NCEE Exam Day Checklist — What to Bring & How to Stay Calm
After weeks of revision, practice papers, and tutoring sessions, the big moment has arrived — NCEE exam day.
For most children, it’s their first major national exam. Excitement and nerves often run side by side. But the difference between a smooth exam day and a stressful one usually comes down to preparation.
This practical checklist from The Exam Coach covers everything parents and pupils need to know: what to bring, how to plan the morning, and how to stay calm and focused from start to finish.
Before the Exam
Good preparation starts long before exam day. Use the days leading up to the test to make sure your child is rested, confident, and fully equipped.
The Day Before
Confirm the venue. Double-check your child’s exam centre on their NECO slip. Print a spare copy just in case.
Pack early. Gather pencils, erasers, rulers, and your child’s exam photocard the night before.
Avoid heavy revision. Keep study light — short quizzes, gentle reading, or vocabulary games are better than last-minute cramming.
Plan travel. Know how long it takes to reach the venue. Leave time for traffic or delays.
Encourage relaxation. A good night’s sleep is far more valuable than one more practice paper.
💡 Exam Coach Top Tip: Place all materials in a clear folder or small transparent bag so nothing gets forgotten in the morning.
What to Bring
Here’s a quick checklist of essential items every NCEE candidate should have on exam day.
✅ Required Documents
Printed NECO Examination Photocard / Slip (with photo and venue)
Birth certificate copy (optional but useful if requested)
✏️ Stationery
At least two sharpened HB pencils
Good quality eraser
Ruler (15 cm or 30 cm)
Sharpener (manual, not electric)
🥤 Personal Items
Bottle of water
Light snack (banana, biscuit, or small sandwich — avoid sugary foods)
Face mask / hand sanitiser (if required by venue)
🚫 Do NOT Bring
Mobile phones, smartwatches, calculators (unless stated by NECO)
Textbooks or notes
Large bags or handbags
Morning Routine
A calm morning sets the tone for the whole day. Here’s the ideal pre-exam routine parents can follow.
1️⃣ Wake Up Early – Give your child at least 90 minutes before departure to avoid rushing.
2️⃣ Eat a Balanced Breakfast – Choose something filling but light: bread, eggs, or fruit. Avoid fizzy drinks or heavy meals.
3️⃣ Encourage Positive Talk – Avoid discussing “what ifs” or results. Instead, say: “You’ve prepared well — just do your best.”
4️⃣ Dress Comfortably – School uniform or neat casual clothes are fine. Bring a sweater or jacket in case the hall is cold.
5️⃣ Leave Early – Aim to arrive 30–45 minutes before the exam start time. This allows for check-in and a brief calm moment before entering the hall.
⏰ Exam Coach Top Tip: Arriving early prevents panic and gives your child a chance to settle, observe surroundings, and breathe before the paper begins.
During the Exam
Once the papers begin, it’s all about focus, timing, and composure. Remind your child of these golden rules before they walk in.
1️⃣ Read Instructions Carefully
Many pupils lose marks by skipping directions. Encourage your child to:
Read the question twice.
Check the format (circle, tick, or write).
Follow page numbering — no skipped questions!
2️⃣ Manage Time Wisely
If stuck on a question, move on and return later.
Spend roughly one minute per objective question.
Always reserve the last five minutes for checking.
3️⃣ Attempt Every Question
There are no negative marks in the NCEE; guessing wisely is better than leaving blanks.
4️⃣ Keep Calm
If a section feels hard, remind your child that everyone finds some parts tricky. Deep breaths help refocus attention.
5️⃣ Check Before Submitting
Before handing in:
Confirm the correct candidate number is written.
Review all answers — especially bubbles and numbering.
Ensure nothing is left unanswered.
💬 Exam Coach Advice: Teach your child to see each paper as a challenge to be solved, not a threat to be feared.
After the Exam
Once the exam is over, your child deserves rest and encouragement. What happens next can shape how they feel about future tests.
1️⃣ Offer Praise
Regardless of performance, acknowledge effort:
“You worked hard — that’s what matters most.”
2️⃣ Avoid Interrogation
Resist asking “What did you write for question five?” Let the experience settle first.
3️⃣ Celebrate Small Wins
Treat your child to a favourite snack or activity. Ending the day positively builds motivation for future exams.
4️⃣ Store Exam Materials
Keep the exam slip safe; it will be needed to check results.
5️⃣ Review Progress Later
After a few days, reflect together: What went well? What could be improved? This helps shape better habits for secondary school entrance tests ahead.
Final Thoughts
The NCEE marks a proud milestone — your child’s first national exam and a gateway to new opportunities. By preparing calmly, packing smartly, and approaching the day with confidence, you’re setting them up not just for this exam, but for a lifetime of positive learning experiences.
At The Exam Coach, we’ve seen that the pupils who perform best are the ones who walk into the exam calm, rested, and ready, not overworked or anxious.
