What to Bring to a VCE Exam (The Checklist)
Turning up to a VCE exam missing something you need — or carrying something you shouldn't — is a stressful, entirely avoidable way to start. Pack the night before, off a checklist, and exam morning becomes a non-event. Here's exactly what to bring, what to leave at home, and how to get it right.
The essentials to pack
Lay these out the night before so nothing is a scramble in the morning:
- Writing gear: several blue or black pens (bring spares), pencils, an eraser, a sharpener and a ruler.
- A clear pencil case — see-through is the rule, so pack a clear one or a snap-lock bag.
- Your approved calculator (where permitted) — charged, with spare batteries.
- Any permitted materials for that specific exam, such as an allowed set text.
- Student ID to confirm who you are.
- Water in a clear, label-free bottle.
Know the rules per exam
The single most important step: check the permitted-materials list for each of your exams in advance. It differs by subject — some allow a CAS calculator, some a scientific one, some none at all (Maths Methods Exam 1, for instance). Your school or the VCAA exam information will spell out exactly what's allowed for each paper. Don't assume the last exam's rules apply to the next.
Not sure what each paper even looks like? Our free VCE exam checklist lists the format and areas of study per subject.
What to leave at home (or in your bag outside)
- Phones and smartwatches — no electronic devices beyond an approved calculator. Leave them out of the room entirely; being caught with one is treated very seriously.
- Correction fluid or tape — not allowed; just cross out mistakes with a single line.
- Notes or anything with writing on it that isn't a permitted material.
- Labelled bottles or opaque pencil cases — anything that could conceal notes.
The little things that save you
- Get there early. Aim to arrive well before start time so a late bus or traffic can't rattle you.
- Dress in layers. Exam rooms swing between freezing and stuffy; you want to be able to adjust.
- A watch? Most rooms have a clock, but a simple analogue watch (never a smartwatch) can help you pace — check your school allows it.
Sort it the night before
None of this should happen on exam morning. The evening before, pack your bag off this list, check the start time and location, and set an alarm — then protect your sleep. The full wind-down routine is in what to do the night before a VCE exam.
The bottom line
Bring your writing gear in a clear case, your approved calculator, any permitted materials, student ID and a clear water bottle — and check the exact permitted-materials list for each exam in advance. Leave phones and smartwatches out of the room entirely. Pack it all the night before, arrive early, and you turn exam morning from a scramble into the calm start you want.
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Frequently asked questions
What do I need to bring to a VCE exam?
The essentials: your allowed writing equipment (blue/black pens, pencils, eraser, sharpener, ruler), any permitted materials for that exam (approved calculator, set texts where allowed), your student ID, and water in a clear, label-free bottle. Check the exam navigator or your school for the exact permitted-materials list for each subject, because it varies.
Can you bring a water bottle to a VCE exam?
Yes, but it must be clear and free of labels. Take the label off a store-bought bottle or use a plain clear one. This is a standard rule so nothing can be concealed on the label — the same reason pencil cases need to be clear.
What's not allowed in a VCE exam?
Phones, smartwatches and any electronic devices (other than an approved calculator where permitted), notes or unauthorised materials, correction fluid/tape, and anything with writing on it that isn't allowed. Leave phones and watches out of the exam room entirely — being caught with one is treated very seriously.
What calculator can I use in VCE exams?
Only the calculator type approved for that specific exam — some exams allow a CAS calculator, some a scientific one, and some (like Maths Methods Exam 1) allow none. Check the permitted-materials list for each of your exams well in advance, and make sure your calculator is charged or has spare batteries.