The short answer is: bring only what your school specifically authorizes. For most MYP Mathematics on-screen examinations, this means a pen or pencil for permitted rough work and any identification requested by your coordinator. Do not assume you may bring a calculator, paper, headphones, laptop, dictionary, or extra stationery.
Schools organize devices, candidate identification, secure storage, and equipment locally. Your coordinator's current written instructions therefore take priority over any general checklist.
Essential exam-day checklist
| Item | What you should do |
|---|---|
| Pen or pencil | Bring one if instructed for use with authorized scratch paper. |
| Candidate identification | Bring a school ID or candidate card only if requested. |
| Computer and charger | Bring these only under an approved personal-device arrangement. |
| Headphones | Bring them only when instructed because schools may provide them. |
| Translating dictionary | Use only with prior authorization; it must be non-electronic and unannotated. |
| Calculator | Do not bring one unless your coordinator gives different official instructions. |
| Rough paper | Do not bring your own; the examination centre supplies it. |
Ask for a school-issued checklist several days beforehand. This distinguishes student-provided items from equipment supplied by the school.
Items that should stay outside the workstation
Keep phones, smartwatches, fitness trackers, earbuds, notes, formula sheets, and storage devices out of the examination area unless an invigilator gives explicit instructions about secure storage. Turning a device off does not automatically make it permissible. Schools normally explain where bags and personal electronics must be placed before candidates sit down.
Also check pockets and pencil cases before entering. A forgotten note or wearable device can create an examination-security concern even if you never use it. Food and drinks are controlled locally; if water is allowed, your school may require a transparent, label-free bottle. Medication should be discussed with the coordinator in advance so it can be handled without disrupting approved arrangements. The safest rule is to take only the items named on the school's checklist and leave everything else in the designated storage area.
Do not bring your own calculator
The MYP Mathematics on-screen environment includes a calculator application, so candidates are not normally permitted to bring handheld calculators as ordinary stationery. The official IB overview of on-screen examinations identifies calculator and interactive graphing functions available within the digital environment.
Practise entering expressions, adjusting graph windows, and transferring results into responses. Mathematical knowledge alone will not prevent lost time if you are unfamiliar with the interface. Your teacher or coordinator should provide specimen material or familiarization opportunities.
Computer and technical arrangements
Each candidate needs access to suitable examination equipment, including a reliable computer, keyboard, mouse, and headphones. This does not necessarily mean students must provide those items because many schools supply and configure complete workstations.
The IB allows schools to use approved personal devices, but each device must meet compatibility and security requirements. If instructed to bring a laptop:
- complete the school's compatibility process
- bring the required charger and approved accessories
- attend any scheduled technical check
- avoid last-minute software changes unless directed
The IB examination preparation guidance explains that assessments are installed locally, so continuous internet access is not required while candidates work.
Rough work, dictionaries, and access arrangements
Candidates may use a pen or pencil on authorized scratch paper supplied by the centre. Personal notebooks, loose paper, formula cards, sticky notes, rulers, and geometry sets should remain outside unless specifically approved. Any reasoning you want assessed must appear in the on-screen response because calculations left only on scratch paper are not part of the digital submission.
A physical translating dictionary may be authorized for 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. Never decide independently that you qualify; ask the coordinator beforehand.
Inclusive access arrangements must also be approved in advance rather than requested at the examination desk. Candidates should practise with authorized assistive technology, additional time arrangements, or other support before the session.
What to confirm with your coordinator
Ask these questions several days before the examination:
- When and where must candidates report?
- Must I bring identification or a candidate card?
- Who supplies the computer, mouse, headphones, and writing equipment?
- Has my personal laptop passed the required checks?
- Where will phones, smartwatches, bags, and notes be stored?
- Are my approved access arrangements recorded?
- What is the procedure for illness or technical problems?
Do not carry a phone or smartwatch to the workstation unless specifically directed. Arrive at the school's stated check-in time, which may be earlier than the examination's official start.
Prepare for the correct examination
The official IB subject listing uses Mathematics and Extended mathematics. Some schools and study platforms say “Standard Mathematics” to distinguish the regular pathway, so confirm your registered subject with your coordinator.
Complete timed practice on a computer and learn to communicate each stage of your reasoning digitally. The RevisionDojo MYP Standard Mathematics resources provide topic practice, while the MYP eAssessment 30-day plan helps organize preparation. You can also review how MYP Mathematics is assessed and apply effective MYP Mathematics study methods.
Conclusion
Bring very little: normally an approved pen or pencil, requested identification, and only the technology named by your school. Do not bring personal rough paper or a calculator. Once the arrangements are confirmed, RevisionDojo Questionbank, Study Notes, and timed practice can help you prepare for solving mathematics on screen.
Sources and referenced URLs
- IB on-screen examinations overview
- IB guidance for preparing for an examination
- IB MYP eAssessment Q&A: The How
- IB on-screen examination service and support
- RevisionDojo MYP Standard Mathematics resources
- RevisionDojo MYP eAssessment 30-day study plan
- RevisionDojo guide to MYP Mathematics assessment
- RevisionDojo MYP Mathematics study techniques
