Aragón PAU History of Spain exam-day guide
Aragón PAU History of Spain · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
DNI or passport
Bring your original Spanish DNI or passport. The document must be valid and match the name on your registration. Confirm with the provider whether a photocopy or expired document is accepted; do not rely on it.
Exam admission slip / registration confirmation
Print or download the document issued by the Universidad de Zaragoza or your assigned examination centre. Confirm with the provider whether a printed copy is mandatory or a digital version is accepted.
Black or blue ballpoint pens (at least two)
Write legibly; answers in pencil may be rejected or hard to scan. Bring a spare. Confirm with the provider whether correction fluid is allowed; avoid it if possible.
Pencil, eraser and sharpener
Useful for drafting outlines and for any multiple-choice answer sheet. Keep them in a transparent case if required.
Wristwatch (non-smart)
Exam rooms may not have a visible clock. Smartwatches and phones are not allowed at your desk. Confirm with the provider whether any watch is permitted.
Transparent water bottle with no label
Stay hydrated, especially for the long essay paper. Remove labels. Confirm with the provider whether drinks are allowed in the room.
Light snack for between papers
The History of Spain paper may be scheduled with other exams on the same day. Eat outside the exam room during the break. Confirm with the provider where food may be consumed.
Clear plastic bag for personal items
Many centres require bags at the front of the room. Keep your phone switched off and stored as instructed. Confirm with the provider the exact policy on phones and bags.
Review the official exam structure and timing
Know the number of questions, the choice offered, and the total time. For Aragón PAU History of Spain, confirm with the provider the current format and duration before exam day.
Prepare a one-page summary of key periods and concepts
Use it only for revision before entering the room. Do not bring it into the exam. Focus on chronology, key terms, and the structure of source analysis.
Plan your journey and arrival time
Arrive at least 30–45 minutes early. Check the exact building and room assignment. Confirm with the provider the recommended arrival time and access rules.
Check the centre's conduct rules in advance
Read the instructions on the admission slip and the centre's notice board. Confirm with the provider any rule you are unsure about, including electronic devices, breaks and leaving the room.
Plan the day
Switch from learning new content to consolidating. Review your summaries of the main periods: prehistory and antiquity, medieval Spain, the modern era, the 19th century, the Restoration, the Second Republic, the Civil War, Francoism and the democratic transition. Practise one full past-style paper under timed conditions, then mark it against the assessment criteria you have been given. Confirm with the provider the official duration and structure if you have any doubt.
Focus on the skills the exam rewards: defining terms precisely, explaining causes and consequences, comparing periods, and analysing historical sources (text, map, graph, image). Write two or three short practice answers and check that each has a clear introduction, development and conclusion. Review chronology and key dates, but do not try to memorise every year; prioritise turning points.
Do a light review only: skim your summaries, key terms and source-analysis checklist. Prepare your documents and materials (ID, admission slip, pens, watch, water). Check the exam centre location and transport. Set two alarms. Avoid intensive study late at night; sleep is more valuable than one more topic.
Eat a normal breakfast and arrive early. Do not attempt to learn new material. Re-read only your one-page summary of exam structure and question types. Switch off your phone and store it as instructed before entering the room. Have your ID and admission slip ready for inspection.
Read the whole paper before writing. Identify the questions you are required to answer and any choice offered. Plan your time: allocate minutes per question according to their weight. Start with the question you know best, but leave enough time for every required part. If a source is included, read it twice and note its nature, author, date and purpose before answering.
Write in clear, organised paragraphs. Use precise historical vocabulary and refer to specific events, dates and concepts. For source questions, distinguish between what the source says and what you know from your own knowledge. For essay questions, state a brief thesis, develop it with evidence, and close with a conclusion that answers the question. Watch the clock and keep handwriting legible.
Check that you have answered every required question and filled in any answer sheet correctly. Make sure your name and identification are on every sheet as instructed. Do not introduce new ideas at this stage; correct obvious errors and ensure your conclusions are clear. Stop writing immediately when told.
Rules to check
Bring valid photo ID (DNI or passport) and your admission slip. You may be refused entry without them. Confirm with the provider what identification is accepted and whether a digital copy is valid.
Electronic devices, including mobile phones and smartwatches, must be switched off and stored away from your desk. Leaving a device on your person during the exam may be treated as misconduct. Confirm with the provider the exact storage rules.
Do not communicate with other candidates during the exam. Raise your hand if you need to speak to an invigilator. Any attempt to copy or share answers will be handled under the university's disciplinary rules.
Follow the invigilator's instructions at all times, including when to start and stop writing. Writing after the final instruction may lead to your answer being invalidated.
If you need to leave the room temporarily, ask the invigilator. Re-entry may be restricted. Confirm with the provider the centre's policy on toilet breaks and leaving the room.
Use only the materials permitted by the centre. Do not bring notes, books or unauthorised aids into the exam room. Confirm with the provider whether any materials (for example, a dictionary) are allowed for this subject.
Scoring is based on the official assessment criteria for the subject. Answer every required question; a blank answer scores zero. Show your reasoning and use historical evidence to support your points.
If you believe there is an error in the paper or a problem with the conditions, report it to the invigilator immediately. Do not wait until after the exam. Confirm with the provider the procedure for lodging a complaint.