Saarland Abitur Information Systems exam-day guide
Saarland Abitur Information Systems · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Personal ID document (Personalausweis or passport)
Bring valid photo ID. Confirm with your school which document is accepted; typically the Personalausweis is sufficient.
Admission letter / invitation from the school (Einladung)
You may need to show the letter or confirm your candidate number. Confirm with the provider whether a printed copy is required.
Writing tools: black or blue ballpoint pens, pencil, eraser, sharpener, ruler
Bring at least two pens. For diagrams and tables, a pencil and ruler are useful. Check whether a specific pen colour is required for the official answer sheets.
Non-programmable, non-graphing calculator (wissenschaftlicher Taschenrechner)
Only calculators without communication or computer-algebra functions are typically allowed. Confirm the exact model rules with your teacher; programmable or graphing calculators are usually prohibited.
Approved formula/reference booklet (Formelsammlung)
If your course uses a specific approved formula collection, bring it. Confirm which editions are permitted; annotated or loose-leaf versions may be refused.
Analog watch (optional but recommended)
Phones are usually not allowed at the desk, so a simple watch helps you pace yourself. Smartwatches are typically prohibited.
Clear water bottle (no label)
Hydration helps concentration. Confirm with the provider whether drinks are allowed in the exam room and whether labels must be removed.
Snack for after the exam or during breaks
If your exam includes a supervised break, a quick snack can help. Confirm break rules with the provider.
Printed summary of key concepts (for last-minute review before entering)
Use only for review outside the exam room. Once the exam starts, notes must be put away. Confirm where bags and notes are stored.
Review the official structure of the Information Systems exam
Know the number of tasks, any choice options, and the weighting. Confirm the exact format with your teacher, as it can vary by year and course.
Plan your arrival time and route
Arrive well before the start. Confirm the building, room, and whether you need to register at an office first.
Check school rules on electronic devices
Mobile phones and smart devices are usually collected or must be switched off and stored away. Confirm the exact policy with the provider.
Plan the day
Review the official exam structure and weighting. List the main topics (e.g., data modeling, databases, algorithms, networks, IT security) and rate your confidence. Spend time only on weak areas. Do one timed practice task under exam conditions, then mark it using the official criteria. Prepare your materials (calculator, pens, formula booklet) and check them against the checklist.
Do a light review of summaries and key terms; avoid new material. Confirm the exam location, start time, and any special instructions. Pack your bag with ID, admission letter, pens, calculator, formula booklet, watch, water, and snacks. Set an alarm. Get a full night's sleep; avoid late-night cramming.
Eat a normal breakfast and arrive at the school at least 20–30 minutes early. Leave your phone and smart devices switched off and stored as instructed. Go to the toilet before entering the exam room. Take a few deep breaths and remind yourself of your time plan.
Read all instructions carefully. Check the number of tasks and any choice rules. Scan the tasks and mark the ones you will answer. Note the total time and divide it: e.g., reading (10 min), solving (roughly 80% of time), checking (10–15 min). Write your name and candidate number on every sheet.
Start with the task you feel most confident about, but keep to your time budget. For each task, write down the given information, your approach, and the result. Show intermediate steps; partial credit is often awarded. If you get stuck, move on and return later. Keep an eye on the clock; leave 10–15 minutes for checking.
Check that you have answered the required number of tasks and that all answers are clearly marked. Verify units, labels, and that diagrams are labelled. Make sure your name and candidate number are on all sheets. Do not leave the room without permission; if you finish early, use the time to review.
Rules to check
Bring valid photo ID and your admission letter; you may be asked to show them. Confirm with the provider which ID is accepted.
Electronic devices such as mobile phones, smartwatches, and programmable calculators are generally not allowed at your desk. Switch them off and store them as instructed; confirm the exact policy with the provider.
Only approved aids (e.g., non-programmable calculator, formula booklet) may be used. Check the permitted list with your teacher before the exam.
Follow the invigilator's instructions at all times. Do not communicate with other candidates during the exam. Raise your hand if you need to leave the room; you will usually be accompanied.
Breaks may be supervised and may not extend your working time. Confirm the break rules with the provider.
Scoring is based on the official assessment criteria for the course. Show your working and reasoning; partial credit may be given for correct approaches even if the final answer is wrong.
Academic honesty applies: any attempt to use unauthorized materials or communicate with others can lead to the exam being marked invalid. Confirm the school's specific consequences with the provider.
If you are late, you may still be admitted, but you will usually not receive extra time. Confirm the late-arrival policy with the provider.