Can I bring a calculator to the MYP Individuals and Societies eAssessment?

You should not bring a physical calculator unless your coordinator has explicitly authorized one under a documented arrangement. Official IB guidance states that calculators are among the additional stationery items candidates may not normally take to the workstation. Where calculation is relevant, the on-screen examination provides a calculator application. Practise using the available digital tools during familiarization activities so that the interface is not new on exam day. Your school's current instructions remain decisive because it administers the examination and any approved access arrangements.

Do I need to bring my own laptop to the eAssessment?

Bring a laptop only if your school has specifically instructed you to use a personal device. The IB system can support personal devices, but the school must check compatibility, power reliability, software operation, and examination security beforehand. Some schools supply all computers, while others use approved student devices, so there is no universal packing rule. Do not arrive with an untested laptop or install examination software independently. Confirm the device, charger, mouse, and headphone requirements with your coordinator before the assessment.

Can I bring notes or case studies into the Individuals and Societies examination?

No, personal notes, case-study sheets, textbooks, maps, and revision cards should not be taken to the workstation. The examination supplies the sources and contextual material needed for its source-based tasks. Candidates must rely on their developed knowledge, conceptual understanding, and ability to interpret the material presented on screen. Even apparently harmless notes can create an academic integrity concern if they enter the controlled examination area. Store all revision materials where the invigilator directs before entering or taking your seat.

Is a translating dictionary allowed in MYP Individuals and Societies?

A translating dictionary may be allowed because Individuals and Societies is a non-language examination, but only when the examination's response language is not the candidate's best language. The dictionary must be free from notes or annotations, and an electronic dictionary is not permitted. This is not a general opportunity to bring a subject dictionary, thesaurus, or reference book. Tell your coordinator in advance so that eligibility and the dictionary itself can be checked. Never assume that an item will be approved merely because another school or candidate allowed it.

Can I bring water into the MYP eAssessment room?

Water rules are usually set through the school's examination-room procedures, so ask your coordinator rather than assuming it is permitted. A school that allows water may require a transparent bottle with labels removed and may specify where it must be placed. Other drinks, food, opaque containers, and reusable bottles with printed material may be restricted. Students with a medical requirement should arrange this with the school before examination day. Following the local rule prevents delays during room entry and protects examination materials and equipment.

What should I do if my computer stops working during the examination?

Raise your hand and notify the invigilator immediately while remaining at your workstation. Do not restart the device, open another program, change network settings, or attempt to troubleshoot it unless instructed. The school is responsible for managing and documenting technical incidents through the applicable examination procedures. Reporting the issue promptly helps the invigilator establish what happened and how much working time may have been affected. Continue only when the invigilator confirms that it is safe and appropriate to do so.

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What to Bring to MYP Individuals and Societies eAssessment

MYP Individuals and Societies Assessment MYP Exam Tips

• 12 Sept 2026•8

What to Bring to MYP Individuals and Societies eAssessment

The short answer is: bring a pen or pencil for rough work and only other items specifically authorized by your school. Do not assume you may bring paper, a calculator, notes, electronics, or extra stationery. Your coordinator's current written instructions take priority because local equipment and check-in arrangements can vary.

The MYP Individuals and Societies eAssessment is an on-screen examination. The school manages the approved computer setup, secure software, controlled rough paper, and submission process. Your responsibility is to arrive on time with permitted items and follow the invigilator's directions.

Quick exam-day checklist

Item	What you should do
Pen or pencil	Bring one for rough notes unless your school supplies it
Identification	Bring it only if requested
Translating dictionary	Bring one only with prior approval
Water	Check whether a clear, label-free bottle is allowed
Computer or headphones	Bring them only when instructed
Calculator	Do not bring one; relevant tools appear on screen
Notes and revision materials	Leave them outside the room
Phone, smartwatch, and earbuds	Store them away from the workstation as directed

The safest rule is: if an item is not on your school's approved list, do not take it to the workstation.

