Running exams

Find out everything you need to know about exam day, including information for candidates, checks before the exam and what to do if there is a problem on exam day.

Candidate information

Information to give to candidates before the exam and posters to display in the exam room.

You can help prepare candidates for exams by sharing the below pages:

• What to expect on exam day.
• Language in exam questions.

Checks before the exam

Before each exam check that:

• the room is set up correctly
• you have the right question papers, candidate materials and attendance register
• there are enough invigilators
• there is a tested way of calling for help
• candidates know the exam time and venue.

Invigilators’ role

You should meet the invigilators regularly before the exam to talk about any problems and make sure they report any incidents.

Check you and the invigilators know what to do when:

• candidates enter the room
• candidates are seated
• a candidate asks a question during the exam
• the exam finishes.

Learn about training invigilators

Conducting the exam

There is a guide for everything you need to do during the exam from taking an attendance register at the start to leaving the room at the end of the exam.

Candidate instructions

Guides for invigilators, readers and scribes to make sure all candidates have the same exam experience.

Problems on exam day

Sometimes things go wrong on exam day. Find out how to deal with problems and what you need to report.

Reporting problems

Complete and returns these forms to us if there are any problems or unexpected events on exam day. You can also give us feedback on the exams.

Find detailed guidance on:

• Reporting candidate or staff malpractice
• Unannounced security inspections on exam day
• Severe weather on exam day (PDF, 135KB)
• Post-exam changes to marks (special considerations)
• Withdrawal of outline proposal forms