What are the rules to follow during a public exam or competition?
Verified 17 September 2024 - Directorate for Legal and Administrative Information (Prime Minister)
If you are a candidate for an exam (e.g. a baccalaureate) or a competition (e.g. an aggregation), you must follow rules for the proper conduct of the exam. These include access to and exit from the examination room. Failure to do so can result in fines and imprisonment. We are taking stock of the regulations.
Schedules
Access times to the room are specified on the invitation.
You can't choose your place. You must settle for the seat you have been assigned.
You can't enter the room after opening of the envelope containing the subject.
Exceptionally, the center manager may allow you in. However, you will not be entitled to any additional time.
Warning
One hour after the start of the test, you may not be allowed to enter the room, regardless of the reason for your delay.
Verification of identity
You must present your summons and an identity document (passport or identity card or driver's license) valid or expired for less than 5 years with your photo.
In case of loss or theft, you can present the receipt of the declaration of theft or loss.
FYI
If you are a foreigner and can't show ID, you should ask your school principal to provide you with a recent school certificate with your photo.
Authorized equipment
It's on the summons.
Unauthorized equipment (bags, school bags, etc.) is grouped in one part of the room. No candidate may have access to it during the test.
You can use a calculator only if specified in the test subject.
You can use only the paper provided by the administration (including the draft).
Your mobile phone should be turned off and stored in a bag or handed over to the room supervisor.
Communication
You cannot communicate with other candidates during the test.
The use of a mobile phone or a device for exchanging information is considered to be an attempt at fraud.
If you are surprised in a situation of attempted or flagrant fraudHowever, the room supervisor intervenes to stop it. It draws up a report which is sent to the rector for possible legal proceedings.
The supervisor ensures that you complete the test.
However, the center manager may decide to expel you from the room in one of the following cases:
- You took another person's identity
- You're disrupting the trial.
Fraud is a offense. You and your accomplices face up to 3 years in prison and €9,000 of fine.
Temporary exit
No candidate may be released during the 1re hour of the ordeal.
Afterwards, you may be allowed to leave the room temporarily by the room supervisor (to go to the toilet for example).
You go out one by one, without your copy. A temporary release does not entitle you to any additional time.
Final Output
When you leave the examination room permanently, you must follow the following steps:
- Hand over your copy, without any distinguishing features, even if it is a white copy
- Sign the sign-in list.
Final exit is prohibited before the end of the 1re hour.
If you are unable to take part in the competition, for health reasons for example, you must notify the organizer of the exam or competition promptly.
In some cases, a replacement session may be scheduled.
If you have a disability, you can have the right to a room to sit your exams.