Catalonia PAU Technical Drawing (Dibuix Tècnic II) exam-day guide
Catalonia PAU Technical Drawing (Dibuix Tècnic II) · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Approved drawing instruments (ruler, set squares, compass, protractor)
Bring a rigid ruler, 45° and 30°/60° set squares, a compass with spare leads or a spare compass, and a protractor. PAU Technical Drawing is a construction exam, so precision tools matter more than freehand skill. Confirm with the provider whether any instrument is restricted before packing.
Sharp pencils in two grades plus eraser
Carry at least one hard pencil (e.g. 2H) for construction lines and one softer pencil (HB or B) for final outlines, a good eraser, and a sharpener. Keep the hard pencil sharpened to a fine point for tangency and intersection work.
Fine-liner or ink pen if you plan to ink final lines
Some candidates finish constructions in ink for clarity. Check the exam instructions on whether inking is allowed or expected; if unsure, confirm with the provider. Pencil-only answers are normally acceptable if construction lines remain visible.
Official ID document
Bring the identity document required for the PAU (usually DNI, passport, or residence card). The exact accepted documents and any name-matching rules should be confirmed with the provider or your school before exam day.
Exam admission slip or registration confirmation
Print or download whatever admission document the organizing university issues. Requirements vary by call and center; confirm with the provider which document you must show at the door.
Blue or black pen for written answers and labels
Use a consistent dark pen for any written reasoning, labels, and data. Avoid red or light colors that may not scan or photocopy clearly.
Watch or silent timer
Exam rooms do not always have a visible clock. A simple analog or silent digital watch helps you pace the multi-part drawing problems. Smart devices are usually not permitted; confirm with the provider.
Clear pencil case or transparent bag
Many exam centers require transparent cases. Pack only permitted items and leave phone, smartwatch, and notes outside the room.
Review the official instructions and scoring rubric for this call
Read the current PAU instructions for Dibuix Tècnic II, including the number of questions, options, and how construction accuracy versus final drawing is weighted. Details can change between calls; confirm with the provider.
Practice a timed full paper under exam conditions
Do at least one complete past-style paper in the allotted time in the final 72 hours. This trains pacing, layout, and the habit of leaving construction lines visible.
Plan your page layout in advance
Decide how you will divide each answer sheet: construction area, final drawing, and written justification. A consistent layout saves minutes and helps the marker follow your work.
Confirm the exam center, room, and start time
Check the location and arrival time on your admission documents and plan the journey. Exact reporting times and entry rules should be confirmed with the provider.
Plan the day
Do a timed full paper, then review only your recurring errors: tangency points, line weights, missing construction arcs, and scale mistakes. Spend the remaining study time on the topics you are weakest in rather than re-reading everything.
Check and resharpen all instruments. Test the compass, confirm the set squares are not warped, and make sure you have spare leads. Prepare a transparent pencil case with only permitted items.
Do a light review of standard constructions: perpendiculars, parallels, angle bisectors, tangents to circles, conic definitions, and basic dihedral and axonometric conventions. Pack your bag, print the admission slip, and locate your ID. Sleep early; do not start new topics.
Eat a normal breakfast, arrive at the center with time to spare, and re-check that ID, admission slip, and instruments are in the bag. Avoid last-minute cramming that raises anxiety; a brief glance at construction formulas is enough.
Read the whole paper before drawing. Identify which questions are compulsory and which offer a choice, note the marks, and allocate time proportionally. Write your name and details exactly as instructed.
Work in order of confidence, but keep construction lines visible and label points and data. Leave the final outlines until the construction is verified. Reserve the last 10–15 minutes to check tangency, line weights, units, and that every question has an answer.
Rules to check
Bring and display the official identity document and admission slip as required; the exact accepted documents and name-matching rules must be confirmed with the provider.
Follow the center's rules on permitted instruments and electronic devices. Phones and smartwatches are normally not allowed in the exam room; confirm with the provider before relying on any device.
Keep construction lines and auxiliary arcs on your answer sheet. Markers usually award method marks for visible construction, so erasing them can cost points; the weighting should be confirmed with the provider.
Answer the required number of questions and respect any choice structure. If the paper offers options, state clearly which one you are answering and do not mix parts from different options.
Do not communicate with other candidates or share instruments during the exam. Raise your hand and wait for an invigilator if you need something.
Leave the room only according to the center's rules on breaks and early exit; these vary by center and should be confirmed with the provider.
Write legibly and label all constructed points, angles, and dimensions. Unlabeled or ambiguous answers may not receive credit even if the construction is correct.
If you are unsure about a scoring or conduct rule, ask the invigilator before the exam starts rather than guessing; specific policies should be confirmed with the provider.