JC German exam-day guide
JC German · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Admission ticket / confirmation of entry
Print or download the entry document issued by the exam provider and check the exact exam time, room/centre, and candidate number. Confirm with the provider whether a printed copy is required or a digital copy is accepted.
Valid photo ID
Bring the original ID document the provider specifies (commonly a passport or national ID card). Confirm with the provider which documents are accepted and whether photocopies are refused.
Black or blue ballpoint pens (at least two)
Written sections are usually completed in ink. Bring spare pens and check with the provider whether pencil is permitted for any answer sheet or multiple-choice section.
Pencil, eraser and sharpener
Useful for rough work and for any machine-read answer sheet. Confirm with the provider which writing tools are allowed in each section.
Wristwatch (non-smart, silent)
Many rooms have a clock but not all do. Smartwatches and devices with communication functions are normally prohibited; confirm with the provider what is allowed on the desk.
Clear water bottle with labels removed
Hydration helps concentration during a long listening and reading paper. Confirm with the provider whether drinks are allowed at the desk.
Printed address and travel plan for the test centre
Check the route and journey time in advance and aim to arrive well before the start. Confirm with the provider the arrival time and what happens if you are late.
Know the paper structure and timing
Be clear in advance on the order of sections (typically listening, reading, writing, and a speaking component), the time allowed for each, and whether there are breaks. Confirm the exact structure with the provider.
Leave phones and smart devices at home or switched off and stored
Devices must normally be switched off and placed where the invigilator instructs, not on your person or desk. Confirm with the provider the policy on devices and storage.
Confirm permitted aids (dictionary, rough paper)
Do not assume a dictionary or extra paper is allowed. Confirm with the provider whether any reference materials or rough paper are provided or permitted.
Review the answer-transfer procedure
Check whether answers must be transferred to a separate answer sheet within the section time. Confirm with the provider how and when transfer is expected.
Rest, food and medication plan
Sleep well, eat a normal breakfast, and bring any necessary medication in line with provider rules. Confirm with the provider how to declare medication or special access arrangements.
Plan the day
Stop learning new material. Revise your own summary notes, key vocabulary and typical task formats. Do one timed practice section under exam conditions, then review errors rather than the score. Confirm the test centre location, start time and ID requirements with the provider, and check that your admission document matches your ID name exactly.
Do light revision only: skim vocabulary lists, writing structures and speaking prompts. Prepare your bag with documents, pens, watch, water and travel plan. Avoid intensive cramming late at night and keep to a normal sleep schedule. Check transport for the morning and set two alarms.
Eat a proper breakfast and arrive at the centre with time to spare. Re-read only your short summary sheet, not full texts. Keep conversation with other candidates light and avoid last-minute panic comparisons. Switch off your phone before entering the building.
Present your ID and admission document, follow invigilator instructions, and store belongings where directed. Listen carefully to the instructions read out, including how to complete personal details on the answer sheet.
Read the questions ahead of each recording, note key words, and answer as you listen. Do not stop to dwell on a missed item; move on and keep pace with the recording.
Skim the passage or task, then read questions and locate evidence. Allocate time by task weight, and leave a few minutes to check that answers are transferred correctly.
Plan briefly, watch the clock, and keep to the required text type, register and word count. Leave time to check grammar, spelling and whether all task points are covered.
Speak clearly and at a steady pace, ask for repetition politely if needed, and develop answers with reasons and examples rather than one-word replies. Follow the examiner's prompts and use the preparation time if one is given.
Check that your name and candidate number are correct on all sheets, hand in everything the invigilator requires, and take your belongings. Note anything the provider asks you to do afterwards.
Rules to check
Follow all instructions from invigilators. They control timing, movement in the room and what may be on your desk; if an instruction is unclear, ask before the section begins.
Bring and present the ID document the provider requires. If your ID is missing, expired or does not match your entry details, confirm with the provider in advance what to do, as admission may be refused.
Electronic devices, including phones and smartwatches, must normally be switched off and stored as directed. Do not keep any device on your person during the test.
Do not communicate with other candidates during the test, and do not look at others' work. Any suspected misconduct may be reported and could affect your result.
Breaks, if any, are at the provider's discretion. Confirm with the provider in advance whether you may leave the room, and expect that leaving during a timed section may not be permitted.
Scoring and results procedures vary by provider and session. Confirm with the provider how each section is marked, how results are reported, and the timetable for release; do not rely on hearsay from other candidates.
If you feel unwell or there is a problem during the test, raise your hand and tell an invigilator immediately rather than waiting until the end.
Do not remove question papers, answer sheets or notes from the room unless the invigilator explicitly permits it.