PAU Graphic-Plastic Expression Techniques (Madrid) exam-day guide
PAU Graphic-Plastic Expression Techniques (Madrid) · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Official ID document
Bring the original photo ID required by the Universidad Complutense de Madrid / PAU regulations (typically DNI, passport or residence card). Confirm with the provider which document type is accepted for your call and that it is not expired. needs_review
Exam call / appointment printout
Print or download the official PAU call document showing your assigned site, classroom, date and time. Verify the exact address of the faculty or school where the Graphic-Plastic Expression test is held, since PAU venues can differ from your school. needs_review
Admission ticket or registration receipt
Carry proof of your PAU registration and the specific optional/subject choice. If your autonomous community issues a separate card or code, confirm with the provider whether it is mandatory. needs_review
Black or blue pens and spares
Bring at least two working pens of the same colour plus a spare. Use the ink colour specified on the answer sheet instructions; do not rely on a single pen.
Pencils, sharpener and eraser
HB or 2B graphite pencils for sketching and construction lines, a sharpener and a soft eraser. Keep the eraser clean so it does not smudge the final drawing.
Ruler, set square and compass
A graduated ruler, 45° and 30/60° set squares, and a compass with spare leads. These are standard for technical drawing and geometric construction questions in graphic-plastic expression.
Colour media allowed by the instructions
Coloured pencils, markers or gouache only if the test statement or provider permits them. Confirm the permitted media with the provider, because some calls restrict colour or specify mixed technique. needs_review
Clear pencil case or transparent bag
Many exam rooms require transparent cases or bags so invigilators can check materials quickly. Confirm the local rule with the provider before the day. needs_review
Water bottle and small snack
Bring a clear, label-free bottle and a quiet snack in case the session is long. Check that food and drink are allowed in the room; some centres restrict them.
Watch (non-smart)
A simple analogue or digital watch without connectivity helps you manage the time if the room clock is not visible. Smart watches and phones are normally prohibited at the desk.
Review the official test structure and scoring
Read the current PAU specification for Graphic-Plastic Expression: number of options, compulsory and optional parts, and weighting. Confirm the exact structure and duration with the provider, as these can change between calls. needs_review
Plan and rehearse under timed conditions
Do at least one full timed rehearsal with the same materials you will use, so you know how long layout, construction and finishing take and can adjust your routine.
Plan the day
Re-read the official instructions and confirm logistics: venue address, start time, arrival margin, permitted materials and any colour restrictions. Do one full timed mock under exam conditions, then review only your recurring errors (proportion, perspective, line quality, composition) rather than starting new topics.
Prepare and test your material kit: sharpen pencils, check compass and spare leads, confirm pens write, and pack everything in the transparent case. Decide in advance which media you will use for the likely options so you do not improvise on the day.
Do a light review of key procedures: geometric constructions, perspective grids, tonal value scales, colour mixing and layout planning. Prepare clothes, ID and transport route, set two alarms, and sleep a full night. Avoid cramming new techniques.
Eat a proper breakfast, arrive at the venue with a generous margin before the call time, and locate your classroom and seat. Keep your ID and call document accessible for checking. Switch off and stow your phone before entering the room.
Read the whole statement before drawing. Identify compulsory and optional parts, note the scoring weight of each section, and choose your option deliberately. Check the answer sheet format and fill in your identifying data exactly as instructed.
Spend a short, fixed block planning: thumbnail composition, page layout, scale and construction sequence. Decide where each element sits and which media you will use, so the execution phase is calm and linear.
Work from construction lines to final line, then add tone or colour. Keep the drawing within the indicated area, maintain clean margins, and protect finished areas from smudging. If a section is worth more marks, give it more time.
Stop adding new content. Check that all required parts are answered, labels and data are complete, the sheet is clean, and your identification is correct. Use remaining time for small corrections rather than a risky redesign.
Rules to check
Carry the original valid ID required by the PAU regulations at all times in the room; an expired or photocopied document may not be accepted. Confirm the accepted documents with the provider. needs_review
Arrive before the call time. Late arrival, entry after the session has started, and early departure are governed by the centre's rules; confirm the exact cut-off with the provider rather than assuming. needs_review
Phones, smart watches and any connected devices must be switched off and stored away, not kept at the desk. Unauthorised electronic devices may be treated as academic misconduct.
Use only the materials and media permitted by the test statement. If the instructions restrict colour or mixed technique, follow them strictly; ask the invigilator before using anything ambiguous.
Breaks and leaving the room during the session are usually limited and may require escort; confirm the centre's policy. Plan water intake so you do not lose drawing time.
Write and draw only in the designated areas of the official answer sheet. Work outside the indicated space or on unauthorized sheets may not be marked.
Scoring follows the official rubric for the subject: weighting of the compulsory and optional parts, technical accuracy, composition and expressive quality. Confirm the current rubric and weighting with the provider. needs_review
Follow invigilator instructions at all times. Any suspected irregularity should be resolved by asking the invigilator before the session ends, not after.