Aragón PAU Design exam-day guide
Aragón PAU Design · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Official ID document
Bring the identity document (DNI, passport, or residence card) that matches your registration. Confirm with the provider which documents are accepted and whether a photocopy is valid.
Exam admission slip or registration confirmation
Print or download the document issued at enrolment showing your name, subjects, and assigned centre. Confirm with the provider whether a printed copy is mandatory.
Black or blue ballpoint pens (at least two)
Written answers must be legible; bring spare pens of the same colour. Confirm with the provider whether pencil is allowed for diagrams or sketches.
Pencil, eraser, and sharpener
Useful for sketching layout thumbnails, colour tests, and construction lines before committing to ink. Keep them in a clear case.
Drawing instruments permitted for Design
Ruler, set square, compass, and protractor are commonly used for technical drawing and layout. Confirm with the provider the exact list of authorised instruments for your subject.
Colour media allowed by the instructions
Coloured pencils, markers, or gouache may be permitted for colour studies. Confirm with the provider which media are authorised and whether any are prohibited.
Clear pencil case or transparent bag
Many centres require transparent containers so invigilators can check materials quickly. Confirm with the provider whether this is enforced at your centre.
Analogue watch (no smart features)
A simple watch helps you manage the time without relying on the room clock. Smartwatches and phones are normally not allowed at the desk.
Clear water bottle with no label
Stay hydrated during a long practical session. Remove labels so the bottle is transparent. Confirm with the provider whether drinks are allowed in the exam room.
Review the official instructions for your specific subjects
Check the duration, structure, and permitted materials for each Design paper you sit. Confirm with the provider where these instructions are published.
Plan your arrival time and route
Arrive with a margin before the call time; late entry rules vary. Confirm with the provider the exact call time and the centre's access rules.
Leave prohibited devices at home or in your bag
Mobile phones, smartwatches, and any connected device must be switched off and stored away from the desk. Confirm with the provider the policy on device storage.
Plan the day
Re-read the official instructions for each Design paper: duration, number of options, and permitted materials. Make a one-page summary of the format and the marks available so you know how much time to give each section.
Do one timed rehearsal under exam conditions using only the materials you will actually bring. Focus on pacing: rough layout and idea generation, then development, then final rendering and labelling. Note where you lost time.
Prepare and pack your kit: pens, pencil, eraser, ruler, set square, compass, permitted colour media, clear case, ID, and admission slip. Check that every instrument works and that you have spares.
Confirm the centre address, the call time, and the transport route. If you are unsure about any rule, contact the provider now rather than on the day.
Do a light review only: key terminology, layout conventions, colour theory basics, and your own checklist of common mistakes. Avoid learning new content that could unsettle you.
Lay out clothes, ID, admission slip, and the full kit by the door. Charge nothing that is prohibited; instead, plan to leave your phone at home or stored away.
Eat a normal meal, set two alarms, and aim for a full night's sleep. Practical papers reward steady hand control and clear thinking more than last-minute cramming.
Have a normal breakfast and arrive at the centre with time to spare. Re-check that your ID and admission slip are with you before leaving.
Switch off your phone and store it away before entering the building. Keep only permitted materials in your clear case.
Read the whole paper first and choose your options deliberately. Note the marks per section and allocate minutes accordingly, leaving time for final labelling and a check.
Spend a short, fixed time on thumbnails and composition before committing to the final sheet. Work from light to dark, keep construction lines clean, and label diagrams clearly.
Keep an eye on the clock at the halfway point and adjust. Reserve the last minutes to check that every required part is answered and that your name and details are filled in as instructed.
Rules to check
Bring the identity document required by the provider and keep it visible on the desk; confirm with the provider which documents are accepted and whether a photocopy is valid.
Follow the invigilators' instructions at all times, including seating, start and finish signals, and rules on leaving the room.
Mobile phones, smartwatches, and any connected devices must be switched off and stored away from the desk; confirm with the provider the policy on device storage and penalties.
Use only the materials and instruments authorised for each paper; confirm with the provider the exact list for Design and whether colour media are permitted.
Write and draw only in the spaces and on the sheets indicated; confirm with the provider whether extra sheets are available and how they must be labelled.
Breaks during the exam are normally limited; confirm with the provider the policy on leaving the room for personal needs and whether extra time is granted.
Scoring and marking criteria are set by the provider; confirm with the provider how each Design paper is weighted and whether any sections are compulsory.
Any suspected irregularity may be reported and could affect your result; if in doubt about a rule, ask an invigilator before acting.