Essential Exam Day Checklist for Students

Feeling nervous about your upcoming exams? You're not alone! Whether you're sitting your GCSEs, A Levels, or any other important school exam, being properly prepared can make all the difference to your confidence and performance.

This exam day checklist will help you feel calm, organised, and ready to show off all the hard work you’ve put in during your revision. We've covered everything from what to pack the night before to what happens when you arrive at the exam centre.

No more last-minute panicking or wondering if you've forgotten something crucial; this guide has got you covered.

Key Takeaways

• Pack your essentials the night before: your ID, black pens, pencils, calculator (if allowed), and a clear water bottle.

• Double-check exam details (time, place, seat number) and plan your journey with extra time for delays.

• Leave banned items at home or hand them in: no phones, notes, or non-transparent cases.

• Arrive early, stay calm, and follow the invigilator's instructions to start confidently.

The Night Before the Exam

Getting ready the night before is absolutely essential. Trust us, you don't want to be rushing around on exam morning trying to find your calculator or student ID!

1. Pack your exam bag with everything you need. Go through our checklist below and tick off each item as you pack it. Use a transparent or mesh bag if your exam board requires it.

2. Avoid last-minute cramming. Reading through your revision notes the night before is fine, but don't try to learn completely new topics. This will only increase your stress levels and won't help your performance. Trust in the revision you’ve already done.

3. Get a good night's sleep. Your brain needs time to consolidate all that revision, and you'll think much more clearly when you're well-rested. (opens in a new tab)According to the Sleep Foundation, teenagers need 8-10 hours of sleep for optimal cognitive function (opens in a new tab).

4. Double-check your exam details. Confirm the time, date, and location of your exam. Is it morning or afternoon? Which building and room number? It’s surprisingly easy to mix this up when you have multiple exams! You might find it helpful to write this information in a calendar or planner.

5. Plan your route to school/the exam centre. Know exactly how you're getting there and how long it takes. Add an extra 15 minutes for unexpected delays. If it's somewhere new, consider doing a practice run beforehand so you’re not stressed about finding it on the day. 

6. Know who to contact in emergencies. Make sure you've got the phone number for your school's exam office or main reception. If something goes wrong on exam day - like transport delays or a family emergency - you'll need to let them know straight away. Don't just not turn up without calling!

For structured revision planning, better time management, and efficient recall, check out our guide to making a GCSC revision timetable. It breaks down what to do and how to avoid last-minute panic. 

What to Bring on Exam Day

Here's your essential exam day kit. Print this out and tick off each item as you pack:

Identification

• Student ID card, if your school provides one, and place it so that it is visible to the invigilators at all times

• Valid photo ID such as a passport, national identity card, or driving licence (check what your exam board accepts - no ID means no exam!)

• Exam entry confirmation or candidate number. It helps invigilators seat you correctly and ensures your papers are marked under the right name.

Stationery Essentials

• Black pens. Bring at least 3 (pens always run out at the worst moment!). Note: blue pens are not accepted

• Pencils. 2B pencils for multiple choice answer sheets, HB for diagrams and graphs.

• Ruler. 30cm is usually best for accuracy and ease of use during maths and science questions

• Rubber. Useful for correcting pencil work in diagrams or planning essays. Choose a clean, soft rubber that won’t smudge.

Subject-Specific Items

• Calculator. Only bring a calculator if it’s allowed in the exam. Make sure it’s an approved model (usually basic scientific ones) and check the batteries the night before.

• Maths instruments, such as a compass and a protractor for maths/physics exams. Pack them even if you’re not sure - better safe than sorry. 

Other Essentials

• Clear water bottle. Stay hydrated, but make sure it’s see-through and remove any labels that might have notes on them

• Transparent pencil case or clear plastic bag. All your equipment must be visible. Tinted or patterned cases are not allowed.

• Tissues. A small, clear packet of tissues is a good idea for sneezes or nerves. Make sure it’s visibly clean and label-free. 

• Any medical items you need, such as inhalers, glucose tablets, EpiPens, etc., but please inform the invigilators beforehand. Don’t wait until it’s an emergency.

Remember, everything must be in a transparent container.

What Not to Bring on Exam Day

These items are strictly forbidden, and bringing them could result in disqualification from your exam:

• Any type of mobile phone. Even if they're switched off, you can't have them with you. Hand them in at the start or leave them at home entirely. The same applies to watches, including analogue, digital, and smart watches. If any electronic device is found on you during an exam – even if it's completely switched off – it could lead to disqualification. There are no exceptions to this rule. Even if your phone was buried at the bottom of your bag, and you'd completely forgotten about it.

• Notes, revision cards, or study materials. This includes handwritten notes, printed sheets, textbooks, or even formulas written on your hand or clothing. Once you're in the exam room, it's just you and your knowledge - no external help allowed.

• Non-transparent bags or pencil cases. Everything must be see-through so exam invigilators can easily check that there are no hidden items. This includes mesh bags, tinted containers, or anything with solid panels that block the view inside.

