Internat en Pharmacie exam-day guide
Internat en Pharmacie · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Convocation / convocation letter or exam authorization
Print or download the convocation issued by your faculty or the organising body, and read it again the day before. It states the exact address, reporting time, and any instructions specific to your session. Confirm with the provider which document format (paper or digital) is accepted on the day.
Valid identity document
Bring the identity document required by the convocation (national ID card or passport are the usual accepted documents). Check that it has not expired. The exact list of accepted documents and whether a photocopy is allowed must be confirmed with the provider.
Several black or blue ballpoint pens plus spares
Written pharmacy exams are usually handwritten. Bring at least three pens of the same colour, a pencil, an eraser, and a small pencil sharpener if you use pencils. Check the convocation for any colour restriction, since some sessions require a specific ink colour for the answer booklet.
Watch without a connected or audible function
A simple analogue or basic digital watch lets you manage time if the room clock is not visible. Smartwatches and connected watches are generally forbidden; confirm with the provider which watch types are tolerated in your centre.
No phone, no connected device on your person
Phones, smartwatches, earphones, and connected devices are usually banned from the exam room. Plan to leave them at home or in the designated storage area if the centre provides one; confirm with the provider whether a deposit point exists.
Transparent pencil case or pouch
Many centres require a transparent container so invigilators can check contents quickly. If the convocation does not specify, bring a clear pouch and keep only authorised items inside.
Water bottle and a small snack for breaks
Long written sessions can run several hours. Bring a transparent water bottle and a snack for the break if breaks are scheduled. Confirm with the provider whether food and drink are allowed inside the room or only outside.
Route and travel plan to the centre
Rehearse the route beforehand, note public transport schedules, and add a buffer for delays. Aim to arrive well before the reporting time stated on the convocation; late arrivals may be refused entry, so confirm the tolerance policy with the provider.
Review of the exam format and instructions
Re-read the official description of the test: number of parts, question types (multiple choice, short answer, case-based, calculations), and time allocation. This is preparation, not new learning, and reduces surprises on the day.
Formula and calculation reminders on paper
Prepare a single sheet of key pharmacokinetic, dilution, and dose-calculation formulas for the final review. Do not bring it into the room unless the convocation explicitly allows personal notes; confirm with the provider what documents, if any, are permitted.
Physical preparation the night before
Sleep, eat a normal breakfast, and avoid last-minute cramming that leaves you tired. Exam performance on long written sessions depends heavily on sustained concentration.
Emergency contact and centre details saved offline
Save the centre address and a contact number for the organising body on paper, in case your phone is stored away or unavailable. Confirm with the provider which contact is appropriate for day-of issues.
Plan the day
Stop learning new material. Re-read your own summaries and the official exam instructions, and do one or two timed practice sessions under realistic conditions to rehearse pacing. Check the convocation again for address, reporting time, and authorised materials, and confirm any unclear point with the provider. Prepare your documents and materials so that nothing is left to the last day.
Confirm your transport and, if needed, accommodation. Check the identity document's validity and locate your convocation. Prepare the pencil case with pens, pencils, eraser, and watch, and set aside the clothes you will wear. If you must travel far, plan to arrive the day before to avoid a stressful morning.
Do a light review of formula sheets and high-yield summaries only, then stop early in the evening. Pack your bag with documents, pens, water, and snack. Re-check the route and the reporting time. Eat a normal meal, avoid alcohol and heavy screen use, and go to bed at a reasonable hour. Do not start new topics or attempt to memorise large volumes overnight.
Eat breakfast, even if you feel nervous, and drink water. Take your bag and leave with a comfortable margin so that you arrive before the reporting time. Avoid discussing content with other candidates in a way that raises anxiety. Once at the centre, follow the invigilators' instructions for identification and seating.
Read the instructions on the paper carefully before writing: number of questions, expected format, and any choice between questions. Write your candidate number and identifying details exactly as instructed. Scan the whole paper briefly to plan time allocation, then begin with the section you handle most confidently.
Keep an eye on the time and respect the planned allocation per section. For multiple-choice questions, answer every item unless the rules penalise wrong answers, and confirm the scoring rule with the provider beforehand. For written answers, structure responses clearly and show calculation steps where relevant. If you finish early, use the remaining time to check identity details, numbering, and units in calculations rather than leaving the room.
Check that all answer sheets are correctly identified and that no page is left blank unintentionally. Hand in all documents as instructed and do not remove any exam material from the room. Leave calmly and avoid an immediate post-mortem with other candidates, which adds stress without changing the result.
Rules to check
Bring the identity document required by the convocation and present it on demand. The exact list of accepted documents and any exceptions must be confirmed with the provider; do not assume a photocopy or an expired document will be accepted.
Follow the reporting time and the instructions on the convocation. Arrival after the stated time may lead to refusal of entry or to a shortened session; confirm the tolerance policy with the provider rather than guessing.
Do not bring phones, smartwatches, earphones, or connected devices into the exam room. If your centre offers a deposit area, use it; otherwise leave such devices at home. Confirm with the provider how prohibited items are handled.
Only use authorised materials. Notes, textbooks, and formula sheets are usually forbidden unless the convocation explicitly permits them; confirm with the provider what is allowed for your session.
Breaks are governed by the session rules. If a break is scheduled, leave and return within the stated time and keep your documents with you. Confirm with the provider whether breaks are allowed and whether the clock stops during them.
Scoring rules, including whether wrong answers are penalised and how partial credit is awarded, must be checked with the provider and the official exam description before the day. Do not rely on hearsay from other candidates.
Maintain academic integrity: no communication with other candidates during the test, no unauthorised documents, and no attempt to remove exam material. Suspected irregularities are typically reported and can lead to cancellation of the result.
If an incident occurs (illness, missing document, room problem), alert an invigilator immediately and ask for it to be recorded. Keep any written proof, and contact the organising body afterwards; confirm with the provider the procedure for contesting or reporting an incident.