WACE Aviation exam-day guide
WACE Aviation · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Photo identification
Bring the original government-issued photo ID you registered with, such as a passport or driver's licence. Check which forms of ID your school or the exam provider accepts, and confirm with the provider whether a school-issued card is sufficient.
Exam admission or timetable slip
If your school issues a personalised timetable or admission notice, print it and keep it with your ID. If you are unsure whether one is issued, confirm with the provider.
Approved writing equipment
Pack several black or blue pens, pencils, an eraser, and a sharpener. Use the pen colour your school specifies for written answers; confirm with the provider if unsure.
Approved calculator
Aviation questions often involve calculations such as fuel, time, distance, or mass and balance. Bring the model your school has approved and confirm with the provider which calculators are permitted.
Clear pencil case or pouch
Keep equipment in a transparent case so supervisors can check it quickly. Leave notes, loose paper, and any unauthorised items at home.
Analogue watch
A simple watch helps you pace yourself if the room clock is hard to see. Confirm with the provider whether smartwatches and phones must be switched off and stored away.
Water and a light snack
Bring a clear bottle of water and something small to eat between sessions. Check the venue's rules on food and drink in the exam room.
Know the venue and start time
Confirm the building, room, and reporting time in advance. Do a practice trip or check the route and parking so you arrive early without rushing.
Rest and normal routine
Sleep well for several nights before the exam and avoid last-minute cramming. A steady routine supports recall better than a late-night revision session.
Read the whole paper first
During reading time, scan the paper, note the marks for each question, and plan the order you will answer in. Start with questions you can answer confidently.
Show working and units
For calculations, write the formula, substitute values, and state units clearly. Method marks are often available even when the final number is wrong.
Check the clock and answer everything
Keep an eye on time, leave space to return to harder questions, and make sure every question has an answer before the end.
Plan the day
Work through the syllabus topics and your summary notes rather than re-reading everything. Practise past-style questions under timed conditions, focusing on calculations and short-answer explanations. Identify weak areas and revise those first. Check your equipment, confirm the venue and reporting time, and plan your travel. Keep sleep and meals regular.
Do a light review of key formulas, definitions, and diagrams only. Pack your bag with ID, pens, pencils, calculator, watch, water, and any admission slip. Avoid learning new material. Eat well, set two alarms, and go to bed at a normal time.
Eat a proper breakfast and drink water. Arrive at the venue with time to spare, check in, and find your seat. Keep conversations calm and avoid comparing notes with others. Use reading time to plan, then work steadily through the paper.
Read each question carefully and note the command word and marks available. Answer the easiest questions first to build confidence, show all working with units, and manage your time so you reach the final question. If you are stuck, move on and return later. Use any remaining time to check answers and ensure nothing is blank.
Rules to check
Bring the original photo ID you registered with and keep it on your desk if instructed. Confirm with the provider which forms of identification are accepted.
Follow all supervisor instructions on seating, starting and stopping, and leaving the room. Raise your hand if you need assistance rather than speaking to other candidates.
Do not bring unauthorised materials such as notes, phones, or smart devices into the exam room. Switch off and store devices as directed; confirm with the provider where they must be kept.
Breaks and toilet visits are usually supervised and may not extend your working time. Confirm with the provider how breaks are managed during your session.
Marks are awarded for correct method as well as final answers, so show working and state units. Read the mark allocation to judge how much detail each answer needs.
Academic honesty applies throughout. Any attempt to gain or give unfair advantage may lead to penalties under the provider's rules; confirm the specific policy with the provider.
If you feel unwell or there is a problem during the exam, tell a supervisor immediately. Confirm with the provider what provisions exist for illness or misadventure.