The VCAA has strict regulations to ensure the fairness and integrity of the examination process. A breach of these rules can result in penalties, including a ‘Not Satisfactory’ (N) for a unit or being disqualified from the assessment.
1. Prohibited Items (The “Do Not Bring” List)
This is arguably the most critical rule, as possessing a prohibited device can lead to severe consequences, even if it’s turned off.Mobile Phones – All mobile phones (even if turned off) are strictly prohibited.
Electronic Devices – Any device capable of storing, receiving, or transmitting information or electronic signals, including:
Food and Drink – No food or drinks are permitted, except under special circumstances approved by the VCAA.
Water – Bottled water is permitted under approved conditions (e.g., a clear bottle with no label).
2. Examination Room Conduct
You must follow all instructions given by the supervisor immediately and completely.
- BRING YOUR I.D
- Bring all required equipment – pens, pencils, stationary.
- Communication: Do not communicate with any other student while the external assessment is being conducted.
- Start and Stop: Do not begin to write or mark your paper or response material in any way, or use a calculator, until the supervisor advises writing may commence. You must cease writing immediately when instructed to stop.
- Assistance: If you need to communicate with a supervisor (e.g., to ask a question or request more paper), you must raise your hand and wait for them to come to you.
- Cheating: You must not cheat or assist other students to cheat, including any action that attempts to give you or another student an unfair advantage.
- Paper Materials: Do not remove or tear out any part of a bound reference, answer book, or question/task book, except where specifically permitted (e.g., a removable formula sheet). You must not remove any response material (used or unused) from the room.
3. Leaving the Examination
- Students are not permitted to leave the examination room before the first 30 minutes of writing time have elapsed.
- Students are not permitted to leave in the last five minutes of the VCE external assessment.
Official 2025 VCE Exam Timetable
The official examination timetable is published by the VCAA.
https://www.vcaa.vic.edu.au/administration/key-dates/vce-examination-timetable