The Ultimate A Level Exam Checklist

The thought of sitting your A Level exams can be overwhelming. You've spent months revising, but as exam day gets closer, that nagging worry creeps in. What if I forget my calculator? What if I miss something crucial in my revision? What if I'm not ready?

That's exactly why we've created this checklist. Think of it as your exam companion – a practical, step-by-step guide that makes sure nothing slips through the cracks. We've broken it down into manageable stages, from your final weeks of revision right through to the moment you walk into the exam hall.

Key Takeaways

• Following a structured plan helps reduce last-minute stress and stops you forgetting important items.

• We've included subject-specific reminders so you'll have exactly what you need for each exam.

• Use this as your go-to guide in the final stretch before your A Levels.

How This Checklist Will Help You

You've put in the work, and you think you’re ready to take your seat in the exam hall. But, all it takes is one forgotten item or one overlooked topic to throw you off your game. The stress of wondering whether you've covered everything can actually get in the way of performing your best.

This checklist will banish these worries and help you to feel less stressed about your A Level exams. Organisation and preparation are key. Get these two things right with our A Level exam checklist, and you’ll feel more confident and ready come exam season.

2–4 Weeks Before Your Exams

This is your preparation phase. Getting organised now means less panic later.

• Check your exam timetable thoroughly. Write down the date, time, and location of every single exam. 

• Gather all your past papers. You need actual exam papers from previous years, not just practice questions. Past papers show you the exact format you'll face and help you spot patterns in what examiners ask.

• Create a realistic revision timetable. Block out specific times for each subject based on what you find hardest. Be honest with yourself about your weak spots. Read more about the best revision techniques and how you can make an A Level revision timetable.

• Identify your problem topics. Go through your notes and mark anything you don't fully understand. These are your priority areas.

• Test yourself regularly. Active recall beats passive reading every time. Use flashcards, practice questions, or get someone to quiz you.

• Sort out your study space. Clear your desk, gather your materials, and create somewhere you can actually focus.

• Check your exam board requirements. Different boards have different rules about calculators, formulae sheets, and what you can bring in. Check the specific requirements for your exam board (AQA (opens in a new tab), OCR (opens in a new tab), Edexcel (opens in a new tab), etc.).

The Night Before Your Exam

The night before is about calm preparation.

• Pack your exam bag now. Don't leave this until the morning when you're already stressed. Get everything ready and put it by the door.

• Lay out your clothes. Choose something comfortable that follows your school's exam dress code. You don't want to waste mental energy on outfit decisions in the morning.

• Set multiple alarms. Use your phone, ask a family member for a backup, or set an actual alarm clock. Give yourself plenty of time to get ready without rushing.

• Eat a proper meal. Something balanced and nutritious. Your brain needs fuel to perform well.

• Do a light review if you must. If you feel you need to look at notes, stick to key formulae or definitions. Don't try to learn anything new at this point.

• Avoid social media comparison. Seeing other people's revision notes or panic posts won't help you. Log off and focus on yourself.

• Get to bed at a reasonable time. Aim for at least seven hours of sleep. 

Explore our comprehensive guide to help you through what to do the night before an exam.

Exam Day Essentials

Here's what absolutely must go in your bag before you leave the house.

• Student ID or exam identification. Most exam centres require this. If you're not sure, check with your school or college.

• Black pens (at least two). They must be black ink. Bring spares because pens always run out at the worst possible time.

• Pencil and rubber. For diagrams, graphs, or any rough work.

• Clear pencil case or clear plastic bag. Many exam halls only allow transparent cases, so invigilators can see what you're carrying.

• Water bottle with the label removed. Stay hydrated, but most exam boards require labels to be taken off.

• Watch (non-smart). Exam halls might not have visible clocks, and you can't use your phone. A simple watch helps you manage your time.

• Tissues. You never know when you'll need them, and asking during an exam is disruptive.

• Any medication you need. If you have an inhaler, hay fever tablets, or anything else, bring them. Let an invigilator know beforehand, if necessary.

Subject-Specific Items to Remember

Different subjects need different equipment. Here's what to bring for the most common A Level exams:

When in doubt, check your exam board's website or ask your teachers. It's better to double-check than to turn up without something crucial.

Quick Mindset Checklist

Your mental wellbeing matters just as much as what's in your bag.

• Take three deep breaths before you start. Slow, deep breathing activates your parasympathetic nervous system and helps you feel calmer.

• Trust your revision. You've put in the work. Your brain has stored that information, even if it doesn't feel like it right now.

• Read every question twice. Rushing leads to silly mistakes. Take your time to understand what's actually being asked.

• Don't let one difficult question derail you. Move on and come back to it later. Every question you can answer builds your marks.

• Avoid comparing yourself to others. The student next to you might look confident, but might be struggling just as much. Focus on your own paper.

• Remember that nerves are normal. A bit of adrenaline can actually help you perform better. It's your body getting ready to focus.

• Talk to yourself positively. Replace "I can't do this" with "I've prepared for this." Your internal dialogue affects your performance.

If you feel worried, take a look at our Exam Anxiety Relief Kit to help alleviate stress.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I pack for my A Level exams?

Pack black pens, pencils, a rubber, a clear pencil case, your student ID, a watch, and a water bottle with no label. Add subject-specific items like a calculator for maths or coloured pencils for geography. Always bring spares of essential items like pens.

How can I stay calm before my exam?

Use deep breathing exercises and focus on what you've already learned rather than what you might have missed. Arrive early so you're not rushed, and remind yourself that feeling nervous is completely normal.

Should I revise the night before an A Level exam?

Light review is fine if it makes you feel better, but don't try to learn new material. Focus on key formulae or quick revision notes rather than in-depth study. Getting proper sleep is more valuable than late-night cramming.

What happens if I forget something important?

Stay calm and tell an invigilator immediately. For most items like pens or calculators, schools usually have spares available. If you've forgotten your ID, the exam centre will have procedures in place. The key is to speak up straight away rather than sitting in silence worrying.

Final Thoughts

This checklist isn't meant to add more pressure to your plate. It's here to take the worry away.

Exams are challenging enough without the added stress of wondering if you've forgotten something or haven't prepared properly. By working through this checklist stage by stage, you're setting yourself up for success.

Remember, preparation builds confidence. And we’re by your side every step of the way. Join over 2 million students and teachers using Save My Exams to master what matters - and boost your grades today.

Explore our A Level revision resources.

References

AQA AS and A Level (opens in a new tab)

OCR AS and A Level (opens in a new tab)

Edexcel A Levels (opens in a new tab)