Able to write on your marker board before the exam starts?

[socrates89]

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So I just took my practice exam a few days back. While the examiners were waiting to log me into the computer I started to write on my marker board and one of the proctors mentioned that you can't write on the marker board before the test starts

Is that the rule because even DIT said that you can sit there and write on the marker board before the test starts. Can someone provide the official rules on this matter from the USMLE site a link or so if your able to start writing before the test begins.

EDIT

Ok so I just looked online and they say that you can only start writing once you enter in your CIN. My question now is that after entering in your CIN, does your clock automatically start counting down or do you have to press start before the exam begins and there by you have a few minutes to write on your marker board while you are sitting there but haven't pressed start.

 

[Phloston]

You're probably freaking out about nothing here.

When you get to the real exam, they'll make you write your ID#s on the two laminated sheets outside of the testing room. By the time you enter the room, they make sure you are in no position to remotely cheat / be suspicious. So as far as I'm aware, if you wanted to write something on your sheets after walking in, then so be it. They are dilatory enough during their initial pat-down of you / when logging you into their system such that if you had memorized anything worthwhile to write on the sheets anyway (immediately after walking into the testing room but before your actual exam starts), it likely means you had that info solidified as it is.

Your clock doesn't start until you enter your codes into the computer; it's very formalized and no timer would randomly start on you.

The security at my exam was fairly intense, but once inside the testing room, everything was extremely lax. They even let me switch cubical locations just because I wanted one a bit more private.

During breaks, you'll have plenty of time to review notes if that's what you need to do (I wouldn't recommend it though).

 

[socrates89]

Hey phloston what do u mean by putting in your codes.... sorry I dont remember much since I didnt pay a lot of attention but after putting in your CIN are there other codes you have to put in before the exam comes up

 

[Phloston]

Every time you enter a block, you need to enter the CIN#. Iow, you need to enter that code into the computer seven times on exam day. That's it.

 

[GalenAgas]

We don't get scratch paper? We have to use a marker board?

 

[Phloston]

We don't get scratch paper? We have to use a marker board?

Two laminated sheets. Two markers. No scrap paper.