EQAO exam-day guide
EQAO · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Confirm test format and scheduling with your school
EQAO assessments are administered through Ontario schools, and format (digital or paper) and dates are set by the school and province. Confirm the exact sitting details with your teacher or school EQAO contact rather than relying on general assumptions.
Know the room and start time
Get the room number, building entrance, and start time from your school in advance so the morning is not spent searching. Arrive early enough to settle in.
Bring required writing tools
Pencils, an eraser, and a pen are the usual basics for booklet-style assessments. If your school uses a digital format, confirm what is provided versus what you must bring.
Bring permitted calculator or math tools if your grade level allows them
Some grade-level assessments permit a calculator or reference tools and others restrict them. Confirm the permitted-tools list for your specific assessment with your teacher.
Bring your student ID or school identification if required
Identification requirements vary by school. Confirm whether any ID is needed on the day; do not assume a specific policy.
Leave phones and smart devices put away or at home
Personal electronic devices are generally not permitted during the assessment. Confirm your school's device policy beforehand.
Get a normal night's sleep and eat breakfast
Nothing exotic: consistent sleep and food support focus better than last-minute cramming.
Do a short review of format, not new content
Skim the types of tasks (reading passages, multiple-choice, short and long written responses, math problem-solving) so the structure feels familiar. Avoid learning new material at the last minute.
Plan your route and backup transport
Know how you are getting there and have a fallback if a bus or ride falls through.
Confirm accommodations if you have an IEP or special provisions
If you are entitled to accommodations (extra time, a quiet setting, assistive technology), confirm with your school well before the test that they are arranged. Verify the specifics with the provider.
Check whether a water bottle or snack is allowed
Rules vary by school and setting. Confirm with the provider rather than assuming.
Read all instructions on the day before starting
Listen to the invigilator's directions and read the cover instructions; they tell you time limits, how to record answers, and what to do if you need help.
Plan the day
Confirm logistics with your school: date, time, room, format (digital or paper), permitted tools, and any accommodations. Do light, spaced review of question types and practice a few sample tasks under time. Keep evenings calm and sleep on schedule.
Pack your bag: writing tools, permitted calculator or tools, ID if required, water if allowed. Lay out clothes. Do one short review pass only; stop studying in the evening. Set two alarms and confirm your transport plan. Go to bed at your normal time.
Eat breakfast, drink water, and arrive early. Leave devices put away. Take a few calm breaths; a short walk or stretch helps settle nerves. Use the washroom before the session begins.
Listen carefully to instructions, note the time limit, and skim the whole paper or section list to plan pacing. Answer the easiest questions first if that helps you build momentum, but make sure every question gets an answer.
Pace yourself against the clock and leave a few minutes to check work. For reading and writing, plan briefly before long answers and support points with evidence from the text. For math, show your reasoning and check units. If you get stuck, mark it and move on, then return.
Confirm you have answered every question and that answers are recorded where the instructions require. Check that you have not left blanks on multiple-choice items. Hand in materials as directed.
Follow your school's instructions about leaving the room and devices. Avoid comparing answers in a way that raises anxiety; results come through your school later.
Rules to check
Follow all instructions from teachers and invigilators; they set the conduct rules for the session, including where to sit and when you may speak.
Keep personal electronic devices (phones, smartwatches, earbuds) turned off and stored as directed; unauthorized devices during the assessment can lead to invalidation. Confirm your school's exact policy.
Bring and use only permitted tools and reference materials for your specific assessment; confirm the permitted list with your teacher, since it varies by grade and format.
If you need to leave the room (washroom, illness), raise your hand and wait for permission; do not simply get up.
Ask the invigilator if an instruction is unclear; clarifying procedural questions is normally allowed, but they cannot help you answer content questions.
Do your own work. Academic honesty rules apply, and talking, copying, or sharing answers during or after the session can have consequences set by your school.
Scoring and results are handled by EQAO and reported through your school; do not expect a same-day score. Ask your school how and when results will be shared.
If you have an IEP or accommodation plan, confirm with your school in advance that the approved accommodations will be in place on test day; the specifics are set by the provider.