Guide for candidates

The Guide for candidates has essential information for candidates sitting the IPEd accreditation exam. We update the Guide for each exam and whenever information about the exam changes. We strongly advise you to check back regularly for newer versions.

You can download the Guide in accessible PDF and accessible Word formats:

• 2026–27 Guide for candidates August 2026 [PDF 391KB]
• 2026–27 Guide for candidates August 2026 [DOCX 304KB]

The Guide has information about:

• the purpose of the exam, recommended editing experience, and exam content and structure
• registration – acknowledgement, photo ID, candidate number, adjustment requests and sitting options
• editing on-screen
• exam day (please read below for more detail)
• marking, results and appeals.

The Guide also has tips from AEs who have passed the exam.

The exam-day information covers:

• what you need to know about invigilators, exam timing and late arrival
• what to have with you, including reference books and other resources
• what you can access online
• what happens before, during and at the end of the exam session, with information about use of phones and watches, toilet breaks, interruptions, illness, and food and drinks.

Go to the study tips fact sheet for advice on preparing for the accreditation exam.