What to bring to the ICFES Saber 11 exam, and what to do the three days before

Exam cycle status

72-hour plan before the exam

1. 3 days before

   Check your ticket: venue, room, and entry time. Map the route and time the trip on a Sunday, at the actual time you'd need to leave.

2. 2 days before

   Gather what's non-negotiable: a valid ID document and your printed ticket. Without these you don't get in, so check them with time to spare.

3. 1 day before

   Pack your materials (No. 2 pencil, eraser, sharpener) and pick your clothes. Get everything ready the night before, not exam morning.

4. Exam day

   Arrive at least 15 minutes before the time on your ticket. Bring only what's allowed: no phone, no smartwatch, no calculator.

Last-day questions

Does ICFES give you a pencil?

No. You have to bring your own No. 2 pencil, eraser, and sharpener. ICFES doesn't provide them or allow students to share.

Can I bring a watch, phone, or other device?

No. Any electronic device (phone, smartwatch, calculator, headphones) is banned during the exam and can get your result annulled. If you bring one, you have to store it in a security bag until you finish.

What happens if I'm late?

Entry isn't guaranteed. It depends on the site coordinator's call and how far along the exam process already is. If you're not let in, you lose your registration fee and have to wait for the next cycle.

I lost my printed ticket, what do I do?

The ticket doesn't arrive by mail and isn't really "lost": you can always look it up again and print it at icfes.gov.co with your ID type and number.

What if my ID document is expired?

ICFES requires an original, valid ID document. Without one, you can't take the exam. Check yours several days ahead, not the night before.

Can I bring water or a snack?

What's confirmed is that there's a break between the morning and afternoon sessions where you leave the venue. That's a good moment to eat something before going back in.