QCAA Geography exam-day guide
QCAA Geography · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Student ID and any QCAA-required identification
Bring photo identification as directed by your school. Exact ID requirements for external assessment are set by your school/QCAA - confirm with the provider what is accepted before exam day.
Exam timetable and room/location details
Know your start time, room, seat, and reporting time. Confirm the location with your school the day before; venues can change.
Approved equipment per the syllabus
Confirm with the provider which equipment is permitted for this external assessment (for example pens, pencils, ruler, eraser, and any approved calculator). Bring only what is allowed.
Approved calculator (if permitted)
Calculator rules and approved models are set by QCAA/school. Confirm with the provider whether a calculator is permitted and which models are approved before relying on one.
Transparent pencil case or container
Many venues require equipment in a clear container. Confirm with the provider whether this is required at your school.
Clear water bottle with labels removed
Check venue rules on drinks. Confirm with the provider whether water is allowed and what container rules apply.
No prohibited devices on you
Leave phones, smart watches, and other devices switched off and stored as instructed. Confirm the exact device policy with the provider.
Plan transport and arrival time
Aim to arrive early enough to check in and settle. Build in buffer for traffic or public transport delays.
Read the syllabus and past-paper-style practice
Revise the assessed content and practise the question styles and timing. Use your own notes and school-provided materials.
Sleep, food, and water routine
Get a normal night's sleep, eat a proper meal, and stay hydrated. Avoid new routines on exam day.
Backup plan if you are late or unwell
Know who to contact at your school immediately. Rules on illness and misadventure are set by QCAA/school - confirm with the provider.
Watch or clock (if allowed)
Check venue rules on timepieces. Confirm with the provider whether a watch is permitted and whether smart watches are banned.
Plan the day
Finish content revision: review the syllabus dot points, your summary notes, and worked examples. Do timed practice under exam conditions to rehearse pacing. Identify weak areas and address them rather than starting new topics. Confirm your exam time, room, and equipment list with your school.
Do a light review of key concepts and skills only; avoid cramming new material. Pack your equipment and ID. Check transport and set an alarm. Eat well and go to bed at a normal time. Confirm with the provider any last-minute venue or timing changes.
Eat breakfast, drink water, and arrive early. Leave devices stored as instructed. Do a brief calm review of key points, then stop and focus on settling in. Report to the venue at the required time and follow supervisor instructions.
Read all instructions and the question paper carefully. Allocate time by question value and keep to your plan. Answer the questions you know first, then return to harder ones. Show working where relevant, manage the clock, and use remaining time to check answers. Follow supervisor directions throughout.
Rules to check
Bring and present the identification required by your school/QCAA. Confirm with the provider what ID is accepted and what happens if you forget it.
Follow all supervisor instructions on seating, starting, stopping, and leaving the room.
Keep all devices switched off and stored as directed; do not access unauthorised materials or communicate with other candidates.
Raise your hand to request a break or to leave the room; break and toilet rules are set by the venue - confirm with the provider.
Do not begin writing until instructed and stop writing immediately when told. Writing after the stop instruction may be penalised.
Use only approved equipment and materials. Confirm with the provider which items are permitted for this assessment.
If you are late, unwell, or affected by misadventure, notify your school as soon as possible; QCAA/school processes apply - confirm with the provider.
Scoring and marking are determined by QCAA/school procedures; check school-provided information on how the assessment is marked and what feedback is available.