MATSEC IM Physical Education exam-day guide
MATSEC IM Physical Education · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Photo ID and candidate number
Bring a current photo ID (ID card or passport) and your MATSEC candidate number/statement of entry. Confirm with the provider which forms of ID are accepted, whether a digital copy is allowed, and what happens if ID is forgotten (needs_review - confirm with the provider).
Correct practical kit for your entered activity
Pack the kit and footwear required for the surface and activity you are being assessed in. Avoid new/unbroken-in footwear on the day. Confirm with the provider whether there is a dress code, whether jewellery must be removed, and how hair must be tied back (needs_review - confirm with the provider).
Sport-specific equipment
If your activity uses personal equipment (for example a racket, goggles, shin pads or mouthguard), check whether you may use your own and whether it must be inspected first. Confirm with the provider before relying on personal equipment (needs_review - confirm with the provider).
Water and familiar light snacks
Bring a refillable water bottle and snacks you already tolerate. Do not try new supplements, energy drinks or foods on exam day. Confirm whether water is available at the venue.
Medical information and prescribed medication
Bring your inhaler, adrenaline auto-injector, insulin or other prescribed medication if relevant, and tell the examiner before the assessment. Confirm with the provider whether a medical certificate or prior notification is required (needs_review - confirm with the provider).
Weather and venue protection
Pack sun protection, a rain jacket, spare socks, a towel and warm layers as appropriate. Confirm whether the assessment is indoor or outdoor and what happens if weather changes the schedule (needs_review - confirm with the provider).
Transport and arrival plan
Plan your route and aim to arrive ahead of the reporting time so you can sign in, change, use the toilet and warm up without rushing. Confirm the exact reporting time and venue with your school or the provider (needs_review - confirm with the provider).
Printed timetable and contact details
Bring the practical timetable/instructions and a contact number for your school or the exam centre. Save the venue location offline in case of signal problems.
Consent and medical forms
Check whether any consent, medical or emergency-contact form must be submitted before the practical. Confirm with the provider what is required and by when (needs_review - confirm with the provider).
Phone and smartwatch plan
Know where devices must be stored during the assessment. Do not use a phone or smartwatch in the performance area unless the examiner explicitly permits it.
Break and toilet plan
Ask the examiner at the start how to request water, toilet or injury breaks. Confirm with the provider whether scheduled breaks are allowed during your activity (needs_review - confirm with the provider).
Plan the day
Confirm date, reporting time, venue and transport with your school or the provider. Re-read the practical assessment criteria for your activity. Check that all kit and footwear fit and are in good condition. Taper hard training, prioritise sleep and normal hydration, and avoid starting a new activity or routine. Confirm any medical/consent paperwork.
Pack your bag: ID, candidate number, kit, footwear, water, snacks, medication, weather gear and printed instructions. Check the forecast and travel plan. Do only light, familiar movement if you train at all. Avoid alcohol and late nights. Charge your phone and set two alarms. Tell someone your travel plan.
Eat a familiar breakfast and sip water. Arrive early, sign in and present ID. Change, use the toilet and begin your own warm-up only in the area the examiner allows. Check your equipment and tell the examiner about any injury or medical condition before you start.
Listen carefully to instructions and ask the examiner to repeat anything unclear before you perform. Warm up fully, perform to the criteria, hydrate when permitted and cool down afterwards. Do not accept coaching from the sidelines. Follow safety instructions, leave the area tidy and do not discuss or record other candidates' performances.
Rules to check
Bring your photo ID and candidate number. Confirm with the provider which ID is accepted and what happens if you forget it (needs_review - confirm with the provider).
Report at the stated time. Late arrival may affect whether you can be assessed; confirm the late-arrival policy with the provider (needs_review - confirm with the provider).
No phones, smartwatches or unauthorised recording devices in the assessment area. No coaching from spectators, coaches or other candidates during your performance.
Follow the examiner's instructions and all safety rules. Declare any injury, illness or medical condition before the assessment and carry prescribed medication.
Ask the examiner before taking a water, toilet or injury break. Do not leave the assessment area without permission.
Your performance is scored against the published practical criteria by the examiners. Do not argue about marks during the assessment; results are released through official channels.
Remove jewellery unless the provider says otherwise. Any strapping, support or protective equipment may need to be checked before use (needs_review - confirm with the provider).