MATSEC SEC Graphical Communication exam-day guide
MATSEC SEC Graphical Communication · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Valid photo ID and exam admission/statement
Bring the original photo ID accepted by MATSEC and your exam admission/statement. Check that the subject, venue and session match; if your centre has not confirmed which ID is accepted, ask before exam day.
Confirmed timetable and venue details
Confirm the exact date, start time, room and arrival time from official MATSEC or centre communication. Do not rely on a classmate's message; save the details and plan your travel.
Drawing board, clips and paper if not supplied
If the centre does not provide a drawing board and fixed paper, bring an A2 or A3 board, clips and the required paper. - needs_review: confirm with the provider whether board and paper are supplied.
Pencils in several grades
Bring sharpened HB, H and 2H pencils, plus a 2B only if shading is permitted. Use H or 2H for light construction lines and HB for final linework and lettering.
Eraser, sharpener and dusting brush
Bring a soft eraser, a pencil sharpener and a dusting brush. Erase lightly so you do not roughen the paper or remove construction lines you still need.
Compass and dividers
Bring a compass and dividers with sharp leads and a tight hinge, and carry spare leads. Test them before the exam so arcs do not jump or tear the sheet.
Set squares, straightedge, protractor and scale rule
Bring 45° and 60° set squares, a straightedge, a protractor and a scale rule. Check that edges are clean and that the scale rule covers the scales used in your syllabus and specimen tasks.
French curves or templates only if permitted
Bring French curves or lettering templates only if the syllabus or centre permits them. - needs_review: confirm with the provider; unauthorised templates may be treated as prohibited aids.
Calculator only if permitted
Bring a non-programmable calculator only if calculations are permitted for scale work. - needs_review: confirm the permitted calculator model and whether it must remain visible on the desk.
Clear pencil case or transparent bag
Pack equipment in a clear pencil case or transparent bag. This speeds desk checks and reduces the chance of prohibited items being overlooked.
Low-tack tape or clips
Bring low-tack masking tape or clips to secure the sheet. Do not use tape that lifts paper fibres; test it on scrap paper first.
Simple non-smart watch
Wear a simple non-smart watch or use the room clock. Smart watches and phones must be switched off and stored as directed; confirm the centre's storage rule.
Plan the day
Re-read the SEC Graphical Communication syllabus and specimen material, and list the drawing types likely to appear: orthographic views, isometric and oblique drawings, sectional views, dimensioning, loci, tangency, developments and scales. Do one timed drawing with your own kit, then check construction accuracy, line quality and layout. Replace worn leads, blades and erasers. Confirm whether the centre supplies drawing paper and board, and whether templates or a calculator are allowed; if this is not confirmed, ask the provider.
Pack your kit against the checklist and sharpen at least three pencils. Do a short review of conventions: line types and weights, projection symbols, hidden detail, centre lines, dimensioning rules, scale notation and title block. Do not start a new topic. Set out your ID, admission statement and travel plan, and sleep at a normal time.
Eat and arrive with time to spare. Keep your ID and admission statement accessible. Switch off your phone and smart watch and put them away before entering. Listen to invigilator instructions, check that the paper is the correct subject and level, and inspect the sheet size and orientation. Set up your board and tools quietly; do not start drawing until told.
Read the whole paper and mark your question choices. Note the marks per question and any compulsory sections. Allocate time with 5 to 10 minutes at the end for checks. Plan the sheet layout on scrap paper: border, title block, spacing, scale and the position of each view.
Set out light construction lines first, then darken final lines. Keep the sheet clean: rest your hand on a spare sheet, brush away eraser dust and avoid over-erasing. Work to the stated scale, dimension consistently, and label views and the title block. If a construction fails, stop and re-establish centrelines rather than darkening errors. Check the time at each quarter.
Check that all required questions are answered and labelled. Verify scale, dimensions, projection alignment, line weights, hidden detail and title block. Erase unnecessary construction lines only if the instructions require a clean final drawing; otherwise leave construction visible if marks are awarded for method. Ensure your name and candidate number are written where required.
Rules to check
Bring the original photo ID accepted by the centre and place it on the desk if instructed. If you arrive without acceptable ID, entry may be refused; confirm the provider's ID rule before exam day.
Follow all invigilator instructions. Do not talk, signal or exchange equipment once the exam has started; if you need something, raise your hand and wait.
Switch off mobile phones and smart watches and store them as directed. Unauthorised electronic devices, notes or pre-drawn templates must not be on your desk; confirm which drawing aids are permitted.
Use only approved drawing instruments and the paper or answer materials supplied or authorised. Do not remove exam paper, scrap paper or materials from the room unless the invigilator explicitly permits it.
If you need a comfort break, raise your hand and wait to be accompanied. Do not assume extra time is added; confirm the centre's break policy before the exam.
All work must be your own. Copying another candidate's drawing or allowing yours to be copied is misconduct and may lead to disqualification.
Marks are awarded for correct construction, accuracy, line quality, dimensioning, layout and presentation, not only for the final picture. Show construction lines and method where marks are available, and read the rubric.
Use the stated scale and units consistently, and answer the required number of questions. If the paper has compulsory and choice sections, confirm the rubric before starting; do not rely on memory.