WACE Applied IT exam-day guide
WACE Applied IT · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Photo ID and exam admission slip
Bring current photo identification and any admission notice your school or the exam authority issued. Confirm with the provider which ID forms are accepted and whether the admission slip must be printed.
Required stationery
Pack black or blue pens, pencils, an eraser and a ruler, plus any permitted calculator. Confirm with the provider which calculator models are allowed and whether spare batteries are permitted.
Printed or digital confirmation of permitted software
If the practical component uses school computers, confirm with the provider in advance which applications and file formats are available. Do not assume software versions; verify with your teacher.
Saved backup of your practical work
Keep a copy of any practice or project files in the location your teacher specified. Confirm with the provider how submitted files are collected and whether cloud storage is permitted during the exam.
Water bottle and a light snack
Check the venue rules first. Confirm with the provider whether drinks and snacks are allowed at the desk; some venues restrict them to break areas.
Watch or timing device
A simple analogue or digital watch helps you pace long practical tasks. Confirm with the provider whether smart watches and phones must be switched off and stored away.
Personal medication and access arrangements
If you have approved access arrangements or need medication, confirm with the provider what documentation to bring and where to report before the exam.
Transport and venue plan
Know the room, arrival time and route in advance. Confirm with the provider the latest arrival time and the procedure if you are delayed.
Rest and revision plan for the final night
Stop heavy study early enough to sleep. Confirm with the provider the recommended arrival buffer so you are not rushed on the morning.
Emergency contact and provider phone number
Save the school or exam authority contact in your phone and write it on paper as backup. Confirm with the provider who to call if you cannot attend.
Plan the day
Re-read the task requirements and marking criteria you have been given. Practise the specific skills the practical exam targets, such as file management, spreadsheet formulas, database queries or document formatting. Do timed run-throughs of past-style tasks under exam conditions. Prepare your stationery and ID, and confirm venue and arrival details with the provider.
Do a light review of key commands and shortcuts rather than learning new content. Check your equipment and calculator, pack your bag, and lay out clothes and ID. Sleep at your normal time. Avoid last-minute cramming that leaves you tired.
Eat a normal breakfast and arrive with time to spare. Report to the designated area and follow supervisor instructions for logging in or collecting materials. Switch off your phone and store it as directed. Take a few minutes to read the task instructions before starting.
Read the whole task first and note the required deliverables and file names. Work in a logical order and save frequently using the naming convention you were given. Watch the clock and leave time to check that every required file is saved and submitted. If a technical problem occurs, raise your hand and follow the supervisor's instructions rather than troubleshooting alone.
Rules to check
Follow all supervisor instructions and venue rules. Confirm with the provider the specific conduct rules for the practical exam, including what may be brought to the desk.
Bring the identification the provider requires and present it on request. Confirm with the provider which ID documents are accepted.
Keep phones, smart watches and other unauthorised devices switched off and stored as directed. Confirm with the provider where devices must be kept during the exam.
Do not communicate with other candidates during the exam. Confirm with the provider the procedure for asking a question or requesting technical help.
Save your work regularly and submit files exactly as instructed. Confirm with the provider the file naming, location and submission method before the exam day.
Breaks are usually only permitted under supervision and at the supervisor's discretion. Confirm with the provider the break policy for your venue.
Access arrangements and rest breaks must be approved in advance. Confirm with the provider what evidence is needed and how arrangements are applied on the day.
Scoring and marking criteria are set by the exam authority. Confirm with the provider how the practical component is weighted and what materials you may keep after the exam.