Exam starting times

Starting times

All schools must take their exams at the published starting time and students must remain under examination conditions until 1 hour after the published starting time of the exam.

The published starting time of exams is given in UK time. This varies depending on UK daylight saving time. Daylight saving time is observed in the UK from the last Sunday of March at 00:01 until the last Saturday of October at 23:59.

• During UK daylight saving time, the exam starting time is 08:00 UK Time
• During UK standard time, the exam starting time is 07:00 UK Time

Exam papers and inserts are uploaded to Centre Services and Customer Services open 90 minutes before the exam starting time.

The local starting time and when materials can be accessed on Centre Services are detailed in the Exam Start Time Guidance.

The precise timings that the exams commence and materials can be accessed in your region are included on our time zone calculator. You are able to filter this guide to your country.

Additional information for schools in Egypt

The difference between when daylight saving time is observed between the UK and Egypt means that exam start times in Egypt vary. This is detailed in the Egypt exam start time guidance.

Additional information for schools in Europe

Most countries in Europe observe daylight saving time at the same time as the UK. This means exam staring time will vary throughout the year. This is detailed in the Europe exam start time guidance.