SACE Stage 2 Accounting exam-day guide
SACE Stage 2 Accounting · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Check the official exam timetable and venue
Confirm the date, start time and location of your SACE Stage 2 Accounting exam through the SACE and your school's assessment information. If anything is unclear, confirm with the provider rather than relying on secondhand information.
Know which materials are permitted
Accounting exams typically allow a calculator and may allow specified reference material. Confirm the exact permitted and prohibited items with your teacher or the SACE assessment rules before exam day, and do not assume.
Approved calculator with fresh batteries
Bring a calculator you have practised with, check it is on the permitted list, and fit new batteries or bring spares. Confirm the calculator policy with the provider if unsure.
Photo identification if required
Some venues ask for identification. Confirm with the provider whether ID is required and what form is accepted; do not assume a school card is sufficient.
Several pens, pencils, eraser and sharpener
Bring at least two blue or black pens, pencils for workings and diagrams, an eraser, and a ruler. Workings should be clearly labelled and in pen where the rules require it.
Clear pencil case or container
Many venues require a transparent case or no case at all. Check the local rules in advance.
Water bottle and small snack
Bring a clear, label-free water bottle if permitted, and a snack for before or after the exam. Confirm venue rules on drinks at the desk.
Watch that is not a smart device
A simple analogue or digital watch helps you pace sections. Smart watches and phones are almost always prohibited at the desk; confirm the device rules with the provider.
Summary sheet of formulas and formats
Prepare a one-page revision sheet covering accounting equations, depreciation methods, ratio formulas and the formats for key statements. Use it for revision only; do not bring it into the exam unless permitted.
Practise past-style questions under time
Complete at least two full-length practice papers under timed conditions, marking against the criteria and noting recurring errors.
Plan your transport and arrival time
Know how you are getting to the venue and aim to arrive early. Confirm the required arrival time and any reporting procedure with the provider.
Sleep, food and a calm routine
Prioritise sleep in the final nights, eat a normal breakfast, and avoid last-minute cramming of new content on the morning of the exam.
Plan the day
Finish your summary sheet and review the topics you find hardest: ledger accounts, trial balance adjustments, accruals and prepayments, inventory valuation, depreciation, bank reconciliations, and preparation of financial statements. Complete one full timed practice paper and mark it carefully, listing every error by topic.
Rework the errors from your practice paper and redo the questions you got wrong without looking at the answers. Check that you can set out statements in the required format, with correct headings, dates and totals, and that you show workings clearly.
Do a light review of your summary sheet, formulas and statement formats. Pack your equipment, confirm the venue and start time, and check the permitted materials list. Stop studying early enough to sleep well; avoid learning entirely new content.
Eat breakfast, arrive at the venue with time to spare, and follow any sign-in or seating instructions. Do not discuss content with other candidates in a way that raises anxiety. Confirm any last-minute arrangements with the provider if something is unclear.
Read the instructions and the whole paper, noting the marks for each question and any choice of questions. Allocate time in proportion to marks and decide the order in which you will answer.
Answer the questions you are most confident about first to secure marks, then return to harder items. Show all workings, label them clearly, and carry figures correctly. For statements, use proper headings and rule off totals. If a figure does not balance, show your method rather than leaving a blank.
Check that every question has been attempted, that totals and balancing figures are consistent, and that units and dates are correct. Make sure your name and candidate details are completed as instructed.
Rules to check
Follow all instructions from supervisors and the official exam rules. If any rule is unclear, confirm with the provider before the exam rather than guessing.
Bring only permitted equipment to the desk. Phones, smart watches and unauthorised notes are generally prohibited; confirm the specific device and materials policy with the provider.
Confirm identification requirements with the provider in advance and bring acceptable ID if it is required.
Show all workings in the required format. Marks are commonly awarded for correct method even where the final figure is wrong, so do not erase your working.
If you need to leave the room, raise your hand and wait for a supervisor. Confirm the break and supervised-toilet rules with the provider before exam day.
Do not communicate with other candidates during the exam or attempt to access unauthorised material. Suspected breaches are handled under the provider's rules on misconduct.
If you feel unwell or a disruption occurs, tell a supervisor immediately and follow their instructions; confirm the process for reporting illness or misadventure with the provider.
Manage your time by marks. Do not spend disproportionate time on a single question; leave it, secure marks elsewhere, and return if time allows.