HAVO BSM exam-day guide
HAVO BSM · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Bring a valid ID document
Take the identity document your school or the exam provider requires for the central written exam. Confirm with the provider which documents are accepted and whether a school ID card is sufficient, since rules differ per school and per exam location.
Bring your exam admission letter or candidate number
Many schools issue an admission letter (oproepbrief) or candidate number that links you to your registered subjects. Check with the provider whether you must bring it on paper or whether the school supplies it at the door.
Bring pens that work
Bring at least two blue or black ballpoint pens that you have tested. Some subjects require writing in ink; pencil is usually only for specific tasks such as drawing or multiple-choice answer sheets. Confirm with the provider what is allowed per subject.
Bring a pencil, sharpener and eraser
Useful for answer sheets, graphs and drawings. Check per subject whether pencil is permitted for written answers or only for specific parts, and confirm with the provider if you are unsure.
Bring a permitted calculator if your subject allows one
For BSM-related subjects such as economics or mathematics, a calculator may be allowed, but only certain types. Confirm with the provider which models are permitted and whether you must reset the memory beforehand.
Bring a clear water bottle and something small to eat
Long exam sessions can run several hours. A drink and a small snack for before or after the session help you stay focused. Check with the provider whether food and drink are allowed on the desk, and remove labels if required.
Leave your phone and smart devices at home or switched off in your bag
Phones, smartwatches and other devices must not be on your person or on the desk during the exam. Confirm with the provider where bags and devices are stored and what happens if a device is found.
Know the exact start time and room
Check the timetable (rooster) for each subject, the room number and how early you must be present. Arrive well before the start so you have time for ID checks and seating.
Plan your transport and a backup
Work out the route and travel time to the exam location and add a buffer for delays. Know what you will do if public transport fails, such as an alternative route or a contact number for the school.
Get a full night's sleep and eat breakfast
Do not study late into the night before the exam. A normal night's sleep and a proper breakfast support concentration better than last-minute cramming.
Prepare what you will do if you feel unwell
If you are ill on the day, contact the school as early as possible. Rules on illness and resits differ, so confirm with the provider what documentation is needed and what your options are.
Read the instructions on the cover of the exam paper
Before answering, check the number of questions, the time available, the points per question and any subject-specific instructions. Note where you must write your name or candidate number.
Plan the day
Make a short overview per subject of the main topics and the skills being tested, such as calculations, source analysis or writing structured answers. Practise with a complete past paper under timed conditions if one is available, then check your answers and note the types of mistakes you make. Stop adding new material and focus on consolidating what you already know.
Review your summary sheets and formula overviews. For BSM subjects, practise the calculation steps and the structure of longer answers, such as explaining a concept, applying it to a case and giving a conclusion. Prepare your exam materials and check the timetable, room and start time once more.
Do a light review only: key terms, formulas and answer structures. Pack your bag with ID, pens, pencil, eraser, calculator if permitted and your admission letter. Check transport times and set an alarm. Eat a normal meal and go to bed on time rather than studying late.
Eat breakfast, drink water and leave with a buffer. Do not try to learn new material; a quick glance at your summary is enough. Arrive early, follow the ID and seating instructions, switch off devices and put your bag where instructed. Use the toilet before the session starts.
Read the cover page and the instructions carefully. Scan all questions and note the points per question so you can divide your time. Start with questions you can answer confidently, but keep an eye on the clock so you do not run out of time on the final questions.
Work in blocks and check the time at fixed points. Show your calculation steps for BSM questions, because method marks may be awarded even if the final answer is wrong. Answer in the structure the question asks for, use the source material where required and write legibly. If you get stuck, move on and return later.
Check that you have answered every question, that your name or candidate number is filled in and that multiple-choice answers are transferred correctly. Check units and rounding in calculations and make sure no answer is left blank if there is no penalty for guessing.
Rules to check
Follow all instructions from the invigilators (surveillance) and from the exam paper. If you are unsure whether something is allowed, ask before the session starts rather than during it.
Bring the identity document required by your school or exam provider and place it on the desk if asked. Confirm with the provider which documents are accepted, because requirements can differ per location.
Phones, smartwatches and other electronic devices must be switched off and out of reach during the exam. Using or even having an unauthorized device within reach can have serious consequences, so confirm with the provider what the exact rule is.
Only use aids that are explicitly permitted for that subject, such as a specific calculator type or a dictionary. Confirm with the provider which aids are allowed per subject and what is not.
Do not communicate with other candidates during the session and do not share or receive answers. If you need something, raise your hand and wait for the invigilator.
Breaks are usually only possible in longer sessions and only under supervision. Confirm with the provider whether breaks are allowed in your session and how leaving the room is arranged.
Scoring and grading rules, including how points translate to a grade and how resits work, are set by the exam provider. Check the official information from your school or the provider rather than relying on second-hand claims.
If something goes wrong, such as illness, a lost ID or a problem during the exam, report it immediately to the invigilator or the school. Confirm with the provider what procedure applies and what evidence you need.