WACE ATAR Design exam-day guide
WACE ATAR Design · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Photo identification
Bring current photo ID as required for the exam venue. Acceptable document types and naming requirements vary by school/supervisor, so confirm the exact list with your school or the exam provider before the day.
Exam admission/seating notice
If your school issues a personalised exam timetable, admission slip, or seating advice, print or save it and check your subject, date, time, and venue. Confirm with the provider whether it must be presented at the door.
Approved pens and pencils
Bring spare black or blue ballpoint pens for written responses and 2B pencils plus a sharpener and eraser if any section is machine-marked. Confirm the permitted stationery with the provider.
Approved drawing and design equipment
For a Design practical, pack pencils in a range of grades, a fine-liner or technical pen, eraser, sharpener, ruler, set square, protractor, and any rendering media your course allows (e.g. coloured pencils, markers). Check the permitted-materials list for your specific course.
Clear pencil case or container
Many venues require stationery to be carried in a transparent container. Confirm the venue's rule on pencil cases and bags.
Non-programmable calculator (if permitted)
Only bring a calculator if your Design course and the exam rules allow one, and ensure it is on the approved model list. Confirm with the provider whether calculators are permitted and which models are approved.
Clear water bottle
Bring a bottle with no labels if the venue requires it. Check whether drinks are allowed at desks.
Wristwatch (non-smart)
A simple analogue or digital watch helps you pace sections if the room clock is not visible. Smart watches and phones must be switched off and stored as directed.
No notes, phones, or smart devices at the desk
Leave study notes and all electronic devices outside the exam room or in the designated storage area. Confirm the venue's policy on phones and bags.
Plan your transport and arrival time
Arrive earlier than the stated start time to allow for seating and instructions. Confirm the required arrival time and venue access details with your school or provider.
Rest, food, and water the night before
Prioritise sleep and a normal breakfast rather than late-night cramming; practical design tasks reward clear thinking and steady hand work.
Review the exam structure and timing
Know the number of sections, marks per section, and suggested time allocation from your course outline or teacher. Confirm the exact format and duration with your teacher, as these details can change year to year.
Plan the day
Confirm logistics: venue, start time, required ID, permitted equipment, and whether a calculator or specific media are allowed. Re-read your course outline and past feedback to identify the two or three skills that most need practice, and do short, timed practice of those rather than re-reading everything. Prepare and pack your equipment early so nothing is left to the last morning. Keep sleep and meals regular.
Do a light review only: skim your own summary sheets, key design principles, terminology, and the structure of the paper. Practise one short timed section to rehearse pacing, then stop. Lay out ID, stationery, drawing equipment, water, and clothing. Check transport and set two alarms. Avoid learning brand-new content, and aim for a normal night's sleep.
Eat a normal breakfast and drink water. Re-check your bag against the checklist. Arrive at the venue with time to spare, switch off and store your phone as directed, and find your seat. Use the reading time (if given) to scan the whole paper, note question choices, and plan the order in which you will answer. Stay calm and breathe steadily before you begin.
Read all instructions and check the marks for each question so you allocate time proportionally. Answer the questions you are most confident about first if that helps momentum, but keep to your time plan. For design tasks, show your working: annotate sketches, label diagrams, and explain your reasoning, because process and justification often earn marks. Watch the clock at section boundaries, leave time to check you have attempted every required question, and make sure your name and candidate details are correct.
Rules to check
Follow all instructions from the supervisor. Raise your hand if you need to speak, need materials, or feel unwell; do not communicate with other candidates once the exam has started.
Bring and display the identification your school or provider requires. If you are unsure what counts as acceptable ID, confirm with the provider before exam day.
Electronic devices, including phones and smart watches, must be switched off and stored as directed. Unauthorised materials at your desk can lead to a breach of exam rules, so confirm the permitted-items list with the provider.
Breaks and toilet access are usually at the supervisor's discretion and may be supervised. Confirm the venue's specific arrangements with the provider rather than assuming.
Only use equipment and media that your course and the exam rules permit. If you are unsure whether an item such as a particular calculator or rendering medium is allowed, ask your teacher or confirm with the provider beforehand.
Marks are awarded according to the marking key for each question, so read the instructions, answer the question asked, and show your design reasoning and annotations. Do not rely on presentation alone.
If you believe something affected your performance, tell the supervisor immediately and follow your school's procedures for reporting issues. Confirm the exact process with the provider.
Academic integrity applies throughout: your submitted work must be your own, and any attempt to gain unfair advantage may be dealt with under the provider's rules.