QCAA ATSI Studies exam-day guide
QCAA ATSI Studies · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Photo ID (as required by your school or QCAA)
Bring the identification your school or venue has told you to present. Confirm with the provider which forms of ID are accepted and whether student ID alone is sufficient.
Admission or attendance slip / exam timetable printout
If your school issues a personalised timetable or admission notice, bring it. Confirm with the provider whether it is mandatory or simply useful for finding your seat and session time.
Approved pens (black or blue) and spare pens
Practical and written responses are usually completed in ink. Bring at least two working pens plus a spare; check the permitted-equipment list for your subject.
Pencils, sharpener and eraser
Useful for diagrams, sketches, multiple-choice shading or planning. Keep them in a clear pencil case if clear cases are required.
Ruler and any subject-approved drawing or measuring equipment
Bring only equipment listed as permitted. Confirm with the provider whether calculators, highlighters or measuring tools are allowed for this subject.
Clear water bottle with labels removed
Many venues permit a clear, unlabelled water bottle. Confirm with the provider what containers are allowed at your venue.
Printed copy of your own summary notes or permitted reference material, if allowed
Only bring notes if the task is explicitly open-book or if the provider has approved specific reference sheets. Confirm with the provider before relying on this.
Know your seat, room, start time and reporting time
Check your timetable the day before and locate the room in advance. Arrive earlier than the reporting time to allow for seating and instructions.
Leave phones and smart devices switched off and stored as directed
Do not keep a phone or smartwatch on you during the task. Follow venue instructions for where devices must be placed.
Plan transport and a backup plan
Confirm travel time and have a backup route or contact. Late arrival may affect your ability to sit the task; confirm with the provider how lateness is handled.
Check any required permissions, consent or fieldwork forms are submitted
Practical subjects sometimes require signed forms before assessment. Confirm with the provider that all paperwork is complete.
Read the task instructions and permitted-equipment list in advance
Know the structure, response format, time allocation and what you may bring. Ask your teacher to clarify anything ambiguous before the day.
Plan the day
Confirm the logistics: exact date, reporting time, room, permitted equipment and whether any materials are supplied. Re-read the task notification and ask your teacher about anything unclear.
Build a one-page summary of key concepts, terms and skills, then practise applying them to unfamiliar examples rather than re-reading notes passively.
Complete at least one timed practice response under realistic conditions, then review where you lost time or marks and adjust your approach.
Pack your bag with ID, pens, pencils, ruler, water bottle and any approved materials. Lay out clothes and confirm transport arrangements.
Do a light review of your summary sheet only. Avoid cramming new content late at night; prioritise sleep.
Check the venue location and any last-minute notices from your school about room changes or timing.
Eat a proper meal, arrive early, and leave devices stored as instructed. Use waiting time for calm review of your summary sheet, not new material.
Read all instructions and questions before starting. Note the marks or weighting for each part and allocate time accordingly, leaving time to check your work.
For extended or practical responses, plan briefly, use subject-specific terminology, and support points with evidence or examples. If a question is unclear, re-read it and move on rather than stalling.
Watch the clock at set checkpoints. If time is short, write concise point-form answers to capture marks rather than leaving questions blank.
Follow venue instructions for collecting belongings and leaving quietly. Do not discuss the task with others until the provider confirms it is appropriate to do so.
Rules to check
Follow all instructions from supervisors and venue staff; their directions take precedence during the task.
Bring and present the identification required by your school or venue. Confirm with the provider what ID is accepted if you are unsure.
Keep phones, smartwatches and other devices switched off and stored as directed for the entire session. Unauthorised devices may be treated as a breach of assessment rules.
Bring only permitted equipment and materials. If you are unsure whether an item is allowed, ask your teacher or confirm with the provider before the day.
If you need to leave the room for a break or illness, raise your hand and wait for a supervisor. Confirm with the provider how supervised breaks affect your time.
If you arrive late, report to a supervisor immediately. Confirm with the provider how lateness or missed time is handled and whether you can still complete the task.
Do not communicate with other candidates during the task and do not share or discuss task content afterwards unless your teacher says it is appropriate.
Ask a supervisor if you believe there is an error in the paper or a problem with your equipment. Do not attempt to resolve it yourself.