AHS-Matura exam-day guide
AHS-Matura · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Photo ID (passport or national ID card)
Bring the original document, not a copy or photo. Check that it is unexpired. If you are unsure which IDs the AHS-Matura provider accepts, confirm with the provider before exam day.
Admission confirmation / registration slip
Print or save the confirmation showing your candidate number, time, and location. The exact document required varies by provider, so confirm with the provider what you must present at check-in.
Permitted writing tools
Bring several blue or black ballpoint pens and pencils, an eraser, and a sharpener. Check the provider's list of allowed and prohibited materials, since rules on pencil cases and annotations differ.
Approved calculator (if your subject allows one)
Bring only a model on the provider's permitted list, with fresh batteries. Whether graphing or programmable calculators are allowed depends on the subject and provider, so confirm with the provider.
Permitted reference materials or formula sheets
Some subjects supply tables or allow specific printed aids. Do not bring your own unless the provider explicitly permits it; confirm with the provider which aids are provided versus allowed.
Analog watch (no smart features)
Many rooms have a visible clock, but a simple watch helps you pace yourself. Smartwatches and phones are normally prohibited at the desk; confirm the provider's policy on watches.
Clear water bottle with labels removed
Hydration helps concentration. Container rules vary, so check whether bottles must be transparent and label-free; confirm with the provider.
Know your exact reporting time and room
Arrive with a buffer before the stated check-in time. Late-arrival rules differ by provider, so confirm with the provider how lateness is handled.
Transport plan and backup
Plan the route in advance and identify a backup option. Aim to be at the venue well before the doors close, allowing for delays.
Leave phones and smart devices at home or in designated storage
Devices at the desk are typically treated as a rule violation. Follow the provider's storage instructions exactly; confirm with the provider where devices must be left.
Small snack for before or after the exam
Eating during the exam is usually restricted. Check whether breaks are scheduled and whether snacks are allowed outside the room; confirm with the provider.
Read the provider's exam-day regulations in advance
Review the official rules on conduct, breaks, toilet visits, and scoring. These are set by the provider and can change, so confirm with the provider rather than relying on secondhand information.
Plan the day
Stop learning new material. Review summaries, formula sheets, and past mistakes, and do short timed practice under exam conditions. Confirm your registration, reporting time, venue, and the list of permitted materials with the provider. Prepare your bag and ID early, check transport, and protect your sleep schedule.
Do a light review only, then stop. Lay out ID, confirmation, pens, calculator, and any permitted aids. Recheck the venue and travel time. Eat a normal meal, avoid heavy caffeine late in the day, and go to bed at your usual time. Do not try to cram overnight.
Eat a proper breakfast and drink water. Arrive at the venue with a comfortable buffer before check-in. Keep your phone off and stored as instructed. Use the time before the start for calm breathing and a brief glance at key points, not for new topics.
Read all instructions and check the time allocation before starting. Answer the questions you find easiest first, then return to harder ones. Watch the clock at set intervals and leave time to transfer answers or check your work. If you get stuck, move on and come back. Follow invigilator instructions exactly, and if you need to leave the room, raise your hand and wait to be accompanied.
Rules to check
Bring valid photo ID and your admission confirmation; present them when asked. If you are unsure what counts as valid ID, confirm with the provider before exam day.
Follow the provider's rules on permitted and prohibited materials. Do not bring notes, phones, smartwatches, or unauthorized aids to the desk; confirm the exact list with the provider.
Arrive by the stated reporting time. Late-arrival and admission rules are set by the provider, so confirm with the provider how lateness is handled rather than assuming you will be admitted.
Stay silent once in the exam room and communicate only with invigilators. Do not look at other candidates' work or attempt any form of communication during the exam.
Breaks and toilet visits are usually supervised and may be limited. Ask an invigilator before leaving your seat; confirm the provider's break policy in advance.
Scoring, grading scales, and any penalties for rule violations are determined by the provider. Read the official regulations and confirm with the provider if anything is unclear.
If you believe there is a problem with the paper, the room, or your conditions, tell an invigilator immediately and follow the provider's appeals or complaint procedure afterward.