IB Exam Checklist: What to Bring On The Day

Walking into your IB exam properly prepared isn't just about knowing the content. It's about having the right tools, the correct ID, and a calm mindset. Accidentally bring your phone? That's a problem. Forget your calculator? That's a bigger one.

This IB Exam checklist covers everything you need to remember: what you absolutely must leave at home, and how to avoid last-minute panic.

Key Takeaways

• Being properly prepared will help you stay calm and confident on exam day.

• You need specific guidance for paper-based exams, digital assessments, and subject requirements. 

• Certain things are banned from the exam room – you have to leave them at home

• Tips on how to prepare the night before to make exam day as relaxed as possible. 

• Being properly prepared means you can focus on what really matters: showing what you know.

Why an IB Exam Checklist Matters

Having a proper checklist eliminates guesswork. You won't be frantically searching for your ID at 7:45am or wondering whether your calculator model is allowed. Instead, you'll walk in calm and ready to focus entirely on your exam.

Preparation also reduces exam anxiety, experienced by up to about 85% according to our survey. Our article on exam anxiety statistics will reveal more. However, when you know exactly what you need and you've packed it the night before, you free up mental space for the things that actually matter.

IB exam halls come with strict rules as to what’s allowed. Bringing prohibited items can result in penalties, including having your exam voided. That's not meant to scare you, but exam regulations exist to keep things fair for everyone.

Always check with your coordinator for any school-specific requirements, but this guide covers the standard regulations that apply to most students.

General Items to Bring to All IB Exams

These essentials apply to virtually every IB exam, regardless of subject.

• Pens (black or blue ink only). Bring at least three working pens. The IB requires black or blue ink. Test your pens the night before to make sure they work.

• Pencils and erasers. You'll need HB or 2B pencils for diagrams or rough work. Bring a good eraser too. Mechanical pencils are allowed, but bring regular pencils as backup.

• Clear pencil case or see-through bag. Many exam centres require transparent pencil cases so invigilators can easily see what you've brought. If you don't have one, a clear plastic bag works fine.

• Student identification. This is non-negotiable. You need your student ID card or the identification your school has provided. Without it, you may not be allowed to sit the exam.

• Exam timetable. Know which exam you're sitting, what time it starts, and which room you need. Exam stress can make you second-guess yourself, so have your timetable printed or saved.

• Water bottle (label removed). You're allowed a clear, transparent water bottle with all labels removed. This prevents any possibility of having notes written on labels.

• Watch (non-smart, analogue or basic digital). Whilst exam rooms usually have clocks, you might prefer your own watch. It must be a basic watch without any smart features, alarms, or connectivity.

• Tissues. Some exam centres provide these, but bring your own packet just in case. Remove any packaging with writing on it.

• Medical items you need. If you require an inhaler, glucose tablets, or other essential medical items, inform your exam coordinator beforehand.

Subject-Specific Essentials

Different subjects have different requirements. Here's what you need for specific exam types.

Maths & Science Exams

• Approved calculator. This is crucial. The IB maintains a list of approved calculator models (opens in a new tab), and using a non-approved calculator can invalidate your exam. Check the official IB calculator list or ask your teacher to confirm your model is allowed.

• Your calculator must not have symbolic algebra manipulation, graphing (unless specifically required), connectivity to other devices, or the ability to store text.

• Spare batteries or backup calculator. Calculator batteries dying mid-exam is a nightmare. Bring spare batteries or a second approved calculator as backup.

• Geometry set. For Maths exams, you'll need a ruler (showing centimetres), compass, and protractor. Your ruler should be transparent so invigilators can verify there's no information hidden inside.

• Highlighters (optional). Some students find highlighters useful for marking important information. These are generally allowed, but check with your coordinator.

Language & Humanities Exams

• Black or blue pens only. Language and Humanities exams typically don't require much beyond good quality pens. Bring several, as you'll be doing lots of writing.

• Pencils for planning. Many students prefer to plan essays in pencil before writing in pen. This is allowed, using spare paper provided by the exam centre.

• Dictionaries (subject to strict rules). Most IB Language exams don't allow dictionaries. However, Language B exams sometimes permit bilingual dictionaries, but only specific types approved by the IB. Never assume you can bring a dictionary. Always verify with your teacher beforehand.

• No notes, study guides, or textbooks. All materials must be from your own knowledge. Any external resources are strictly prohibited.

Digital or On-Screen Exams

Some IB assessments may be completed digitally. If you're sitting a digital exam, requirements differ.

• Your school provides the device. You won't bring your own laptop or tablet. The exam centre provides approved devices with locked-down software.

• Login credentials. You may need your candidate number or login details. Your coordinator will brief you beforehand. Make sure you know your credentials.

• No personal devices. Even for digital exams, your personal phone, smartwatch, or laptop must be left outside the exam room.

• Headphones (if required). For language listening exams conducted digitally, you may be provided with headphones. Schools typically supply these, but confirm beforehand.

