CCEA GCSE Maths exam-day guide
CCEA GCSE Maths · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Candidate number and centre number
Write both on your hand-out or memorise them before the day; if you are unsure where they are printed, confirm with your exams officer (needs_review: exact location varies by centre).
Photo ID if your centre requires it
Some centres ask for photo ID at the exam room door; check your centre's rules in advance and bring it if required (needs_review: confirm with your exams officer).
Two black ink pens, pencil, eraser and sharpener
Use black ink for written answers unless the paper says otherwise; keep a spare pen and pencil so you are not delayed.
Ruler, protractor, compass and set square
Bring the geometry equipment you normally use; check that the compass pencil is sharp and the protractor markings are clear.
Scientific calculator for the calculator paper
Use a calculator approved for the paper; check batteries and that it works before you leave home. Confirm with your teacher or exams officer which models are permitted and whether the calculator must be cleared of stored data (needs_review: exact calculator rules can vary by series).
Clear pencil case or transparent bag
Keep equipment visible and avoid bringing a large pencil case that may not fit on the desk.
Water in a clear bottle with the label removed
Place it on the floor or where the invigilator directs so it cannot spill on your paper.
Non-smart watch
A simple watch can help you pace yourself, but smart watches and wearable technology are not allowed; confirm whether your centre permits any watch (needs_review: centre rules on watches vary).
Tissues and any personal medication
If you need medication or a tissue, tell the invigilator before the exam starts; do not leave it in a bag you cannot reach.
Exam timetable, room and seat details
Check the start time, room and any access arrangements the day before; arrive with enough time to find your seat without rushing.
No notes, revision cards or unauthorised equipment
Leave revision notes outside the exam room; possession of unauthorised material can be treated as malpractice.
Plan the day
Confirm your tier entry, paper dates and calculator rules with your teacher or exams officer. Complete at least one timed past paper for each paper you will sit, then review errors rather than just scores. Make a short list of formulae, methods and calculator checks you tend to forget. Protect your sleep: do not trade sleep for extra cramming.
Pack your bag: pens, pencil, geometry equipment, calculator, water, tissues and any permitted ID. Check transport and the exam start time. Do only light review of your own error list; avoid starting a new topic. Set two alarms and go to bed at a normal time.
Eat breakfast and arrive early. Switch your phone off and hand it in or store it exactly as your centre requires before entering the exam room. Use the toilet before the exam. Avoid comparing answers or doing last-minute panic revision with friends; use the time to settle yourself.
Fill in your candidate details carefully. Read the front-page instructions and check whether a formula sheet is provided (needs_review: confirm with your centre/specification). Scan the paper quickly, note the marks per question and plan roughly how long to spend on each section.
Show your working: method marks are often available even when the final answer is wrong. Give units and round only at the end unless told otherwise. On the calculator paper, check that the calculator is in the correct mode and estimate the answer so you can spot keying errors. If a question stalls you, leave it, mark it and move on.
Check that every question has an answer or an attempt, that units and rounding are sensible, and that you have copied answers into the correct places. Do not erase working that might earn method marks. Stop writing immediately when told.
Rules to check
Follow all instructions from the invigilator. Do not communicate with other candidates once the exam has started, and do not turn over the paper until you are told to begin.
Mobile phones, smart watches and any wearable technology must be switched off and stored as your centre directs. Keeping a phone or smart device on your person during the exam can lead to malpractice proceedings.
Bring photo ID only if your centre requires it; confirm the requirement with your exams officer before exam day (needs_review: ID rules vary by centre).
There are normally no breaks during the exam. If you need the toilet, raise your hand and wait for an invigilator; you may be accompanied, and extra time is not normally added (confirm your centre's policy).
Use a calculator only on the calculator paper, and only a permitted model. Do not use a calculator on the non-calculator paper; hand it in or store it as instructed.
Scoring: marks are awarded for correct method as well as the final answer, so write down the steps you used. Final answers should include units where appropriate and be rounded as the question asks.
Do not bring notes, revision cards, unauthorised formula sheets or any other prohibited material into the exam room. If you are unsure whether an item is allowed, ask your exams officer before the exam.