches and desk clocks are not permitted in any CTA exam.  For full information, see the Candidate Instructions document.

There will be a clock in the exam room at the Test Centre.

How many other people will be in the exam room at the Test Centre?

Each Test Centre is different, but on average there are about 20 to 25 computer terminals in a room.

Can I have a paper copy of the exam on my desk at the Test Centre?

No.

The exam will be displayed onscreen in Exam4, as shown in the guidance videos.

How will I access the Tax Tables?

You will have a hard copy on your desk at the Test Centre.

In addition, there will be a PDF of the Tax Tables on the desktop, should you prefer to access it onscreen. Watch the guidance videos.

Note - The OECD Model Convention will only be available as a PDF on the desktop for use in any CTA exams that require this PDF.  Unlike the Tax Tables, there will not be a hard copy of the OECD Model Convention on your desk (nor can you print one out and bring it with you).

Can I use earplugs or headphones if I am concerned about the noise in the exam room?

Yes, to avoid noise disturbance you are allowed to use earplugs or wear headphones during your exam. They must not be plugged in, nor be wirelessly connected to any device.

For full information, see the Candidate Instructions document.

Will I have a locker to store my personal items during the exam?

Yes.  All candidates will have a locker available for small bags. For full information, see the Candidate Instructions document.

You will have to leave your mobile phone (set to silent) and any hard copy materials in your locker, as you will not be allowed to bring these into the exam room.

During the exam

What will I see on my screen during my exam?

Watch the guidance videos for how to set up when you sit down at your desk at the Test Centre.

You need to open Exam4, enter the appropriate details, such as your unique 5 digit candidate number and your name, so that you are ready to enter the “Start Code” for the exam.  The Invigilator will give you the “Start Code” at the exam start time.

You will also be able to access Online Legislation if you have purchased a subscription to either of the two approved providers, as well as PDFs of the Tax Tables (note above there will also be a hard copy of this on your desk) and OECD Model Convention (not needed for all exams).

Will I be able to make handwritten notes during the exam?

Yes. There will be note paper provided on your desk at the Test Centre. 

Any notes you make will not be handed in or marked.  You will not be allowed to take your notes with you when you leave the exam room.

For full information, see the Candidate Instructions document.

Will I be able to access the internet?

No.

The only website you will be able to access is the Online Legislation, if you have purchased a subscription to either of the approved providers. 

What should I do if I experience technical difficulties?

Stay calm and in the unlikely event that you encounter any technical difficulties, speak to the invigilator who will do their best to provide support. You must make the invigilator aware as soon as possible.  Note - you may be required to sign an invigilator report at the end of the exam.

If you feel that your performance in an exam has been adversely affected by illness or other circumstances, you can apply for special consideration.

Can I eat or drink during the exam?

See question above “What can I bring into the exam room?”.

Also, for full information, see the Candidate Instructions document.

Will the computer equipment be different across Test Centres?

All Test Centres must adhere to a set of guidelines (including minimum specifications for IT equipment).

What is acceptable when adding tags or folder headings in the Online legislation?

When adding "tags" or "folder headings", details containing a section number and/or topic name are perfectly acceptable and the reason for having these features in the Online legislation.  

For example, EIS ITA 2007, s.131 loss relief", "Corporate rescue exception = CTA 2009 (s 361D)", "Gift relief" or "FHLs" would be acceptable.

It is not acceptable to try to reproduce pro-formas, nor add in formulae.  For example, a tag/folder heading that said something like "Pension - Threshold = Net inc - gross personal pension" would not be acceptable.

The CIOT reserves the right to ask Invigilators to spot check candidates at a Test Centre to ensure this is being followed.  

A Candidate could be reported to the CIOT Exam Committee if they were clearly using the tags/folder headings to gain an unfair advantage over other Candidates.

Other questions

I am sitting the Awareness paper under the Tax Pathway, does this mean I can sit the exam remotely?

No.  

As it is a CTA exam paper, you have to sit under the CTA rules, which means attending a Test Centre.