Science 30 exam-day guide
Science 30 · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Acceptable photo ID
Bring the original, unexpired government-issued photo ID required by your test centre. Confirm the exact accepted forms and name-matching rules with the provider before test day; do not rely on a photocopy or a digital image.
Admission or confirmation document
Print or save the confirmation showing your test date, time, and location if the provider issues one. Check whether the provider requires a printed copy or accepts an electronic version.
Approved calculator
Science 30 involves quantitative work, so bring a calculator that meets the provider's permitted-device rules. Verify the model and any memory or graphing restrictions with the provider; if unsure whether yours is allowed, bring a basic backup or ask ahead.
Spare batteries or backup calculator
Carry fresh batteries for your calculator or a second permitted calculator. Confirm with the provider whether a backup device may be kept at your desk or must stay in a locker.
Pencils, eraser, and pens
Bring several sharpened HB pencils, a good eraser, and dark blue or black pens if written responses are required. Check the provider's list of permitted stationery; some centres supply materials.
Analog watch
A simple non-smart watch helps you pace yourself if the room clock is hard to see. Smartwatches and watches with communication features are almost always prohibited; confirm the rule with the provider.
Clear water bottle
Hydration helps concentration. Many centres allow only clear, label-free bottles, and some restrict drinks at the desk entirely, so confirm the policy with the provider.
Layer clothing
Room temperature can vary. Wear or bring layers you can remove, keeping in mind that outerwear may need to be stored away from your desk.
Directions and arrival time
Confirm the exact address, entrance, and reporting time with the provider, and plan to arrive early enough to complete check-in without stress. Check local transport or parking in advance.
Personal items plan
Decide in advance where your phone, bag, and notes will go. Most centres require phones to be powered off and stored outside the testing room; confirm the storage arrangements with the provider.
Review of permitted reference materials
Confirm whether any data booklet, formula sheet, or periodic table is supplied or must be brought. Do not bring unauthorized notes; ask the provider if you are unsure what is allowed.
Rest and meal plan
Arrange a normal night's sleep and a light meal before the test. If you have a medical condition or need accommodations, confirm arrangements with the provider well before test day.
Plan the day
Switch from learning new content to consolidating. Review your summary notes for the four Science 30 units (energy and the environment, systems and the environment, living systems, and chemical changes), redo a small set of representative problems, and check that you can explain key terms and processes in your own words. Confirm your test centre location, reporting time, and ID requirements with the provider. Prepare your bag and calculator, and avoid late-night cramming.
Do a light review only: skim formula sheets, units, and common pitfalls such as significant figures, unit conversions, and graph interpretation. Pack your ID, confirmation document, calculator, spare batteries, stationery, water, and layers. Charge your phone but plan to store it away during the test. Set two alarms, eat a normal dinner, and aim for a full night's sleep.
Eat a light breakfast and drink water. Leave early with extra travel time. Arrive at the centre with your ID and permitted materials ready, follow check-in instructions, and use any waiting time for calm breathing rather than last-minute study. Once seated, read the instructions and note the start and finish times so you can pace yourself.
Scan the paper or screen briefly, then work through questions you can answer confidently first. For multiple-choice items, eliminate clearly wrong options; for written responses, show your reasoning and include units. Watch the clock and leave time to transfer answers and check that every question has a response. If you are stuck, mark the item and return to it later rather than losing momentum.
Rules to check
Bring the original government-issued photo ID required by the provider; the name on the ID must match your registration. Confirm the accepted forms and name-change rules with the provider before test day.
Follow all instructions from invigilators. Do not communicate with other candidates, share materials, or use any unauthorized device or note during the test; violations can lead to your result being cancelled.
Keep phones, smartwatches, and other electronic devices powered off and stored as directed, away from your desk. Confirm the centre's storage policy with the provider.
Use only permitted materials, including an approved calculator. If you are unsure whether a device or item is allowed, ask the provider in advance rather than risk a violation.
If you need to leave the room for a break, raise your hand and follow the invigilator's instructions. Confirm whether supervised breaks are available and whether the clock stops, as policies vary by provider.
Scoring and answer-transfer procedures vary. Ask the provider how multiple-choice and written responses are scored, whether there is a penalty for guessing, and how much time is allowed for transferring answers.
Report any illness, emergency, or irregularity to the invigilator immediately and follow the provider's procedure for documenting it; do not attempt to resolve it after leaving the room.
Check the provider's policy on late arrival, early departure, and what happens if you miss the test. Arriving after the permitted cutoff may mean you are not admitted, so plan to arrive early.