NDHCE exam day: schedule, what you can bring and the rules
Exam day is stressful enough without surprises. What can you bring? Can you take notes? What happens if you are late?
This guide walks through the FDHRC's published rules for the NDHCE, from the schedule to what you have to leave outside.
Short answer
The NDHCE is two separate two-hour sessions with a compulsory 15-minute break. You must attend both and there is no partial credit.
You may bring government-issued photo ID, an optional transparent water bottle with labels removed and, at writing centres only, earplugs.
Phones, watches, notes, pens and calculators are prohibited, including during the break.
How long is the exam, and is there a break?
The exam is divided into two separate two-hour sessions. In between, there is a compulsory 15-minute break at a writing centre, or a 15-minute break including re-login time for virtual proctoring.
Candidates must attend both consecutive sessions. Partial credit is not given.
What can you bring into the room?
The FDHRC advises candidates to minimize the belongings they bring to the writing space. Only these are permitted:
- Proof of identification (government-issued picture ID)
- A transparent water bottle with labels removed (optional)
- Earplugs (writing centres only)
What you have to leave outside
The following are not allowed in the writing space and cannot be accessed at all, including during the break.
- Cellular phones, pagers, calculators, computers, tablets, electronic readers, scanners, recording eyeglasses, cameras and smart watches
- Large jewellery
- Supplies such as erasers, notes, books, pens and pencils
- Headphones
There is no manual note taking during the exam. Candidates can use a notepad function on the computer for rough work.
Running late, or finishing early
You are responsible for being present at your scheduled day and time. Candidates who report late may not be allowed to participate, and the proctor or the FDHRC decides whether enough time is left to complete the exam.
You can end the exam before the time is up if you have finished answering all the questions in each session.
Keep the questions confidential
The NDHCE is confidential and its questions belong to the FDHRC. Recording or memorizing questions, or discussing test content online, is prohibited, including with classmates who have not written the exam yet.
Two two-hour sessions, a 15-minute break, government photo ID and not much else. If you remember that, you are most of the way there.
Rules can differ between a writing centre and virtual proctoring, so read your confirmation email as well. The FDHRC page is the one to trust if anything here has changed.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the NDHCE?
Two separate two-hour sessions with a compulsory 15-minute break in between, according to the FDHRC.
What can I bring to the NDHCE?
Government-issued photo ID, an optional transparent water bottle with labels removed, and earplugs at writing centres only.
Can I use a calculator or take notes?
No. Calculators and written notes are prohibited, but a notepad function is available on the computer for rough work.
What happens if I arrive late?
You may not be allowed to participate. The proctor or the FDHRC decides whether there is enough time left to complete the exam.
Sources
- FDHRC: Writing the NDHCEdivided into two separate two-hour sessions with a compulsory 15-minute breakChecked October 23, 2026