- A suitable room in which the examination can take place. The room should be bright, warm, in a quiet part of the building, and have sufficient space for candidates to perform their pieces.
- A suitable table and chair for the examiner.
- A list of candidates and their grades.
- For junior candidates, where poems are short, a copy of each of the poems, so that the examiner may ask appropriate questions.
- Water and a glass.
- An occasional offer of tea/ coffee, and perhaps some biscuits.
- A light lunch (a roll or sandwich/ tea or coffee) if the examination is to last into the afternoon.
- Well-prepared candidates!
- Report sheets to be handed to them by the candidates in good condition.