Basque PAU French exam-day guide
Basque PAU French · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
DNI or passport (original, valid)
Bring the original document, not a photocopy. Confirm with the provider whether a driving licence or expired document is accepted; do not assume.
Exam venue, date and session time confirmed
Re-check the official call letter or centre notice the day before. Confirm with the provider which door or building is used for entry and how early access opens.
Printed or downloaded call letter / proof of registration
Keep a copy on your phone and on paper in case the phone fails. Confirm with the provider whether a printed copy is mandatory.
Blue or black pens (at least two)
Have spares. Confirm with the provider whether answers must be written in ink and whether correction fluid is allowed; if unsure, write cleanly and cross out rather than erase.
Wristwatch (non-smart)
Exam rooms do not always have a visible clock. Smartwatches and phones are usually not allowed at the desk; confirm with the provider.
Clear water bottle, no label
Hydration helps in long written papers. Confirm with the provider whether drinks are permitted in the room.
No phone, smartwatch or notes at the desk
Switch devices off and leave them in the designated area. Bringing unauthorised material to the desk can lead to disqualification; confirm with the provider where bags are stored.
Travel plan with buffer time
Arrive early enough to find the room and settle. Plan for public transport delays; confirm with the provider what happens if you arrive after the start time.
Reading plan for the French texts and questions
Decide in advance how you will allocate time between reading, comprehension questions, grammar and written expression. Confirm with the provider the exact paper structure and total duration.
Medical or access needs already requested
If you need extra time, a separate room or other adjustment, confirm with the provider that it has been approved in advance; adjustments are rarely granted on the day.
Small snack for after the exam
Leave it in your bag for after the session, not at the desk. Confirm with the provider whether food is allowed in the exam room.
Plan the day
Do light, targeted revision only: re-read your own summaries of the set texts or topics, review a short list of high-frequency grammar points and connectors, and practise one timed comprehension passage. Do not start new material. Confirm the venue, start time and transport route, and prepare the documents and pens in one bag.
Check the official notice once more for any room or time change. Lay out your ID, call letter, pens and watch. Sleep at your normal time; avoid cramming late. Skim your notes for structure and vocabulary but stop early enough to rest.
Eat a normal breakfast, arrive with buffer time, and keep your phone off and stored. Once seated, read the instructions on the paper carefully, check the number of questions and the marks, and note the finishing time. Start with the section you can do most confidently, then return to harder items.
Read the French texts once for gist, then again with the questions in mind. Answer in the language and format the question asks for, and keep written expression organised into clear paragraphs with linking words. Watch the clock: leave time to check spelling, agreements and verb forms, and make sure every question has an answer. If you are unsure of a procedural point, raise your hand and ask the invigilator rather than guessing.
Rules to check
Bring original photo ID; the name must match your registration. Confirm with the provider which documents are accepted and what happens if the name differs slightly.
Arrive before the stated start time. Confirm with the provider the latest arrival time and whether late entry is allowed.
Keep phones, smartwatches and notes out of the exam room or in the designated area; unauthorised material at the desk can lead to disqualification. Confirm with the provider the exact rules on bags and devices.
Follow the invigilator's instructions on filling in headers, answer sheets and any choice between options. Ask before the end if a rubric is unclear.
Breaks and leaving the room are usually restricted during the session. Confirm with the provider the policy on toilet breaks and whether time is added.
Answer in the language and format requested. Off-topic or extra answers outside the required format may not be marked; confirm with the provider how optional questions are handled.
Scoring and pass criteria are set by the official examining body, not by this guide. Confirm with the provider the weighting of each section and the minimum required.
If illness or an incident affects your performance, tell the invigilator at the time and confirm with the provider how to report it afterwards; claims made later without evidence are harder to support.