GCSE-readyExam day checklist
What to bring, what to leave behind and the main rules in the exam room, from the official JCQ information for candidates. Tick things off the night before. Your ticks are saved on this device.
Bring
Do not take into the exam room
- Any type of mobile phone
- Any type of watch, including analogue, digital and smartwatches
- Earphones or earbuds, smart glasses, tablets, MP3 or MP4 players or similar devices
- Notes or revision materials
- Calculator instructions or prepared programs
- Correcting pens, fluid or tape, erasable pens, highlighters or gel pens for your answers
- Dictionaries or spellcheckers, unless you are told you may use them
In the exam room
- Arrive at least ten minutes before the start. If you are late, report to the invigilator; if you arrive more than one hour after the published start, you may not be allowed to sit the exam.
- Having anything that is not allowed counts as breaking the rules, even if you do not mean to use it.
- Do not talk to or disturb other candidates once you are in the exam room, and do not borrow anything during the exam. Talking can lead to disqualification from all your exams.
- Do not open the question paper or start writing until you are told to.
- Write in black ink. Coloured pencils or inks are only for diagrams, maps and charts, unless the paper says otherwise.
- Raise your hand if you have a problem, feel unwell, need the toilet or need more paper. Invigilators cannot explain the questions.
- Tell the invigilator straight away if you have the wrong paper, a page is missing or badly printed, or your access arrangements are not in place.
- If you feel your work may be affected by illness or anything else, tell the invigilator.
- Do not leave until the invigilator tells you to, and do not take any exam materials or stationery out of the room.
- Keep 23 June 2027 free: it is the JCQ contingency day for the summer 2027 exams.
The night before
- Check the date, the time (morning or afternoon) and the room on your own timetable. Exam dates 2027
- Pack your bag with everything on the Bring list, and leave your phone and watch out of it or hand them in as your school says.
- Sleep. A short look at your key terms and summary cards is better than a late night.
Your school's exams officer has the final word on the rules in your centre.
Sources: JCQ: Written exams, rules for candidates (effective from 1 September 2026); JCQ: Preparing to sit your exams 2026/27. Checked 23 October 2026. GCSE-ready is independent and not affiliated with or endorsed by Pearson, JCQ or Ofqual.
Questions and answers
What should I bring?
Bring at least two black ink pens, a see-through pencil case and any equipment you need, such as a ruler, protractor or approved calculator. A clear water bottle with no label is allowed. Source
Can I take my phone or watch in?
No. Phones, all watches (including analogue, digital and smart watches) and smart devices such as earbuds, smart glasses or tablets are not allowed in the exam room. Source
What if I have my phone on me but do not use it?
That still breaks the rules. JCQ says having unauthorised material such as a mobile phone is breaking the rules even if you do not intend to use it. Source
What if I am late?
Arrive at least ten minutes before the start. If you are late your work might not be accepted, and if you arrive more than one hour after the published start time you may not be allowed to sit the exam. Source
What if I feel ill on the day?
Tell the invigilator if you feel your work may be affected by illness or anything else. If you need the toilet or feel unwell during the exam, raise your hand and wait for an invigilator. Source
What is special consideration?
If illness, injury or another event outside your control affects you at the time of an exam, your school can apply for special consideration. This usually adds a small percentage of marks, up to a maximum of 5% in the most exceptional cases. Source