What to bring to QCE external assessment, and what's banned (2026)

QCE external assessment for 2026 runs from Monday 26 October to Tuesday 17 November. The rules below come from QCAA's external assessment equipment list, its directions for students and its policy handbook (all linked at the bottom). QCAA's timetable sets the day and whether your session is morning or afternoon, so confirm your exact start time and venue with your school. Your school's external assessment (EA) coordinator is the person to ask about anything here.

Your QCE exam kit

QCAA's approved equipment for all external assessments is:

• black or blue pens (non-erasable) for written responses;
• 2B pencils, which are used for multiple-choice questions and graph work;
• a sharpener and an eraser;
• highlighters (for questions and stimulus when the supervisor allows it, not for highlighting your answers);
• a clear plastic ruler;
• water in a clear, unlabelled bottle;
• an asthma inhaler, if you use one.

You can carry your equipment in a clear plastic container or clear plastic bag.

Water bottle: QCAA's directions say to put it on the floor next to your desk when you're not using it.

Watch: if you wear one, you'll be asked to take it off and put it in clear view on your desk.

Calculators

Calculators must be QCAA-approved for your subject, and silent, handheld and solar or battery powered. QCAA publishes the approved calculator list and the subject-specific equipment each subject allows. Check both with your teacher, and bring spare batteries if your calculator uses them.

What's prohibited

QCAA prohibits mobile phones and other communication devices, and any other electronic device that stores, retrieves, displays or communicates digital information. QCAA's directions for students also name smart watches and fitness trackers as prohibited, so leave them at home or with your phone.

QCAA's handbook says bringing prohibited equipment or materials, including mobile phones or other communication devices, into a session is academic misconduct, and the items are confiscated.

What happens if the rules are broken?

If misconduct is detected at the venue, the EA coordinator tells the student after the assessment that a report must be sent to QCAA and a penalty may be imposed. QCAA investigates alleged academic misconduct and may refuse to issue results. The simple rule: check your pockets and pencil case before you walk in.

When to arrive, and when you can leave

• Arrive at least 30 minutes before the scheduled start time.
• If you're running late, contact the EA coordinator at your school or venue immediately. Late arrivals are handled by the coordinator under QCAA's procedures.
• You can't leave in the first 40 minutes after the scheduled start or in the last 10 minutes, except for illness, toilet or rest breaks, or emergencies. QCAA says that means you may leave after 9:40 am in a morning session and after 1:10 pm in an afternoon session.
• If you need to leave the room for a moment (illness, the toilet or an emergency), a supervisor goes with you.

Perusal and planning time in one line

QCE papers can include perusal time and planning time; how long you get depends on the subject and is shown on the paper. During perusal time, don't pick up any writing equipment or touch a calculator. During planning time, don't write in the response book or touch a calculator. See how to use reading time well.

If something goes wrong

If you feel ill, tell the supervisor as soon as you can: before, during or straight after the session. Then read what to do if you're sick during QCE exams, which explains illness and misadventure applications and the 7-day window after your last assessment.