External Examinations - rules

By entering for NZQA exams you have agreed to obey all the exam rules and procedures and comply with the decisions of NZQA.

You must not be dishonest or break the rules in any way.

You must listen to and follow the instructions of the supervisor.

DO NOT:

take any blank or refill paper, correcting fluid, books, written notes or electronic notes into the exam room
take cellphones or pagers into the exams
take English dictionaries or foreign dictionaries or Te Reo dictionaries or translators into any exams
talk to, communicate with, or do anything to disturb other candidates during the exam
read or copy another candidate's work
write to the marker or write in the part of the answer booklet 'For assessor's use only'
take any electronic devices except approved calculators into the exam room
leave the exam room within the first 45 minutes or the last 15 minutes of the exam, including using the toilet
write or draw anything which may be regarded as offensive.

NZQA will investigate any alleged breach of the rules and may cancel your results if the breach is proven.

THE DAY OF THE EXAM

Arrive early - at least 20 minutes before the exam starts. Find out which is your exam room.

If you are more than 30 minutes late you will NOT be able to enter the exam room.

In the exam room:

Sit at the desk where you are told to sit.
Check all the answer booklets have your NSN and Examination Code on them and are listed on your Admission Slip.
When you are told, check that all the pages in each examination paper are printed correctly.
If you have any problems put up your hand.
You cannot leave in the first 45 minutes or the last 15 minutes of the examination, even to use the toilet.

WRITING YOUR ANSWERS

Follow all the instructions on the front cover of the examination papers.
Use only black or blue pen.
Do not write in pencil unless instructed to do so. Write neatly, so the marker can read your answers.
Cross out any work you do not want marked.
Extra paper will only be provided if an answer booklet is filled up.
Do not write your answers for one standard in the answer booklet for another.

EXAM MATERIALS

Bring your own equipment such as pens, pencils, calculator and an eraser to the exams in a clear plastic bag. You may not borrow equipment from someone else during the exam. Do not bring any blank or refill paper.

Assessment specifications include information such as the equipment students can use, the format of the paper and the context for questions, where appropriate. You can check these on the NZQA website.

You are responsible for taking the correct equipment to the exam and making sure that it is working.

CALCULATORS

You may take an approved calculator into the examination room for subjects where you have used a calculator during the year. Calculators must be silent, hand-held, non-printing and work from their own power.
You cannot keep notes or routines in the memory of calculators. Teachers will clear calculator memories before you enter an examination room, unless you are entered for Level 1, 2 or 3 CAS Maths.

AT THE END OF THE EXAM

Fill in your details at the top of any additional sheets of paper used and put them inside the answer booklet.
Stop writing when the supervisor tells you to.
Hand in combined question and answer booklets as instructed. You can keep resource booklets and separate question booklets.

Make sure that all material that you want marked is handed to the supervisor before you leave. If you take any work outside the examination room, it will not be marked.

EXAM TIMETABLE

Page updated: 20 October 2009