Castilla y León PAU Graphic-Plastic Expression Techniques Exam exam-day guide
Castilla y León PAU Graphic-Plastic Expression Techniques Exam · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
DNI or valid ID document
Bring the original, in-date identity document used at enrolment. Photocopies or phone photos are usually not accepted; confirm with the provider which documents are valid for the Castilla y León PAU.
Exam seat/registration confirmation
Print or save the registration receipt and your assigned centre and seat. Check the exact building and room the day before; confirm logistics with the provider if anything is unclear.
Pens, pencils and eraser
Carry at least two black or blue ballpoint pens, two HB or 2B graphite pencils, a soft eraser and a sharpener. Avoid erasable or gel inks if the provider restricts them.
Drawing materials for Graphic-Plastic Expression
Bring your usual set of coloured pencils, graphite grades, charcoal or pastels, and blending tools only if the call for the exercise allows a free technique. Confirm the permitted technique and materials with the provider before the day.
Rulers, set square, protractor and compass
Include a 30 cm ruler, 45/60 set squares, protractor and compass with spare leads. These are standard for geometric and technical-drawing tasks; confirm whether any are prohibited.
Watercolour or mixed-media supplies (if permitted)
If you plan to use watercolour, gouache or ink, bring brushes, water container and paper protection. Verify with the provider whether wet media are allowed and whether paper is supplied.
Support material and protection
Carry a rigid folder or board to protect your sheets and a cloth or paper towel. Do not bring your own exam paper unless the provider authorises it.
Analogue watch or small clock
Many centres restrict phones and smartwatches, so a simple analogue watch helps you pace the timed exercise. Confirm the centre's device policy with the provider.
Clear water bottle and small snack
Bring a transparent bottle and an easy snack for between papers. Check the centre's rules on food and drink during the exam.
No notes, phone or smart devices
Leave study notes, phones, smartwatches and earbuds outside the exam room unless the provider explicitly allows them. Phrase any uncertainty as something to confirm with the provider.
Plan the day
Re-read the official call and the Graphic-Plastic Expression programme. List the techniques and content areas, then do one timed full exercise under exam conditions using only permitted materials.
Prepare and pack your material kit. Test pens, pencils, compass and sharpener, and replace anything unreliable. Check the exact address, transport and arrival time of your centre.
Do a second timed exercise focused on your weakest area, such as colour theory, composition or geometric construction. Review your own sketches and write a short self-critique rather than learning new content.
Light review only: key terms, colour relationships, composition principles and drawing conventions. Lay out clothes, ID, registration confirmation and the packed kit by the door. Sleep early and avoid cramming new material.
Eat a proper breakfast, arrive at the centre with time to spare, and locate your room. Keep your kit organised so you can set up quickly. Confirm with the provider if you are unsure about entry times or permitted items.
Read the whole paper before drawing. Note the marks, the required technique and any format constraints, then allocate time: planning, main work, and final checks.
Sketch lightly first, then commit to the composition. Keep your work area clean, protect wet or smudging media, and check the clock at planned intervals.
Stop adding new elements. Check that your name and details are on every required sheet, clean up smudges, and make sure all pages are handed in as instructed.
Rules to check
Bring the original ID document used at registration and keep it visible on your desk; confirm with the provider which documents are accepted.
Follow the centre's instructions on phones and smart devices. As a general rule, keep them switched off and stored outside the exam room; confirm the exact policy with the provider.
Use only the materials and techniques permitted by the specific exercise. If the wording is ambiguous, ask the invigilator before starting.
Write your identifying details only where the paper instructs. Do not write your name in areas reserved for anonymous marking.
Breaks and leaving the room are usually controlled by the invigilator; raise your hand and wait for permission. Confirm the centre's rules with the provider.
Any suspicion of copying, unauthorised material or communication with other candidates can lead to annulment of the exercise. Work independently and keep your materials to yourself.
Scoring follows the official criteria for the subject, typically covering technique, composition, creativity and adherence to the brief. Check the published criteria and weighting with the provider.
If you believe there is an error in the paper or a problem with materials, tell the invigilator immediately and follow the centre's incident procedure.