What you can normally bring

Official IB guidance permits a candidate to take a pen or pencil to the workstation for rough notes. The school supplies controlled scratch paper, so do not bring loose sheets, notebooks, sticky notes, or revision cards.

A translating dictionary may be permitted in a non-language examination when the response language is not the candidate's best language. It must contain no annotations, and electronic dictionaries are not permitted. Confirm eligibility with your coordinator well before the examination.

Your school may also request an identification card or check-in document. This is a local administrative requirement rather than a universal IB packing requirement.

What the school and system provide

The IB's guidance on preparing for an on-screen examination explains that the setup requires a compatible computer, keyboard, mouse with a scroll wheel, and headphones. Schools test the equipment and examination software before the session.

Your school may supply the computer or authorize a tested personal device. Do not bring your own laptop merely because bring-your-own-device arrangements are possible. Any personal device must be approved, checked for compatibility, connected to reliable power, and prepared according to school instructions.

You should expect the school or secure platform to provide:

approved examination software and access instructions
official rough paper
an on-screen calculator where relevant
digital sources, response fields, timing, and submission controls
headphones or instructions for compatible headphones

The assessment is installed locally, so continuous internet access is not normally required while answering. The school downloads the examination and submits the completed response files.

What not to bring

The official MYP eAssessment logistics Q&A states that candidates must not bring additional stationery beyond a permitted pen or pencil. Physical calculators are unnecessary because relevant examinations include a calculator application.

Unless specifically authorized, leave these items outside the workstation:

notes, textbooks, maps, and case-study sheets
loose paper, notebooks, rulers, and highlighters
physical calculators and correction fluid
phones, smartwatches, fitness trackers, and wireless earbuds
USB drives and unapproved computer equipment

Turning a device off may not be sufficient. Follow the school's procedure for handing it in or storing it with your belongings.

Why the digital format matters

Individuals and Societies examinations are available in geography, history, and integrated humanities. The IB's on-screen examination overview identifies them as formal external examinations lasting two hours.

Questions may use written sources, maps, graphs, images, data, arguments, and extended responses. The IB's official video demonstrations show how digital sources, navigation, and response fields work. Necessary evidence and relevant tools are built into the assessment environment, which is why extra materials are generally prohibited.

Confirm these details before exam day

Ask your coordinator:

When and where must candidates report?
Is identification required?
Who supplies the computer, pen, mouse, and headphones?
May students bring water?
Where must bags and electronic devices be stored?
Am I approved for a translating dictionary or access arrangement?
What should I do if the equipment fails?

Inclusive access arrangements must be organized in advance. Do not bring assistive equipment or expect an adjustment on the day unless it has already been authorized.

Prepare for the format

Use your school's familiarization package or specimen assessment to practise scrolling through sources, typing extended responses, navigating between tasks, and using built-in tools. If equipment fails during the examination, raise your hand immediately. Do not restart the computer, change settings, or attempt repairs unless instructed.

For subject practice, use the RevisionDojo MYP Individuals and Societies resource hub, Individuals and Societies Questionbank, and assessment criteria guide. The 30-day eAssessment study plan and eAssessment success guide also support timing and command-term practice.

Conclusion

For most candidates, what to bring to MYP Individuals and Societies eAssessment is straightforward: a permitted pen or pencil, requested identification, and only approved materials. Check your coordinator's instructions, leave unauthorized items outside, and practise the digital interface. RevisionDojo's Questionbank and Study Notes can then support focused preparation without complicating your packing list.

Sources and referenced URLs

Item

What you should do

Pen or pencil

Bring one for rough notes unless your school supplies it

Identification

Bring it only if requested

Translating dictionary

Bring one only with prior approval

Water

Check whether a clear, label-free bottle is allowed

Computer or headphones

Bring them only when instructed

Calculator

Do not bring one; relevant tools appear on screen

Notes and revision materials

Leave them outside the room

Phone, smartwatch, and earbuds

Store them away from the workstation as directed

What to Bring to MYP Individuals and Societies eAssessment