European Baccalaureate Biology exam-day guide
European Baccalaureate Biology · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Photo identification
Bring the identity document your school or the examination centre requires (typically a passport or national ID card). If you are unsure which document is accepted, confirm with the provider before the exam day rather than assuming.
Admission or candidate number
Know your candidate number and the exam session details. Write them on a small card or keep them with your ID so you are not searching for them at the door.
Written confirmation of time and room
Double-check the start time, room, and any reporting time on your official convocation or timetable. Arrival and seating deadlines vary by centre; confirm with the provider if your document does not state them.
Permitted stationery
Bring several blue or black ballpoint pens, a pencil, an eraser, and a ruler. Use only the pen colour your centre specifies; if it is not stated, confirm with the provider.
Calculator policy
Biology papers may allow a basic or specified calculator for data-handling questions. Check the current regulations for your session and confirm with the provider which model, if any, is permitted.
No phone or smart device at your desk
Mobile phones, smartwatches, and any wearable with communication or storage capability must be switched off and stored as the centre directs, not kept on your person. Confirm the centre's storage arrangements in advance.
Clear pencil case or pouch
Many centres require transparent cases or none at all. Pack only what you need and check the centre's rules if this is not specified in your instructions.
Water in a plain transparent bottle
Labels must usually be removed. Confirm whether drinks are allowed at your desk; some centres restrict them to break areas.
Medical needs and access arrangements
If you have an approved access arrangement, extra time, or a medical condition the invigilators should know about, confirm with the provider that it is recorded and bring any supporting documentation requested.
Watch without smart features
A simple analogue or digital watch helps you pace yourself if the room clock is not visible. Smartwatches are not acceptable; if in doubt about a watch, confirm with the provider.
Plan your route and arrival time
Check transport, allow a buffer for delays, and know the building entrance. Aim to arrive before the reporting time so you are seated calmly.
Rest, food, and hydration the day before
Sleep, eat a normal breakfast, and avoid last-minute cramming of new material. Review summaries and diagrams rather than starting unfamiliar topics.
Plan the day
Confirm logistics: exact date, start time, room, ID requirements, and permitted equipment. Re-read the command words used in past papers (describe, explain, compare, suggest, evaluate) and practise matching each to the depth of answer it demands.
Review the practical and data-handling skills the paper is likely to test: reading tables and graphs, identifying variables and controls, calculating means and percentages, interpreting error bars and standard deviations, and explaining experimental design. Practise writing short, precise answers rather than rereading notes passively.
Do one timed section under exam conditions, then mark it strictly against the mark scheme. Note recurring losses, such as missing units, vague wording, or not using the number of marks as a guide to the number of points required.
Prepare your bag: ID, candidate number, pens, pencil, eraser, ruler, permitted calculator, clear pouch, water bottle, and any approved documentation. Lay out clothes and confirm your transport plan.
Do light revision only: skim your own summary sheets, key diagrams, and a list of common mistakes. Stop early, eat properly, and go to bed at a reasonable hour. Do not attempt a full new past paper the night before.
Eat breakfast, drink water, and leave with a margin for delays. Leave your phone switched off and stored, not in a pocket. Arrive before the reporting time and locate the room and seating.
Once seated, check that your question paper and answer booklet are complete and that the paper code matches your subject and level. Read the front-page instructions and note the total time and number of questions.
Read the whole paper briefly. Note the marks per question and plan roughly one minute per mark, leaving time to check. Start with questions you can answer confidently to build momentum, but make sure every question is attempted.
Underline command words and the number of marks. Give one clear point per mark. Use correct terminology and units, show working in calculations, and label diagrams fully. For data questions, quote figures from the table or graph and state the trend before explaining it.
State the independent and dependent variables, describe how to control key variables, explain replication and randomisation, and mention a suitable control. If asked to suggest improvements, be specific about what to change and why it would reduce error or bias.
Check that every question has an answer, that units and significant figures are consistent, and that multi-part questions are fully addressed. Cross out rough work you do not want marked. Use remaining time to reread longer answers for clarity.
Rules to check
Bring and display the identification required by your centre. If the accepted documents are not clearly stated in your instructions, confirm with the provider before the exam day.
Follow all invigilator instructions. Stop writing immediately when told, and do not start before the signal. Continuing to write after time is called can lead to a penalty.
Keep all electronic devices switched off and stored away from your desk for the whole session. Unauthorised devices, notes, or smart wearables can lead to disqualification; confirm the centre's storage rules if unclear.
Communicate only with invigilators. Do not talk to other candidates during the session. If you need to leave the room, raise your hand and wait to be accompanied; centre rules on toilet breaks vary, so confirm with the provider.
Declare any approved access arrangements or medical needs in advance and bring the documentation requested. Do not assume arrangements will be granted on the day.
Marks are awarded for what is written, not for what you intended. Answer in the spaces provided, use the mark allocation as a guide to the number of points, and show working in calculations so partial credit can be awarded.
Use only the stationery and equipment permitted for the session. If you are unsure whether an item such as a calculator, ruler type, or watch is allowed, confirm with the provider beforehand rather than bringing it to your desk.
If you believe there is a problem with the paper, such as a missing page or a printing error, raise it with an invigilator immediately rather than trying to work around it silently. Do not attempt to influence marking by contacting examiners directly; ask your school how any query should be raised.