The exam is usually held over several days in a sports stadium located in Sheffield. Unless you live locally, we would advise booking a hotel with easy access to the venue for the night before the CASC. Book as soon as you are sent your exam date to avoid any stress associated with last-minute organisation. Think about your travel arrangements in good time – will you feel like driving? Will it be less stressful to get the train? Personally (J.J.), I decided to drive so that I could make a quick exit after the exam and not be stuck on a train with others who had just done the CASC and end up dissecting each station in detail. But that is because I find that sort of thing very stressful. You might want to have an informal debriefing session afterwards with others who have been through the same experience. Bear in mind that most people who have just done the exam will be focusing on the negatives of their performance. Those who have passed the exam recently may have a more balanced view.

The exam venue is large and noisy when everyone is in full flow as there are several circuits of stations going on simultaneously, with stations separated by screens rather than taking place in separate rooms. There are several periods where you are kept waiting in smaller groups in separate rooms before the exam hall is ready. Once you are in the swing of things, the whole day passes very quickly. Bring something to eat and drink as there will be a break in between the morning and afternoon stations. Everyone will be nervous – some people will keep themselves to themselves, some will come armed with folders and do last-minute cramming, some will cultivate an air of confidence and just try to act normally. Do what feels right for you and makes you feel as calm as possible.

Exam etiquette

Remember that in an exam situation you want to be remembered for your excellent performance and professional manner over and above anything else. The examiner does not have time to get to know you and unfortunately people do make snap judgements on how people dress and present themselves.