WACE Outdoor Education exam-day guide
WACE Outdoor Education · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Photo ID and enrolment confirmation
Bring the identification your school or the test provider requires. The exact accepted forms (school ID, driver's licence, passport) and whether a digital copy is accepted vary, so confirm with the provider before the day.
Printed or downloaded exam timetable and venue map
Know your reporting time, venue, and the location of toilets, water, and the meeting point for your practical group. Arrive with time to spare rather than navigating an unfamiliar site at the last minute.
Weather-appropriate outdoor clothing in layers
Practical outdoor tasks may run in sun, wind, or rain. Wear layers you can remove, and avoid brand-new boots or clothing that could cause blisters or restrict movement. Check whether the provider specifies a uniform or dress code.
Sun protection: hat, sunscreen, sunglasses
Outdoor sessions in Western Australia carry real heat and UV risk. Apply sunscreen before arrival and bring it to reapply. A wide-brimmed hat is usually expected outdoors; confirm whether one is mandatory.
Closed-toe footwear suitable for uneven ground
Most practical outdoor tasks require enclosed, grippy shoes. Thongs or sandals are usually unsuitable. If a task involves water or a specific activity, confirm footwear requirements with the provider.
Water bottle and snacks
Bring at least one litre of water and easy-to-eat food. Confirm whether refill points exist at the venue and whether food breaks are scheduled or you must eat on the move.
Any prescribed medication, including asthma reliever and adrenaline auto-injector
Tell supervising staff where your medication is and how to use it. Notify the provider in advance of any medical condition or allergy relevant to physical activity using their required process.
Small notebook and pencil
Some practical assessments include planning, observation, or reflection tasks done on paper. Confirm with the provider what writing materials, if any, are permitted or supplied.
Watch or timing device
Timed tasks such as navigation legs or pacing may require you to track your own time. Phones are often restricted during assessment, so a simple watch is safer. Confirm whether watches are permitted.
Leave valuables and phones as directed
Many providers restrict phones and smart devices during assessment. Confirm the rule in advance so you are not caught carrying a device you must hand in.
Read the pre-exam information pack and any safety briefing
Providers usually issue instructions on meeting points, what to bring, and safety expectations. Read it fully and ask your teacher about anything unclear rather than guessing.
Know your emergency contact and medical details
Be ready to supply an emergency contact and relevant health information if asked. Confirm with the provider how and when this information should be submitted.
Plan the day
Re-read the provider's information pack and check every checklist item against it. Confirm reporting time, venue, transport, and whether any forms or medical details are still outstanding. Gather and trial your clothing and footwear so nothing is uncomfortable on the day. Revise the practical skills you will be assessed on, such as map and compass work, camp craft, risk assessment, or group leadership, by practising rather than only reading. Keep physical activity light in the last two days to avoid injury. Confirm with the provider any rule you are unsure about, such as phone use, uniform, or footwear.
Pack your bag the night before and place it by the door. Charge any permitted device and prepare a simple breakfast and lunch if food is not provided. Check the weather forecast and adjust layers and sun protection accordingly. Avoid late nights, alcohol, and unfamiliar strenuous activity. Re-read the safety briefing and note the meeting point and emergency arrangements. Set two alarms and arrange transport with a buffer for traffic or parking.
Eat a normal breakfast and drink water before you arrive. Apply sunscreen and dress in your planned layers. Arrive at the reporting point early, sign in as directed, and attend the safety briefing attentively. Tell staff about any injury, illness, or medication needs before activity begins. Use toilet and water breaks before sessions start, because breaks may be limited once an outdoor task is underway.
Listen to each task's instructions and confirm you understand the safety boundaries before starting. Work steadily and communicate clearly with your group, since teamwork and safety awareness are often assessed alongside technical skill. Manage your water, sun, and energy across the day. If you feel unwell, overheated, or injured, stop and tell a supervisor immediately rather than pushing through. Keep to marked areas and do not leave the group or site without permission. At the end, check you have all your belongings and return any borrowed equipment.
Rules to check
Follow all safety instructions from supervisors immediately. A direction to stop an activity for safety reasons is not negotiable, and failure to comply may end your participation.
Bring the identification the provider requires and be ready to show it at sign-in. Accepted forms vary, so confirm with the provider in advance.
Phones and smart devices are commonly restricted during practical assessment. Confirm the provider's rule and hand in devices if asked.
Breaks, including toilet and water breaks, may be scheduled at set times during outdoor sessions. Ask a supervisor if you need one outside those times rather than leaving unannounced.
Stay within the site boundaries and with your group unless a supervisor gives other instructions. Do not enter water, climb, or handle equipment without explicit permission.
Declare injuries, illness, allergies, and medication needs before activity begins. Hiding a condition puts you and others at risk and may affect your ability to continue.
Scoring criteria and weightings are set by the provider. Ask your teacher to explain how practical tasks, planning, and safety awareness are marked rather than assuming.
If you believe an assessment condition was unfair or something went wrong, raise it with your teacher or the provider through their stated process. Confirm that process with the provider.