Belgian Magistrate Aptitude Exam exam-day guide
Belgian Magistrate Aptitude Exam · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Confirm the exact date, start time, and venue on your official convocation
Your convocation (oproeping/convocatie) is the authoritative source. Verify the address, room, and reporting time, and check whether you must arrive earlier for identity checks. If anything is unclear, confirm with the provider rather than relying on second-hand information.
Valid photo identity document
Bring the identity document specified in your convocation. Belgian candidates typically present a Belgian e-ID; foreign candidates may need a passport or residence permit. The exact accepted documents and any rules on expired cards are set by the organising body, so confirm with the provider.
Your convocation / admission document
Print or download the convocation and any instructions attached to it. Some administrations require it at the door; others do not. If the instructions do not say, confirm with the provider whether a paper copy is needed.
Writing materials permitted by the instructions
Bring pens (including a spare) and a pencil if the instructions allow. Some exams supply all materials and prohibit personal items. Check the instruction letter and, if it is silent, confirm with the provider.
Any permitted reference materials or legal texts
Only bring codes, statutes, or reference works if the instructions explicitly allow them. Unpermitted materials can lead to exclusion. If the rules on annotated or tabbed texts are unclear, confirm with the provider.
Permitted calculator or other tools, only if explicitly authorised
Do not assume a calculator, dictionary, or electronic device is allowed. Bring one only if the instructions permit it, and check the permitted model or type. Otherwise confirm with the provider.
Water and a small snack for before or after the test
Consumption during the test may be restricted. Plan to eat and hydrate before entering the room, and check whether drinks are allowed at the desk. If unsure, confirm with the provider.
Plan and verify your route and travel time
Do a trial run or check public transport schedules in advance, allowing a buffer for delays. Note parking options if you drive. Aim to arrive ahead of the reporting time stated in your convocation.
Leave prohibited items at home or plan storage
Phones, smartwatches, and other electronic devices are commonly banned from the test room. Storage arrangements vary, so confirm with the provider whether lockers are available or whether you must leave items elsewhere.
Read the full instruction letter for test-day procedures
Instructions often cover seat allocation, language of the paper, timing of sections, and behaviour rules. Read them at least twice and note anything you need to ask about.
Prepare any accommodation request well before the exam
If you need extra time or other adjustments, these usually require prior approval and supporting documents. Deadlines vary; contact the provider as early as possible. Mark this as needs_review until you have written confirmation.
Rest, sleep, and a realistic review plan
Avoid cramming new material the night before. A short review of your own summary notes and a full night's sleep will serve you better than last-minute study.
Plan the day
Re-read the convocation and instruction letter line by line. Write down the venue, reporting time, permitted items, and prohibited items. Send any outstanding questions to the provider now so you have time for an answer.
Confirm your travel plan: route, departure time, and a backup option. Check for planned public transport works or road closures. If you are travelling far, consider an overnight stay near the venue.
Do light, structured review only: your own summaries, key legal concepts, and practice under timed conditions. Stop adding new material. Focus on consolidating what you already know.
Lay out the documents and permitted materials you will bring. Check that your identity document is valid and that the name matches your registration. Replace anything missing now, not on the morning.
Reconfirm the reporting time and travel plan. Charge your phone but plan to switch it off and store it as required. Prepare clothing in layers, since room temperature may vary.
Eat a normal meal, avoid heavy alcohol, and go to bed at a reasonable hour. Do not attempt an all-night review; fatigue is a bigger risk than a missed detail.
Eat breakfast, check you have your identity document and convocation, and leave with a generous buffer. Arrive early enough to find the room and complete any identity checks without rushing.
Switch off your phone and any smart device before entering the building, and store them as instructed. Use the restroom before the test begins, since breaks may be limited.
Listen carefully to the invigilator's instructions, check that your paper is complete and in the correct language, and fill in your details exactly as instructed. Ask the invigilator if something is unclear.
Read the whole paper or section before starting, allocate time per section, and keep an eye on the clock. Answer the easier questions first, flag uncertain ones, and return to them. Leave time to transfer answers and check your details.
If you need to leave the room, raise your hand and follow the invigilator's instructions. Do not communicate with other candidates. If you feel unwell, tell the invigilator immediately.
Note down anything you found difficult while it is fresh, in case there is a later stage or appeal. Keep your documents until results are confirmed, and check the provider's published results timeline.
Rules to check
Bring and present the identity document specified in your convocation. If you are unsure which documents are accepted, or what happens if yours is expired, confirm with the provider before test day.
Arrive by the reporting time stated in your convocation. Late arrival may mean exclusion, but the exact cut-off and any discretion applied are set by the organising body; confirm with the provider if you are unsure.
Do not bring phones, smartwatches, or other electronic devices into the test room unless explicitly permitted. Storage arrangements vary, so confirm with the provider where prohibited items should be left.
Follow all instructions from the invigilator, including on seating, silence, and when you may turn pages or leave. Failure to comply can lead to sanctions, including exclusion from the test.
Only use materials, calculators, or reference works that the instructions explicitly permit. If the rules on annotations, tabs, or specific editions are unclear, confirm with the provider.
Breaks are usually limited and may be supervised. Follow the invigilator's procedure for leaving and returning, and expect that no additional time is granted for breaks unless the rules say otherwise.
Scoring and pass marks are set by the organising body and may vary by year or component. Do not rely on rumour about thresholds; check the official information or confirm with the provider.
If you believe something went wrong during the test, tell the invigilator at the time and follow the published complaints or appeal procedure afterwards. Deadlines are usually short, so check them in advance.