• Food or drinks except clear water in a transparent bottle with labels removed. This includes chewing gum, sweets, energy drinks, or any snacks. Even empty food wrappers aren’t allowed, as they could have information printed on them.

• Correction fluid or tape. You need to cross out mistakes clearly with a pen rather than covering them up. Examiners need to see your working and thought process, including any errors you’ve corrected.

• Programmable calculators or ones with text storage. Only basic scientific calculators are usually allowed. Graphics calculators, ones with internet, or any calculator that can store text or programs are not allowed.

Please take note of these prohibited items. Bringing banned objects can get you disqualified, even from all your exams. If you accidentally bring something you shouldn’t have, tell an invigilator straight away. Don’t try to hide or hope they won’t notice. 

Arrival and Entry Procedures

The way you start your exam day can have a big impact on how confident and relaxed you feel once you’re in the exam room. Knowing what to expect when you arrive helps take the stress out of those first few moments. 

Here’s what to do:

1. Arrive at least 15-20 minutes early. This gives you time to find the right room, use the toilet, and settle your nerves. Rushing in at the last minute will only increase your stress levels.

2. Bring identification ready to show. You'll need to prove who you are before entering the exam room, so have your student ID or photo ID easily accessible. 

3. Expect a bag and equipment check. Invigilators may search your belongings to ensure you haven't brought anything prohibited. This is standard procedure, so don’t take it personally. 

4. Find your allocated seat. Your name or candidate number should be displayed. Don't sit anywhere else, even if it looks like a better spot!

5. Listen carefully to instructions. The invigilator will explain the exam rules, timing, and what to do if you need help during the exam. Pay attention, even if you think you know it all already. 

6. Stay calm if there are delays. Sometimes exams start a few minutes late due to administrative issues. This is normal, and your exam time won't be affected. The clock starts when the invigilator says so, not at the scheduled time. 

Checklist for Students with Exam Access Arrangements

If you have special arrangements like extra time, a reader, or a scribe, it’s important to plan, so here's what you need to know:

• Confirm your arrangements beforehand. Check with your school's exams officer that everything is in place. Don't assume it's all sorted automatically.

• Bring any specific equipment you need. This might include a laptop for typing, special software, or enlarged papers. If you normally use these in lessons, make sure they’re also allowed in your exam - and working properly!

• Arrive slightly earlier than other students. You may need extra time to set up equipment or move to a separate room. Aim to arrive 10-15 minutes earlier so you’re not rushing. 

• Know who your support person is. If you’re using a reader, scribe, or prompter, you should know who they are before the exam begins. You might be introduced to them briefly before you’re seated.

• Speak up immediately if something isn't right. Don't suffer in silence if your arrangements aren't working properly, like a software issue or unclear instructions. Raise your hand and let an invigilator know straight away. 

• Bring documentation if requested. Some exam centres may ask to see evidence of your access arrangements.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I pack in my pencil case for exams?

Keep it simple and see-through. Your essential kit should include 3-4 black pens (blue pens aren’t allowed), 2-3 pencils of different grades (2B for multiple choice sheets, HB for diagrams), a rubber, a 30cm ruler, and a pencil sharpener if needed. 

For maths or science exams, you’ll also need an approved calculator. You might need maths tools like a compass and a protractor too.

Remember, everything must fit in a clear plastic bag or transparent pencil case. If you can’t see through it, you can’t bring it in. 

Can I bring snacks or drinks into the exam room?

Generally, no food is allowed in exam rooms. You can usually bring a clear water bottle with all labels removed. If you have diabetes or other health problems, you might be allowed glucose tablets. But they must be in clear packaging, and you must tell the exam staff before the exam starts.

What if I forget my ID or calculator on exam day?

Don't panic! Speak to an invigilator or exam officer immediately. Schools often have spare calculators you can borrow. For ID, they may accept alternative forms of identification or allow a teacher to vouch for you. Some schools keep photos of students on file for this exact scenario. 

The key is to report the problem straight away rather than trying to hide it. Remember to arrive a bit earlier on exam day, so there’s time to sort out any last-minute issues without eating into your exam time. 

How early should I arrive for my exam?

Aim to arrive 15-20 minutes before your exam starts. This gives you enough time to find the right room, sort out any last-minute issues, and settle your nerves. Getting there too early (more than 30 minutes) might make you more nervous. But arriving late means you could miss important instructions.

Ace your exams with Save My Exams

Remember, being properly prepared is one of the best ways to reduce exam day stress. Use this checklist the night before and again on the morning of your exam to make sure you haven't forgotten anything important.

Trust in all the revision you've done and remember that you're capable of great things. Your teachers believe in you, and so do we!

Good luck with your exams. You've got this! For more revision resources and exam tips, explore our GCSE revision hub and the rest of our guides on Save My Exams.

References

https://www.sleepfoundation.org/how-sleep-works/teens-and-sleep (opens in a new tab)