QCAA Study of Religion exam-day guide
QCAA Study of Religion · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Photo identification
Bring a current government-issued photo ID (e.g., driver licence or passport). Confirm with your school which forms of ID are accepted for external exams.
Exam admission slip or timetable confirmation
Check with your school whether an admission slip is required and how it will be issued. Keep it with your ID.
Approved writing equipment
Bring at least two black or blue pens, pencils, an eraser, and a sharpener. Confirm with the provider which pen colours are permitted.
Clear water bottle
A transparent, label-free water bottle is typically allowed. Confirm with the provider whether bottles must be clear and labels removed.
Approved calculator (if permitted)
Study of Religion generally does not require a calculator, but confirm with the provider whether any calculator is allowed for your specific syllabus.
Analog watch (optional)
A simple non-smart watch can help you pace yourself. Smart watches and devices with communication capability are not permitted. Confirm with the provider.
Review the syllabus and past questions
Re-read the syllabus objectives and practise responding to unseen questions under timed conditions. Focus on explaining, analysing, and evaluating religious concepts.
Prepare for extended responses
Practise writing structured paragraphs that use evidence from religious traditions and refer to relevant sources. Ensure you can define key terms accurately.
Know the exam format
Confirm with your teacher the number and type of questions, time allocation, and whether there are multiple-choice, short-answer, or extended-response sections.
Plan your timing
Decide in advance how long to spend on each section. Leave time to review your answers and check that you have addressed every part of each question.
Check the venue and start time
Confirm the exam location, reporting time, and any entry requirements with your school. Plan to arrive early to allow for check-in.
Rest and nutrition
Get a good night's sleep and eat a balanced meal before the exam. Avoid last-minute cramming that may increase anxiety.
Plan the day
Review your summary notes and key terminology. Practise one or two timed responses under exam conditions. Focus on areas where you feel least confident, but avoid learning entirely new content. Confirm exam logistics (venue, time, ID) with your school.
Do a light review of major themes and definitions. Prepare your equipment and ID. Check transport arrangements. Aim for an early night and avoid excessive screen time.
Eat a nutritious breakfast and hydrate. Arrive at the venue with plenty of time. Avoid discussing content with peers if it increases anxiety. Use the toilet before entering the exam room.
Read all instructions carefully. Allocate time according to marks and question difficulty. Answer the questions you find easiest first to build confidence. For extended responses, plan briefly before writing. Leave 5–10 minutes to review your work and ensure no question is left blank.
Rules to check
Bring valid photo identification as specified by your school or the exam provider. Confirm with the provider which forms of ID are accepted.
Electronic devices, including phones and smart watches, are generally not permitted in the exam room. Confirm with the provider the exact rules for storage and prohibited items.
Follow all instructions from supervisors. Do not communicate with other candidates during the exam. Raise your hand if you need assistance.
Breaks are typically not permitted during the exam. If you have a medical condition or approved adjustment, confirm with the provider in advance.
Write your answers legibly in the spaces provided. If you need extra paper, ask a supervisor. Confirm with the provider how additional sheets should be labelled.
Do not bring unauthorised materials such as notes, textbooks, or annotated materials into the exam room. Confirm with the provider whether any texts or reference materials are permitted for Study of Religion.
Scoring is based on the quality of your responses against syllabus standards. Show your reasoning and use relevant evidence. Confirm with your teacher how marks are allocated for each question type.
If you arrive late, follow the supervisor's instructions. Confirm with the provider whether late entry is allowed and how it affects your time.