Bac NSI exam-day guide
Bac NSI · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Convocation letter / convocation
The convocation (summons) is the document that tells you the time, place and conditions of the test. Print it and keep it with you; if you have not received it, contact your school or the exam centre (confirm with the provider).
Official photo ID
Bring the identity document required by the convocation (national ID card, passport or residence permit). Check that it has not expired. The exact type of ID accepted must be confirmed with the exam centre.
Confirmation of registration / candidate number
Have your candidate number or registration confirmation available. The number and the way it is communicated vary by centre; confirm the expected format with the provider.
Black pens and a pencil
Bring at least two black ballpoint pens that work, plus a pencil and eraser for rough work. Check the convocation for any restriction on the type of pen.
Authorised documents for the practical part
The NSI practical test may allow specific reference materials (for example a resource file or a list of authorised documents). Read the convocation carefully and bring only what is explicitly allowed; confirm the list with the provider.
Water and a small snack
The test can last several hours. Bring a bottle of water and a snack that does not make noise or smell. Check whether food and drink are allowed in the room.
Watch (non-connected)
A simple watch helps you manage time if the room clock is not visible. Connected watches and phones are usually prohibited; confirm the rule with the provider.
No phone or connected device
Phones must be switched off and stored as instructed. Do not keep a phone in your pocket during the test; even a switched-off phone can be treated as a breach of the rules.
Arrive early
Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before the start time shown on the convocation. Late arrival may lead to refusal of entry; the exact cut-off time must be confirmed with the provider.
Check the venue in advance
Locate the exact building and room, and plan the route and transport. If possible, do a trial journey at the same time of day.
Read the test instructions
Re-read the instructions for the practical part: number of exercises, expected file names, format of deliverables and time allocation. These details are set by the exam and should be confirmed with the provider.
Emergency contact and transport plan
Know who to call if something goes wrong and have a backup transport option. Keep the centre's contact details with you.
Plan the day
Confirm the practical details: re-read the convocation, check the exact address, the start time and the list of authorised materials. Prepare your bag with ID, convocation, pens and any allowed documents. Do a light revision of the main concepts and methods rather than starting new topics. Sleep regular hours and avoid all-night study. Confirm with the provider anything that is unclear (accepted ID, allowed documents, arrival time).
Stop heavy revision. Review your own summary sheets and the instructions for the practical part. Prepare clothes and food for the next day. Charge nothing that is prohibited; instead, leave the phone at home or plan to switch it off. Set two alarms and check transport times. Go to bed early.
Eat a normal breakfast and hydrate. Take the bag you prepared the night before and check that ID and convocation are inside. Leave with enough margin to arrive at least 30 minutes early. At the centre, follow the staff's instructions, switch off the phone and store it as required, and find your seat calmly.
Read all the instructions before starting. Note the total duration and divide it between the exercises, keeping time for a final check. Start with the exercises you can do confidently, then return to the harder ones. Write clearly and save your work regularly if the test is on a computer. If you are blocked, move on and come back later. Keep a few minutes at the end to check names, formats and that nothing is missing.
Rules to check
Bring the identity document required by the convocation and keep it visible on your desk. If you do not have it, entry may be refused; the exact accepted documents must be confirmed with the provider.
Follow the instructions of the exam staff at all times. Do not talk to other candidates during the test and do not communicate with anyone outside the room.
Phones and connected devices must be switched off and stored as instructed. Keeping a device on your person during the test can be treated as cheating.
Use only the documents and equipment explicitly authorised by the convocation. Unauthorised notes, books or electronic aids are prohibited; confirm the authorised list with the provider.
Breaks are generally not allowed during the test, except in specific cases provided for by the rules. Ask the staff before the test if you need to leave the room; the exact policy must be confirmed with the provider.
Do not start writing before the signal and stop immediately when time is called. Continuing to write after the end can lead to penalties.
Scoring and marking are set by the exam authority. Do not assume partial credit for every question; read the instructions and answer according to the expected format.
Any breach of the rules may lead to the test being cancelled. If you are unsure about a rule, ask a member of staff before the test begins.