NSSCO Namibian Sign Language 6107 exam-day guide
NSSCO Namibian Sign Language 6107 · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Valid ID (original, not a copy)
Bring the original identity document (Namibian ID or passport) that matches your registration. Confirm with the provider which forms of ID are accepted and whether a school letter is allowed if you lack a national ID.
Admission letter / exam timetable printout
Print or save the admission letter and timetable. They show the venue, session time, and candidate number. Confirm with the provider whether a printed copy is required or a digital copy is acceptable.
Stationery: black or blue pens, pencils, eraser, sharpener
Bring at least two pens and two pencils. For practical signing tasks you may need a pencil for notes or storyboards; confirm with the provider whether notes are permitted during preparation time.
Water in a clear, unlabelled bottle
Stay hydrated for signing tasks. Confirm with the provider whether water bottles are allowed in the exam room and whether labels must be removed.
Comfortable clothing that allows free movement of arms and hands
Avoid tight sleeves, heavy jewellery, or anything that restricts wrist and hand movement. Wear layers in case the room is cold. Confirm with the provider if a school uniform is required.
Hair tied back and face clearly visible
Examiners and camera (if used) must see your face, mouth, and hands. Avoid hats, masks, or hair covering the face unless required for religious or medical reasons; confirm with the provider in advance if you need an exception.
No smart devices on your person
Leave phones, smartwatches, and earbuds at home or in a bag outside the exam room. Confirm with the provider where bags are stored and whether a phone can be handed in at the door.
Arrive at the venue at least 30 minutes before your session
Allow time for ID checks, seating, and instructions. Confirm with the provider the exact reporting time and what happens if you arrive late.
Know your candidate number and session details
Write your candidate number where instructed on any answer booklet or practical record. Confirm with the provider how candidate numbers are issued and where they must appear.
Check whether an interpreter or accommodations are arranged
If you need a sign language interpreter, extra time, or a separate room, confirm with the provider well before the exam that the arrangement is approved and will be present on the day.
Review the practical task format and assessment criteria
Know whether you will be assessed on receptive skills (watching and answering), expressive skills (signing to an examiner or camera), or both, and how marks are divided. Confirm with the provider the exact format and weighting.
Plan transport and a backup plan
Confirm the venue location and travel time. Arrange a backup lift or bus in case of delays. Confirm with the provider the late-arrival rule and whether you can phone the venue.
Plan the day
Read the full syllabus and the practical assessment criteria again. List the signing tasks you will be asked to perform (for example, introducing yourself, describing a person or place, telling a short narrative, or holding a short conversation). Practise each task aloud or on camera for 2–3 minutes and check your handshape, location, movement, palm orientation, and non-manual features (facial expression, mouth morphemes, eyebrow movement, head tilt). Record yourself on a phone and watch it back; note two things to improve and repeat. Do not learn new vocabulary at this stage; consolidate what you already know.
Check the venue, reporting time, and ID requirements. Confirm with the provider the exact address, which entrance to use, and whether you need to bring a printed admission letter. If you use an interpreter or have approved accommodations, confirm they are booked. Plan your journey and write down a backup route.
Do a light practice session only: warm up your hands, wrists, and shoulders with gentle stretches; fingerspell your name and the alphabet; sign a short prepared text once or twice. Stop early. Prepare your clothes, ID, admission letter, pens, pencils, water, and any approved items in one bag. Set two alarms. Eat a normal meal and go to bed at your usual time; avoid last-minute cramming, which tires the hands and eyes.
Eat a proper breakfast and drink water. Do a 5-minute hand and wrist warm-up and a few slow deep breaths to steady your signing pace. Arrive at the venue at least 30 minutes early. Switch off your phone and hand it in or store it as instructed. Use the toilet before the session starts. When you enter the room, check where the examiner or camera is positioned and stand or sit so your hands and face are clearly visible.
Listen to or watch the instructions carefully and ask the invigilator only procedural questions. For expressive tasks, take a moment to plan before you sign; sign at a steady, natural pace; keep your hands within the signing space in front of your chest and face; maintain eye contact with the examiner or look at the camera lens. If you make a mistake, correct it and continue-do not stop. For receptive tasks, watch the whole utterance before responding; if you must answer in writing, write clearly. Keep track of time and leave a few minutes to check your work. At the end, stop signing when told, place materials where instructed, and leave quietly.
Rules to check
Bring the original identity document that matches your registration. A copy or a photograph on a phone is normally not accepted. Confirm with the provider which documents are accepted and what to do if you have lost your ID.
Arrive at the reporting time stated on your admission letter. Late arrival may mean you are not admitted or are given less time. Confirm with the provider the exact late-arrival policy before exam day.
Do not bring phones, smartwatches, earbuds, or any other electronic device into the exam room. Hand them in or leave them outside as instructed. Possession of an unauthorised device during the exam may lead to disqualification.
Sign and answer independently. Do not communicate with other candidates during the session, and do not copy from or signal to anyone. Any communication during the exam may be treated as misconduct.
Follow the invigilator's instructions about breaks, toilet visits, and leaving the room. Raise your hand and wait to be escorted. Confirm with the provider whether supervised toilet breaks are allowed during practical sessions.
For expressive tasks, sign clearly and at a natural pace; examiners assess handshape, location, movement, palm orientation, non-manual features, and fluency, not speed. If a camera is used, stay within the frame and keep your face and hands visible.
Scoring is based on the published assessment criteria for the practical component. Ask your teacher or confirm with the provider how marks are allocated between receptive and expressive skills, and what the pass requirements are.
If you need an interpreter, extra time, or other accommodations, arrange this with the provider well before the exam. Accommodations are not normally granted on the day without prior approval.