PAU History (Catalonia) exam-day guide
PAU History (Catalonia) · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Official ID document
Bring the identity document (DNI, passport, or equivalent) that matches the name on your registration. If you are unsure which documents the tribunal accepts, confirm with the provider (your school or the university coordinating the exams) before the day.
Exam admission/registration proof
Carry any printed proof of registration or the list assignment your centre issued. The exact format varies by centre and year, so confirm with the provider whether a printed copy is required.
Blue or black pens (at least two)
Write in ink; bring spares. Check whether your centre allows pencil for diagrams or rough work - confirm with the provider if the instructions do not state it.
Pencil, eraser, and sharpener
Useful for rough outlines and any permitted drawing tasks. Keep them in a clear case if transparent containers are required.
Wristwatch (non-smart)
Exam rooms may not have a visible clock, and phones are usually banned. A simple analogue or digital watch without connectivity helps you pace the sections.
Clear water bottle, labels removed
Many centres allow water if the label is removed and the bottle is transparent. Confirm with the provider, since rules differ between centres.
Transparent pencil case or bag
Some centres require see-through containers. If you are not sure, pack items loosely and confirm the container rule with the provider.
No phone, smartwatch, or notes in the room
Leave devices switched off and stored as instructed, or better, at home. Bringing unauthorized material into the exam room can lead to disqualification.
Know your room, seat, and start time
Check the centre's published schedule and room assignment the day before. Arrive with margin for identification checks; the exact arrival window should be confirmed with the provider.
Review the exam structure and timing
Know the number of parts, whether there is a choice of questions, and the suggested time per section. Re-read the official instructions for your subject so you can allocate time on the day.
Plan transport and a backup
Identify the route, travel time, and a fallback option. Aim to be early rather than on time, since late entry rules vary and should be confirmed with the provider.
Light snack and water for after the exam
Keep these outside the exam room. Avoid heavy meals before a long writing session; stay hydrated but not so much that you need frequent breaks.
Plan the day
Confirm logistics: room, seat, start time, ID requirements, and what is allowed in the room. Re-read the official exam instructions for each subject. Build a one-page summary per subject with key dates, authors, terms, and formulas. Practise one full past-paper or mock under timed conditions, then review errors rather than doing new content. Protect sleep; do not start new topics.
Pack the checklist items in one place. Review only your summaries and marked mistakes. Confirm transport and set two alarms. Eat a normal meal and go to bed at a reasonable hour; cramming late trades memory for fatigue. Check the weather and any transport disruptions.
Eat a normal breakfast, avoid excess caffeine, and leave earlier than the calculated travel time. Do a final five-minute review of your summary sheet, then put it away. At the centre, follow identification and seating instructions, switch off devices, and place bags where directed. Use the minutes before the start to settle your breathing and read the instructions carefully.
Read all instructions and the question choice before writing. Allocate time per section and keep a margin for review. Start with questions you can answer confidently, but write the required question numbers clearly. For essays, outline briefly, then write with a clear structure: thesis, evidence, analysis, conclusion. For source or document questions, quote or reference the source explicitly and explain its limits. Watch the clock at set checkpoints; if time runs short, write concise answer plans rather than leaving blanks. Reserve the last minutes to check that every page and question number is correct.
Rules to check
Bring and present the official ID that matches your registration; if you are unsure which documents are accepted, confirm with the provider before the exam day.
Keep phones, smartwatches, and any notes out of the exam room. Unauthorized material or devices can lead to invalidation of your exam.
Follow the centre's instructions on arrival, seating, and leaving the room. Rules on late entry and early departure vary, so confirm them with the provider rather than assuming.
Write in the language and format the paper requires, and number answers exactly as the instructions specify. Answers in the wrong place or without the required question number may not be marked.
Use only permitted materials. If the instructions do not clearly allow a calculator, dictionary, or other aid, ask the invigilator before the exam begins or confirm with the provider in advance.
Breaks and access to water or toilets are at the invigilator's discretion and vary by centre. Ask before the exam starts so you know the procedure.
Raise your hand and wait for an invigilator if you need to leave, feel unwell, or need more paper. Do not communicate with other candidates during the exam.
Scoring and grading are handled by the official examining body, not by this guide. For marking criteria, appeals, or resit rules, consult the official instructions or confirm with the provider.