SACE Stage 2 Health and Wellbeing exam-day guide
SACE Stage 2 Health and Wellbeing · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Photo identification
Bring current photo ID as required by your school or exam venue. Accepted forms and any student ID requirements vary, so confirm with the provider or your school's exam coordinator before the day.
Exam admission slip or timetable confirmation
If your school issues an admission slip, statement of results, or personalised timetable, bring it. Some venues require it to seat you. Confirm with the provider whether it is mandatory.
Black or blue pens (at least two)
Bring spare pens for extended responses. Check with the provider whether specific ink colour or pen type is required for your written responses.
Pencils, sharpener and eraser
Useful for diagrams, tables, or any multiple-choice or shading sections. Confirm with the provider whether answers must be in pen.
Clear water bottle with labels removed
Staying hydrated helps concentration. Many venues require clear, unlabelled bottles; confirm the exact rule with the provider.
Approved calculator
Only if your subject's assessment includes calculations. Check with the provider whether a calculator is permitted and which models are approved.
Analog or non-smart watch
Useful for pacing if the room clock is not visible. Smart watches and phones are generally not allowed at desks; confirm the provider's device policy.
Transparent pencil case or bag
Many venues require clear storage for stationery. Confirm with the provider what containers are permitted at your desk.
Light layers of clothing
Exam rooms can be warm or cool. Dress in layers that can be adjusted without distracting others. Check whether the provider has a dress code.
No notes or unauthorised materials
Leave revision notes, phones, and smart devices outside the exam room unless the provider explicitly permits them. Confirm the provider's rules on bags and personal items.
Plan your transport and arrive early
Know your start time and venue location and allow extra travel time. Confirm with the provider how early candidates should arrive and what happens if you are late.
Know the illness and misadventure process
If you are unwell or something goes wrong, there may be an application process. Confirm with the provider in advance what evidence is needed and the deadlines.
Plan the day
Confirm your exam venue, start time, seat number if issued, and any equipment rules with your school or the provider. Check transport routes and plan a backup. Finish your summary notes and focus on active recall of key concepts, definitions, and models from the Health and Wellbeing course rather than rereading. Practise one timed response under exam conditions to check your pacing.
Do a final review of the syllabus or topic list and mark any gaps. Review command words and how much detail each requires. Check the structure of the exam paper if a sample or past-paper format is available through your school, and note the mark allocation so you can judge how long to spend on each section.
Pack your bag with ID, pens, pencils, and other permitted items. Confirm your alarm and travel plan. Do light revision only and stop early. Eat a normal meal, avoid excessive caffeine, and aim for a full night's sleep. Do not start new topics or cram late at night, as it tends to increase anxiety without improving recall.
Eat a proper breakfast and drink water. Arrive at the venue with time to spare. Avoid comparing notes with others, which can raise anxiety. Once seated, read the instructions and check the paper structure and total marks before starting.
Allocate time according to marks and stick to it. Read each question twice and identify the command word. For extended responses, plan briefly, use clear paragraphs, and link answers to relevant health concepts and evidence. If a question is difficult, move on and return later. Leave time at the end to check that every question is attempted and that your details are correct.
Do not spend time reviewing answers with others. Note any issues such as illness or disruption promptly, as some processes have short deadlines. Confirm with the provider what to do if you believe your performance was affected.
Rules to check
Bring the identification required by your school or venue and keep it visible on your desk if instructed. Accepted ID forms vary, so confirm with the provider before the day.
Follow all instructions from supervisors. Do not communicate with other candidates once the exam has begun, and raise your hand if you need assistance.
Keep phones, smart watches, and unauthorised notes out of the exam room or switched off and stored as directed. Confirm the provider's device policy in advance.
If you need to leave the room for a break or toilet visit, raise your hand and wait for a supervisor. Rules on leaving and returning during the exam vary, so confirm with the provider.
Write only in the permitted ink and in the designated spaces. Answers outside marked areas or in unauthorised materials may not be assessed.
Use only approved equipment. If you are unsure whether an item such as a calculator or a specific type of watch is allowed, ask the provider before the exam.
If you are late, ill, or affected by misadventure, tell a supervisor or your school immediately and follow the provider's application process, including any evidence requirements and deadlines.
Marks are awarded against the marking criteria for each question. Read the command words and the number of marks to judge how much detail and how many points are required.