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Passing your Red Seal Exam offers many rewards. Increased salary and job security. As well, new work opportunities. The exam preparation process is important. It involves more than a thorough study plan. Having a plan for the day of the exam is key. A plan will minimize needless stressful snags.

An exam day plan involves a few steps in the days leading up to the exam.  These steps should be taken at the following points of time:

• Week before
• Days before
• Night before
• Morning of

Week Before the Red Seal Exam

Navigate to the exam location on the same day and time as your exam.

Driving

1. Identify the optimal route to the location.  Use a navigation app such as Google Maps or Waze.  Drive the route. Make note of any traffic obstacles due to construction or events.
2. Locate parking and payment requirements.  Find more than one option, in case one is taken.
3. Walk to the exam room location.  Pay attention to the walking route and restroom location.
4. Determine the total time needed.

Public Transit

1. Determine the transit lines and stops needed.
2. Follow Steps 3 and 4 above.

Days Before the Red Seal Exam

Weather

Monitor the weather forecast for the night before and the day of the exam.  Use this to make any adjustments to your travel and outerwear.

Sleep

Sleep is critical for performance.  Schedule your sleep for the three nights leading up to the exam. Ensure that you have a minimum of seven hours sleep each night.

Meals

Planning your meals are key for mental fatigue and physical comfort.  Critical meals include the night before and the morning of. As well, bring a snack to have during the test. Check out this article for advice.

Music

Get your exam day off to a musical start. Prepare playlist with your upbeat favourites.  This can help put you into a positive mindset.

Night before the Red Seal Exam

Many use the night before to cram for their exam.  A casual review in the evening is ok.  But only after the following has been prepared.

Set an Alarm

Set a wake-up alarm and then set a backup.  The alarm should be set to accommodate your morning routine, travel time and any allowance made based on the weather forecast.

Clothes

Prepare your clothes for the exam.  Choose comfort over fashion.  Wear easily removable layers for temperature regulation. We recommend a zippered sweater.  Also, choose appropriate outer wear base on the forecast.  You don’t want to be damp during the exam.

Collection Location

Make a checklist of all items that need to be brought. Choose a location near your residence exit door. This is where you will place all items that you want to bring to the exam.  Key items are:

• Required Identification
• Wallet/Purse
• Car and House keys
• Facial Tissue
• Medications
• Snack
• Water
• Headphones/Ear buds

Breakfast Preparation

Prepare your breakfast as much as possible to save time.

Morning of the Red Seal Exam

Home Prep

Search online for any traffic or weather concerns. Listen to your playlist. Eat your planned breakfast. Take your required medications. Pack up confirming everything with your checklist.

When on location

Listen to your playlist with a headset. Avoid talking to other exam takers.  Their anxieties can be contagious. Or they may cause you question your own understanding of certain topics. Locate and use restroom.