ACCA Exam Day Rules: ID, Permitted Items, Phones and Misconduct

Students lose marks to revision gaps, but they can also lose a whole sitting to a rules problem. ACCA's exam guidelines say you need an official photo ID, and ACCA's pages say photocopies and expired ID will not be accepted. This guide collects the rules ACCA publishes on ID, what you may have at your desk, phones, calculators, remote exam checks and misconduct. Rules differ between centre exams and remote exams, and ACCA's pages do not agree on every detail, so we mark the points we left out. For the exam formats see our ACCA computer-based exams guide and for background on sanctions see our guide to nullified ACCA results.

At a glance

ID rules

ACCA's exam guidelines say your ID must be an official photo document, such as a passport, driving licence or national ID card. ACCA's remote exam pages also accept a biometric residence permit. The ID must be original and in date. Without acceptable ID you cannot sit the exam. ACCA's pages disagree on whether ID has to be in English, so we do not give a rule on that. Check the instructions in your exam confirmation.

What you may have at your desk

ACCA's exam guidelines allow your ID, a calculator, and a small clear water bottle or glass of water. Nothing else should be on or about you unless ACCA allows it. Declare any unauthorised items before the exam starts. We could not find a published list of banned items for in-person centres beyond this, so follow your centre's instructions.

Phones and other devices

ACCA's exam regulations treat phones, cameras and smart watches as unauthorised items. In a centre they must be switched off and stored as directed. In remote exams the phone is needed for check-in photos and as a second camera, and ACCA says it should be on silent and out of arm's reach. ACCA's pages give conflicting instructions about vibration, so follow the exact instruction in your own booking email. For remote session exams ACCA also lists watches, sunglasses, caps, face masks and mobile hotspots as not allowed.

Calculators

ACCA's exam guidelines describe a quiet, cordless pocket calculator. It may be programmable, but it must not have a printout or a graphic or word display. ACCA's terms for remote on-demand exams from 1 March 2026 say you cannot use the on-screen calculator. ACCA says the calculator should appear in the desk photo you take at check-in. We could not confirm paper-by-paper calculator rules or an approved list of models, so check the instructions for your exam.

Remote exam rules

For remote on-demand exams, ACCA allows two sheets of scrap paper, which you destroy on camera at the end. ACCA's pages say VPNs are prohibited and that using one can nullify your result. Under-18s need a guardian present at check-in. ACCA has limited remote exams since March 2026, so see our ACCA exams from home guide for the format changes.

What counts as misconduct

ACCA defines student misconduct as an act that brings, or is likely to bring, discredit to ACCA. Its examples include cheating, collusion, contract cheating, creating a disturbance, misrepresenting identity or circumstances and plagiarism. ACCA says photographing the screen or making calls during a remote exam is treated as misconduct.

Sanctions and appeals

ACCA's exam regulations list sanctions that include nullifying a result, withholding results, not refunding the fee, and suspension from remote exams or all exams. An Irregular Results Panel reviews cases before results are released. ACCA says a student can appeal for 30 pounds through MyACCA, but only on the ground that ACCA's procedures were not applied correctly. Technical faults do not lead to nullification. Our guide to nullified ACCA results covers this in detail.

If you need adjustments

If you have a condition that affects how you sit the exam, ACCA offers reasonable adjustments, such as extra time, rest breaks, a reader, a scribe or a word processor. You apply through MyACCA with evidence, generally by the standard entry closing date. ACCA's additional support page explains the route.

Frequently asked questions

What ID do I need for an ACCA exam?

An original, in-date official photo ID such as a passport, driving licence or national ID card, according to ACCA.

Can I bring my phone?

Not into the exam room in a centre. For remote exams the phone is used for check-in and as a second camera, kept out of arm's reach.

What calculator is allowed?

A quiet, cordless pocket calculator without a printout or graphic or word display. Remote on-demand exams do not allow the on-screen calculator.

What happens if I break the rules?

ACCA can nullify your result, withhold results or suspend you from exams, depending on the case.

Can I appeal a nullified result?

ACCA says you can appeal for 30 pounds, but only on the ground that its procedures were not applied correctly.

Next steps

Read our guide to nullified ACCA results and ACCA computer-based exams guide next. If you are comparing study options, see our Learnsignal pricing page.

Source: ACCA exam guidelines, ACCA exam regulations, ACCA remote exam FAQs and terms, ACCA student misconduct page and ACCA nullified results page. Checked October 2026.