Exams advice from the NRC

February 8, 2021March 1, 2021 Antonia

Examinations can be stressful, but the right information, plus a little planning and preparation, can help you stay calm. Read on for tips from Mat Stringer of the NRC, a Birmingham exam venue that sees thousands of students take examinations each year. Mat advises:

Leave enough time prior to exams. If coming from a distance you may want to travel the day before and utilise the wide range of accommodation close to NRC
Why not use public transport or get a lift from friend or family to NRC as your mind might be in exam mode?
Bring a healthy lunch or snacks depending on the time of the exams. You might need brain food in between sessions or when you finish. Remember, however, there may be rules against bringing food into the actual exam.
I advise that you aim to arrive an hour before exam. This takes the pressure off if there are delays.
Don’t forget to bring your proof of examination entry, including you confirmation letter and ID. Check the specific requirements for your exam.

The NRC is designed to be user friendly, and Mat explains what to do if you are attending for an exam.

On arrival use intercom to access the NRC.
One of the team will let you in. Take the lift. There are signs to the 4th or 5th floor.
You can use the waiting area to relax, have a drink and prepare yourself.
Bring a re-useable drink cup to make the most of refreshments on offer.
Don’t forget to bring cash or change for vending machine.
If you forget lunch, NRC staff can order you one if you place your request before 8:30am.

Every exam will have essentials that you need to complete it. Here is a short checklist to help you. Have you packed:

Pens
Pencils
Eraser
Calculator
Ruler
Specialist equipment if needed
Spare equipment and/or batteries.

If you are attending an exam at the NRC and you have any queries, please speak to an examiner or member of NRC staff. They’ll be happy to help.

During the pandemic, candidates for ABDO exams should follow the procedures already emailed out via the ABDO Examinations department :

Remember your Covid-19 declaration form, confirmation letter and ID.
Follow one way system inside the NRC .
Wear a facemask.
Stick to 2m social distancing.
Only 2 people should be in the lift at any time.
Regular hand washing/sanitising keeps everyone safe.
Please stay at your allocated desk where possible.

More questions? Email enquiries@abdonrc.org.uk. And Good Luck!

EXCELLENT rating
Based on 26 reviews

We have used the meeting facilities at ABDO on numerous occasions. The staff are extremely warm, welcoming and accommodating (huge shout out to Mat Stringer, nothing is too much trouble). The facilities are excellent and the rooms are always set up exactly as requested. I would have no hesitation in recommending this as a meeting venue.

Yvonne LEA

21/03/2024

The venue is a perfect location, facilities are great with spacious rooms and everything you need for your event. Staff are really helpful and can't do enough for you. Will use again.

Shirley SMITH

29/02/2024

Had an amazing couple of days at the NRC for the FQE practical revision event. Staff were very welcoming, friendly and approachable and I feel a lot better about the upcoming exams. The layout and aesthetics of the building are incredible. However, the highlight of my day was the lush lunch packs that we got for both days, amazing! Special shout out to Matt Stringer who provided me with a goody bag full of left over cakes!

Katie Martin

14/02/2024

Amazing couple of days at the NRC for the practical revision sessions. Staff were incredible, very knowledgeable, friendly and approachable! Invaluable in preparing for my final examinations. Incredible location, design of the building and interior is lovely, and so clean!

emelye c-p

14/02/2024

Superb Venue. Very bright, exceptional Professional Staff, Spacious and Close to Birmingham City Centre.

richard fowler

10/02/2024

Held our first conference here on Monday running five simultaneous streams of education. The venue is great with easy parking but above all, the staff are excellent. Nothing was too much trouble and the day ran flawlessly. Big thanks to Matt and the team.

ian beasley

29/11/2023

I have been a delegate using this centre for the last 4 years, year on year for a variety of reasons and events. Regardless of type of event, reasons for the event, the consensus is it is adaptable for the requirements of the individuals, businesses and sponsors. The location is brilliant. You have several nearby hotels within a 1 mile radius for overnight stay whilst also not being far from various methods of transport including the M6, Birmingham train station, Birmingham Airport and other connecting Motorways such as the M5 and M42. They have several floors available to be tailored to your requirements, with a very modern hot drinks dispensing machine for you and your delegates attending and equally technogically advanced for your needs of your meetings and/or conferences. Mat Stringer and his team are the brains behind the operations and he will go the extra mile to ensure you're welcome and you're set up for the day, even if you're having technical difficulties, he is there. It takes just one phone call or email to have that discussion which will revolutionise how you hold conferences for you and your businesses.

Google “CaptFatNeck” Review

31/10/2023

The NRC is a fantastic place, not only for Opticians. Great meeting space for any working group, easy to access and great views over the city. The staff are super helpful, 5 stars!

Mark Chatham

26/10/2023

We recently hosted a course here and wouldn't have changed a thing. Facilities were exactly what we needed, venue was clean and tidy, staff were lovely and friendly, and nothing was too much trouble at all. Very much looking forward to returning in a few weeks

Jordan Froude

13/10/2023

This place is an amazing resource. The quality and design of the clinic rooms are really professional and they almost feel like a boutique hotel. The attention to detail and service from both Matthew and Rebecca was also exceptional. A great place for learning. Thank you.

Edel Duffy

03/10/2023

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