Outerwear (coats or jackets)

No outerwear can be worn in the testing room. This includes overcoats, windbreakers, down jackets, rain jackets, slickers, and so on. If a candidate complains that the testing room is cold, offer to turn up the heat.

Clothing that is part of an outfit that would typically be worn indoors, including sweaters, sweatshirts, and blazers, are allowed. If the item has pockets and the candidate does not want to remove the item for inspection, ask the candidate to show you that the pockets are empty.

Scarves of any kind

Scarves are not permitted in the testing room except for religious, cultural, or medical reasons. In those instances, visually inspect the scarf before admitting the candidate to the testing room. For more information, see Religious, cultural, and medical apparel.

Head coverings (hats, hoods, and so on)

Hats and head coverings of any kind are not allowed inside the testing room except for religious, cultural, or medical reasons. In those instances, visually inspect the item before admitting the candidate into the testing room.

Billed caps (e.g., baseball caps) and brimmed hats (e.g., fedoras) have additional restrictions. For more information, see Religious, cultural, and medical apparel.

If a candidate's clothing has a hood, it must not cover the candidate's head at any time.

Hair clips, headbands, and so on

Barrettes and hair clips that are small, thin, and 1/4 inch (1/2 centimeter) or less wide are permitted. Headbands or hairbands that are 1/2 inch (1 centimeter) or less wide are permitted.

Jewelry

Jewelry that is wider than 1/4 inch (1/2 centimeter) is not permitted unless the candidate is wearing an item which he or she claims cannot be physically removed. Small jewelry is permitted.

Purses, wallets, and watches

Not permitted. If candidates are concerned about leaving something of value in the locker, you may suggest they leave the item in their vehicles.

Mobile phones or pagers

Not permitted without an accommodation. Candidates should turn off their mobile phones and pagers before placing them in storage. If the candidate refuses to turn off the device, or if you later find out that the candidate did not turn off the device, create a case for candidate misconduct. Do not interrupt a candidate's exam if you discover that the device is not turned off while the candidate is still testing (for example, the phone starts ringing).

Tablets, smartphones, smart watches, smart rings, and other electronic wearables

Not permitted. Electronics must be turned off before being stored.

Smart eyeglasses or camera classes (such as translation glasses, AI glasses, Google Glass, etc.)

Not permitted. Candidates must have an approved accommodation to wear prescription smart glasses in the testing room.

Earplugs or noise-reducing headphones

Personal earplugs or noise-reducing headphones are not permitted unless approved as an accommodation or allowed by the exam sponsor. Test centers may provide these as a comfort aid.

Audio headphones or earbuds (such as AirPods)

Not permitted. Test centers will provide audio headphones if needed.

Note: Hearing aids are considered a comfort aid unless they require an external device to function. For more information, see Hearing aids and other in-ear devices.

Briefcases, backpacks, or bags

Not permitted. If the item is too big for the locker, you may suggest that the candidate leave the item in their vehicle.

Notes, notebooks, or study guides

Not permitted unless specifically allowed by the exam sponsor.

Calculators

Not permitted unless specifically allowed by the exam sponsor. Some exam sponsors may prohibit personal calculators but permit test center calculators (if available).

Dictionaries, including language translation dictionaries

Not permitted unless specifically allowed by the exam sponsor.

Pens and pencils belonging to the candidate

Only writing instruments provided by the test center are allowed.

Contact lens solution, and lip balm (such as Chap Stick)

Not permitted unless approved as an accommodation. 

Food, drinks (other than plain water), or tobacco products

Candidates are not permitted to bring food or beverages (other than plain water) into the testing room unless they have an accommodation. For more information, see Food and drink in the testing room. Candidates must store the items in a locker and (depending on the exam sponsor's policy) may access them during a break.

Test administrators may use their discretion about a candidate eating in the waiting room. If the food a candidate consumes is causing a disturbance or is messy, ask the candidate to eat it outside of the test center or dispose of it.

Weapons of any kind (guns, knives, etc. including realistic "toy" weapons)

Weapons are not allowed on test center premises except in specific circumstances. For more information, see Weapons.