Valencian Community PAU History of Philosophy exam-day guide
Valencian Community PAU History of Philosophy · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
DNI or passport
Bring your original national identity document or passport. It must be valid and contain a photograph. Without it you may not be admitted to the exam room. Confirm with your school or the Universitat de València (or the university coordinating your PAU) whether a photocopy or another form of identification is accepted in case of loss.
Exam admission card (resguardo de matrícula)
Print the admission document you received when you registered for the PAU. It shows your personal data, the subjects you are enrolled in, and often your assigned room. Keep a paper copy and a digital copy on your phone. The exact format and whether a printed copy is mandatory should be confirmed with the provider.
Blue or black ballpoint pens (at least two)
Write with blue or black ink. Bring at least two pens that you have tested beforehand, plus a spare. Pencil is not acceptable for final answers; it may only be used for rough work if the instructions allow it.
Pencil, eraser, and sharpener
Useful for diagrams, outlines, and multiple-choice answer sheets if your exam includes them. Keep them in a transparent pencil case.
Ruler and, if permitted, a scientific calculator
For History of Philosophy you normally do not need a calculator, but check the official instructions for your subject. If a calculator is allowed, it must not be programmable or have communication capabilities. Confirm the exact model policy with the provider.
Wristwatch (non-smart)
Exam rooms may not have a visible clock. A simple analogue or digital watch without internet or messaging functions helps you manage time. Smartwatches and phones must be switched off and stored away.
Transparent pencil case or plastic bag
All your materials should be visible and carried in a transparent container. This speeds up checks and avoids problems with room invigilators.
Water bottle with no label
A small clear bottle of water is usually allowed, but the label must be removed. Confirm with the provider whether drinks are permitted in your exam room.
Light snack for between exams
If you have two exam sessions on the same day, bring a quick snack (a piece of fruit, a cereal bar) and eat it outside the exam room during the break. Avoid noisy or strong-smelling food.
Review the official exam structure and instructions
Re-read the official model and instructions for History of Philosophy: number of questions, optional sections, time allocation, and scoring. The exam is typically 90 minutes, but confirm the exact duration and format with the provider.
Plan your route and arrival time
Check the location of your exam centre and the time you must be there. Arrive at least 30–45 minutes early. Confirm the exact address and room assignment with your school or the provider.
Leave prohibited devices at home or switched off
Mobile phones, smartwatches, and any electronic devices with memory or communication must be switched off and left outside the exam room or in the designated area. Bringing them into the room can lead to disqualification.
Plan the day
Consolidate, do not cram. Review your own summary sheets of the main authors and problems: Plato's theory of Ideas and the cave; Aristotle's metaphysics and ethics; Augustine and Aquinas on faith and reason; Descartes' method and dualism; Hume's empiricism and causality; Kant's Copernican turn and ethics; Marx's historical materialism; Nietzsche's critique of morality; Ortega y Gasset's perspectivism; and any other author on your syllabus. Spend 20–30 minutes per author, focusing on the concepts you find hardest. Do one full past-paper question under timed conditions (90 minutes) and mark it yourself against the official criteria. Stop studying by early evening and get a full night's sleep.
Light review only. Read your summary sheets and the key vocabulary (e.g., 'dianoia', 'categorical imperative', 'impression', 'alienation'). Do not start new topics. Prepare your materials: ID, admission card, pens, pencil, eraser, ruler, watch, transparent case, water bottle, snack. Lay out your clothes and bag. Check the exam centre address and transport timetable. Set two alarms. Eat a normal dinner, avoid excessive caffeine, and go to bed at a reasonable hour.
Eat a proper breakfast. Arrive at the exam centre at least 30–45 minutes before the scheduled start. Have your ID and admission card ready for inspection. Keep your phone switched off and stored away before entering the building. Go to the toilet before the exam begins. Once seated, read the instructions on the cover page carefully and fill in your personal data exactly as required. Take a few deep breaths and focus.
First 5–10 minutes: read the whole paper and choose your questions strategically. Identify which optional questions you will answer and in what order. Plan a rough time budget: for a 90-minute exam with several questions, allow roughly 5 minutes for planning, 15–20 minutes per long answer, and 5–10 minutes at the end to review. Write an outline for each answer before you start. Answer in complete sentences and structured paragraphs; use philosophical vocabulary precisely and give reasons for your claims. If a question asks you to compare authors, make the comparison explicit. Leave space if you skip a question and want to return. Keep an eye on the clock but do not panic if you are slightly behind; adjust by writing more concisely. Reserve the final minutes to check that you have answered the required number of questions, that your name and details are correct, and that your handwriting is legible.
Rules to check
Bring your original DNI or passport. You will not be admitted without valid identification. If you lose it, contact the exam centre immediately; the exact procedure for alternative identification must be confirmed with the provider.
Mobile phones, smartwatches, and any other electronic devices must be switched off and left outside the exam room or in the area designated by the invigilators. Using or even having such a device on your person during the exam can lead to disqualification.
Do not communicate with other candidates during the exam. Raise your hand if you need to speak to an invigilator. Any attempt to copy or share answers will be dealt with according to the official regulations.
Write your answers in blue or black ink. Pencil may be used only for rough work. Do not write in the margins or areas marked for examiner use.
The exam is typically 90 minutes long, but the exact duration and structure must be confirmed with the provider. You may not leave the room during the first part of the exam or during the last minutes; ask an invigilator if you need to leave for an emergency.
Scoring: each question is marked according to the official criteria, which usually reward accurate knowledge, clear structure, correct use of concepts, and the ability to argue and compare. Read the instructions on the paper for the weighting of each part.
Breaks between exams: if you have more than one exam on the same day, leave the exam room during the break and do not discuss the content of the exam with other candidates until the whole session is over.
Follow all instructions given by the invigilators. Failure to comply with the rules may result in the annulment of your exam. For any specific policy not covered here, confirm with the provider.