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Exam Basics

CamExams video: Mark Phippen, Head of the University Counselling Service, gives a 10 minute presentation on Taking Exams (recorded live at a CamExams workshop in March 2009). See also the UCS's self-help leafet on Exams.

Exam Basics

Finding the Exam Hall
In Easter term you will be issued with a yellow sheet detailing where your examinations are. It is recommended that you find out in advance of the exam where they are and how long it takes to get there. If you aren't sure where your exam room is, email the CUSU Academic Affairs Officer [academic@cusu.cam.ac.uk].

Finding your desk
The yellow sheet will also have your candidate number on it. Outside of the exam hall there will be a board with the exam numbers and the row those numbers are in. Once inside the exam hall, find your row and then walk up it until you find the desk with your number and name on a small card.

The Question Paper
Always read the paper carefully and check the rubric on the front. If there is a word you do not understand in the question, then you are allowed to ask the invigilator what it means.

If there is a mistake in the question paper, then you must alert the invigilators as soon as it is obvious. They will either be able to give guidance on what to do, or be able to consult the Examiners (who will be present for the first 15-30 minutes of the examination).

If there is a mistake in your examination paper or a problem with the conduct of the examination, and you feel that it has had a negative impact on your performance in the examination then youc an appeal. You have to see your Tutor or Senior Tutor as soon after the exam and they have to appeal to the Board of Examinations within 3 working days of the exam.

You can take the question paper away from the examination if you so wish.

Going to the toilet
You are allowed to go to the toilet during the examination. Make sure the invigilator, either one walking around the exam floor or by the door, knows you are going to the toilet.

What if you are late for the exam?
You can enter the exam up to 30 minutes late. If you know you are going to miss the beginning of an examination, alert either the porters, your tutor, senior tutor, college nurse immediately. Your college will have a mechanism to deal with students who are late for the exam; it may involve them driving you to the examination.

The Examiners will phone the college of any students who have not turned up for their exams to alert the college.

What can you take into the exam?
Pens, pencils, a bottle of water, a ruler, any stationary you need for that particular examination, your coloured exam list, clear see-through pencil case, watch/quiet timing device.

What shouldn't you take into the exam?
Any paper apart from the coloured exam list, food (unless agreed by the Secretary of the Board of Examinations), anything that makes a noise, mobile phone, make sure you don't have any revision notes left in your pockets.

Calculators
If you need a calculator for the examination, make sure it is the correct one and has been officially stamped (if that applies to your Tripos). Contact your Faculty Office for an appropriate calculator. If they cannot supply one, then contact the Board of Examinations at 10 Peas Hill.

Paper
There will be a booklet in which you will write your answers. You can write on both sides of the paper and, if you like, you can write on every other line although you do not have to. There will also be a notepad of rough paper on which you can jot down ideas and plan essays. You do not hand this paper in but you cannot take it out of the exam hall. You will either be asked to leave it on your desk or put it in the waste paper bins by the exit of the hall. If you run out of paper, then put your hand up and the invigilators will provide with as many extra sheets as you need.

What should I write with?
A pen, and unless absolutely necessary, a blue or black one. Avoid using tippex and neatly cross out mistakes so that those marking your exam papers are not confused. Pencils are suitable only for diagrams.

CUSU provides confidential, free, non-judgemental support and information to individual students. Contact the CUSU Education Officer, Welfare Officer or Women's Officer by email, phone or by dropping into the office if you would like support or information on any topic.