QCAA French exam-day guide
QCAA French · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Photo ID and candidate details
Bring current photo identification and any candidate number or enrolment paperwork issued to you. Accepted ID types can vary, so confirm the exact requirements with your school/QCAA before exam day. (needs_review)
Exam timetable and venue confirmation
Check the reported time, room, and whether your practical/oral is held at school or another venue. Reconfirm any last-minute changes with your teacher or exam coordinator.
Permitted writing equipment
If a written component is included, pack black or blue pens, pencils, an eraser, and a sharpener. For an oral-only examination, bring only items the provider permits. Confirm the equipment list with your school. (needs_review)
Non-smart watch
A simple watch without alarms or smart features can help you track speaking time. Confirm whether watches are allowed in your examination room. (needs_review)
Clear water bottle
Bring water in a clear, label-free bottle if permitted. Confirm the venue's rules on drinks before the day. (needs_review)
Phone and smart devices left secured
Do not bring mobile phones, smartwatches, or earbuds into the examination room. Follow your school's instructions for where to leave them.
French opening and closing phrases
Practise greetings, asking for clarification, checking meaning, and closing an exchange in French so you can manage the interaction smoothly.
Topic vocabulary and sentence starters
Revise high-frequency vocabulary, connectives, and sentence patterns for your prescribed topics. Prepare a short mental list of paraphrasing strategies for words you forget.
Spoken rehearsal with a timer
Practise speaking aloud under timed conditions, ideally with a teacher or peer. Record yourself once to check pace, pronunciation, and clarity.
Dictionary policy confirmed
Do not assume a dictionary or reference list is allowed. Ask your teacher or check QCAA materials for the specific rules for your examination. (needs_review)
Structure and timing known
Confirm the number and order of sections/tasks and how long you have for each. Write a simple timing plan if a written component is included.
Transport and arrival plan
Plan your route and aim to arrive early. Check traffic, public transport, and weather, and keep a contact number for your school in case of delay.
Plan the day
Confirm ID, venue, reporting time, and permitted equipment with your school. Review the syllabus and assessment structure, then practise oral responses aloud. Keep revision active: speak, record, and correct rather than only rereading notes.
Check whether your examination includes a written component and prepare accordingly. If it does, practise timed responses and review text types and vocabulary. If it does not, focus on oral fluency and interaction strategies.
Protect your sleep schedule. Avoid late-night cramming, and do one full timed rehearsal so the format feels familiar.
Do light revision only: key phrases, topic vocabulary, and a few model answers. Practise speaking aloud for 15–20 minutes, then stop. Prepare clothes, ID, water, and any permitted equipment, and confirm your transport plan.
Check for any messages from your school about room changes or timing. Set two alarms and aim for a normal night's sleep. Avoid learning new content that could increase anxiety.
Eat a normal breakfast and arrive early. Bring your ID and permitted equipment only. Do a short vocal warm-up and review a few useful French phrases rather than trying to revise everything.
Follow sign-in instructions and listen carefully to supervisor directions. If you feel nervous, use slow breathing and remind yourself that the examiner is assessing communication, not perfection.
Listen to the whole question or prompt before answering. Speak clearly at a steady pace, and use French to ask for clarification if permitted. If you do not know a word, paraphrase or use a simpler expression instead of stopping.
Manage your time according to the confirmed structure. For oral tasks, develop answers with reasons and examples rather than one-word responses. For written tasks, leave a few minutes to check grammar, spelling, and task completion.
If you make a mistake, correct it briefly and continue. Do not spend time apologising or restarting. Follow all instructions about when you may leave and what you may take from the room.
Rules to check
Bring the identification required by your school or QCAA. Confirm accepted ID forms before exam day; if you are unsure, ask your exam coordinator rather than guessing.
Do not bring mobile phones, smartwatches, or other unauthorised electronic devices into the examination room. Follow your school's instructions for securing them.
Follow all directions from exam supervisors and teachers. If you are unsure whether something is permitted, ask before the examination begins.
Maintain academic integrity. Do not discuss examination content with other candidates during the examination period unless your school confirms that discussion is permitted.
If you need a break, toilet visit, or other adjustment, ask the supervisor. Do not assume breaks are allowed during oral or practical tasks; confirm the procedure with your provider.
Scoring is based on the assessment criteria in the relevant syllabus. Do not rely on rumours about marks or grading; ask your teacher for the official criteria.
If you arrive late or cannot attend, contact your school immediately and follow its late-arrival or absence policy. Do not assume you will be admitted late without approval.
Use French throughout the oral examination unless instructions say otherwise. If you need clarification, use a rehearsed French phrase where possible, and confirm the examiner's expectations beforehand.