If you’ve never taken an exam in person or haven’t for a long time, it’s normal to feel a little nervous. By being prepared you can feel more confident and be sure to perform your best. And the more you know what to expect beforehand the more prepared you will be.

Before the exam

Check the exam timetable and make sure you know the:

• Day and date of your exam
• The exam start time
• The exam room. This will be a location on campus.

And remember there is a range of support available to help your revise including:

• Personal Academic Tutor (PAT)
• Your Digital Library
• Learning Skills Hub
• Peer Mentors

On the day of the exam

Arriving

Make sure you leave plenty of time to travel to campus and aim to arrive outside your exam room at least 15 minutes before it starts. Remember if you are late you won’t be given any extra time.

This will leave you time to go to the toilet beforehand and settle down.

What to bring:

• Your Smartcard (Student ID).
• Stationery (e.g. pens and pencils) - note no cases are allowed.
• Clear bottle of water to keep you hydrated.
• You may wish to wear several layers of clothing so that you can adapt to the temperature in the venue.

What not to bring

• Mobile phones, smart watches etc are not allowed with you in the exam room. Try to leave them at home.
• You can’t take bags, coats etc to your desk so they will be left at your own risk. Leave whatever you can at home.

Entering the exam room

You will be called into the room by the Invigilator approximately five minutes before the exam is due to start.

• You will not be allowed to leave during the first or last hour of the exam.
• Once you enter the exam room, you must remain silent and may not communicate with anyone except the Invigilators.
• When you enter the exam room, you must place any bags, coats, turned-off mobile phones or any other communication device as directed by the Invigilator. You may not take these to your desk.
• Sit at the desk with your name on it.

Once at your desk

• Place your Smartcard with the photo facing up on the corner of your desk. It must remain on the desk in full view for all the exam.
• Before the exam starts, you may read the front cover of your exam (the Exam Instruction Sheet). However, you must not read the questions or start writing until the Invigilator announces the start of the exam.

During the exam

The Invigilator will announce the start of the exam and will tell you when you have five minutes left.

• You are expected to work in a way that does not disrupt any other student.
• If you need to leave the room, or have a question relating to your materials, raise your hand and wait to speak to an Invigilator.
• You may not leave and return to the room during an exam, unless supervised by an Invigilator while absent.

At the end of the exam

The Invigilator will announce the end of the exam.

• Make sure that on each answer book you write your candidate number, module code, and any other details required.
• You must not communicate with anyone, or leave until all exam papers are collected by an Invigilator and you are told you may leave.
• Don't take any of the stationery off your desk at the end of the exam, including your notes.
• If your attempt has not been collected, or you need to leave early, please bring this to the attention of the Invigilator by raising your hand.

For the full Procedures for Formal Examinations click here

It is important you follow the rules so you do not mistakenly look like you might be cheating!