What NOT to Bring to IB Exams

Knowing what to leave at home is just as important as knowing what to bring.

Mobile phones. Phones must be switched off and left outside the exam room entirely. Even having a phone in your pocket, turned off, can result in your exam being voided. Leave it in your bag outside or in your locker.

Smartwatches and fitness trackers. Any watch with connectivity, notifications, or information storage is banned. If it does more than tell the time, leave it behind.

Notes, revision cards, or study materials. All knowledge must come from your own preparation. Any written materials are strictly forbidden. Our specialised IB subject revision resources can help you to prepare for the exam content.

Non-approved calculators. Using a calculator not on the IB approved list is a serious violation. When in doubt, check with your teacher.

Food (generally). Most exam centres don't allow food in the exam room. Water is usually fine, but snacks or sweets typically aren't. If you have medical reasons requiring food, inform your coordinator beforehand.

Correction fluid or tape. Many IB exams don't allow correction fluid. If you make a mistake, simply cross it out neatly with a single line.

Earphones or music devices. Unless specifically required for a listening exam (and provided by the school), any audio devices are prohibited.

Smartpens or recording devices. Any pen or device that can record, photograph, or transmit information is banned.

The consequences of bringing prohibited items can be severe. Penalties range from warnings to having your entire exam session voided. When in doubt, leave it out.

Night Before & Morning of the Exam Checklist

Proper preparation starts before exam day. Here's how to set yourself up for success.

The Night Before

• Pack your exam bag. Lay out everything you need: pens, pencils, eraser, calculator (with fresh batteries), geometry set, ID card, watch, and water bottle. Don't wait until morning.

• Check your calculator batteries. Test that your calculator works and has sufficient battery life. If batteries are low, replace them now.

• Verify your exam details. Double-check your exam timetable. Confirm the subject, time, and location.

• Prepare your clothes. Lay out comfortable clothes for exam day. Dress in layers since exam rooms can be unpredictably hot or cold.

• Set multiple alarms. Set at least two alarms with plenty of time. Better yet, ask a family member to wake you as backup.

• Get a good night's sleep. Aim for at least seven to eight hours. Late-night cramming typically does more harm than good.

Morning of the Exam

• Eat breakfast. Even if you're nervous, try to eat something. Foods like porridge, toast, or eggs help maintain concentration.

• Arrive early. Plan to arrive at least 15 to 20 minutes before the exam starts. This gives you time to find your seat and settle your nerves.

• Do a final check. Before leaving home, verify you have your ID, pens, calculator, and any subject-specific items.

• Leave your phone behind. Don't bring it into the building if you can avoid it. If you must bring it to school, leave it in your locker.

• Use the toilet. Go before the exam starts. Toilet breaks during the exam disrupt your flow and waste time.

• Stay calm and confident. Take deep breaths. Remind yourself that you've prepared for this. Check out our exam anxiety relief kit to help you!

You can find more ideas in our Exam Day Checklist.

Frequently Asked Questions

What calculator can I use for IB exams?

The IB maintains an official list of approved calculators that's updated regularly. Your calculator must not have symbolic algebra manipulation, connectivity features, or the ability to store text beyond basic constants. Common approved brands include certain Texas Instruments (like the TI-84 series) and Casio models (like the fx-991 series), but you must verify your specific model. Your Maths teacher should have this information, or check the IB website. Using a non-approved calculator can result in your exam being voided.

Can I bring snacks or drinks into the exam room?

Water is generally allowed, but it must be in a clear, transparent bottle with all labels removed. Food is typically not permitted. If you have a medical condition that requires food (such as diabetes), you must inform your exam coordinator beforehand with proper medical documentation. For most students, eat a proper meal before the exam and rely on water during the assessment.

What happens if I forget my candidate ID?

Unfortunately, you cannot sit an IB exam without proper identification. If you forget your ID, immediately inform an invigilator or your exam coordinator. They may be able to verify your identity through other means, such as checking school records. However, this causes delays and stress you don't need. In some cases, you might be allowed to sit the exam provisionally whilst your identity is verified, but this isn't guaranteed. Make checking for your ID part of your morning routine. Put it in your pencil case the night before.

Final Thoughts

Walking into an IB exam properly prepared will make you feel so much better. You're not scrambling for a working pen or panicking about your calculator. Instead, you'll be calm, focused, and ready to show what you've learned.

Use this checklist proactively. Don't wait until the morning of your first exam: pack your bag the night before. Double-check you have your ID and approved calculator.

Exam regulations exist to create a fair environment for all students. If you're ever unsure about whether something is allowed, ask your coordinator or teacher. It's always better to ask beforehand than face consequences on exam day.

You've spent months preparing for these exams. You know your content. You've done the practice papers. Now make sure you also know exactly what to bring and what to leave at home.

The IB is challenging, but you're ready for it. Stay organised, stay calm, and trust your preparation. Good luck!

References

• Use of calculators in examinations 2019 – version 1.0 Calculator List (opens in a new tab)