How to Cheat in Exams

X

wikiHow is a “wiki” site, which means that many of the articles here are written by multiple authors. To create this article, 397 people, including some anonymously, edited and improved the article over time.

This article has been viewed 303,735 times.

Do you want to cheat because you are simply unprepared, lazy, or unable to pass the test? The steps and tips below will help you achieve the goals and grades you’ve always dreamed of.

Table of Contents

Steps

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/e/e1/Cheat-On-a-Test-Step-1-Version-3.jpg/v4-728px-Cheat-On- a-Test-Step-1-Version-3.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/e/e1/Cheat-On-a-Test-Step-1- Version-3.jpg/v4-728px-Cheat-On-a-Test-Step-1-Version-3.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight” :546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Determine the type of fraud that works best for you, such as the Use of Documentation , Ask a Question or Hard to Convict method. (See below for more information on each method).

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/a/a3/Cheat-On-a-Test-Step-2-Version-3.jpg/v4-728px-Cheat-On- a-Test-Step-2-Version-3.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/a/a3/Cheat-On-a-Test-Step-2- Version-3.jpg/v4-728px-Cheat-On-a-Test-Step-2-Version-3.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight” :546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Don’t get caught. Cheating is only useful when it comes to passing. Here are some simple tips to avoid getting caught:

Don’t look suspicious. The key here is to strike a balance between effectively getting answers with not being too obvious. For that, don’t worry too much. If you have to look around, never fix your gaze for more than five to 10 seconds. Look in other random directions: the warden will not be too suspicious and will discover the location of your accomplice (or document).
Don’t aim too high. If you really work hard, you can completely get a perfect score by cheating. However, if the overall score is not high, you will attract attention by doing so. It should be added that if you are inherently a good student, it is perfectly fine to get a perfect score. But if it’s the opposite, the teacher will most likely find out about your work. Make a few mistakes intentionally, everything will be fine. At first, you should aim for a good score and gradually increase your GPA to 10. You can even let the score fluctuate a bit for it to seem natural.
Remove evidence. As soon as the exam is over, you should ask to go to the bathroom (if you haven’t already) to wash or remove any evidence. The longer you hold them, the easier it is to get caught: someone will notice them.

Method of using documents

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/9/96/Cheat-On-a-Test-Step-3-Version-3.jpg/v4-728px-Cheat-On- a-Test-Step-3-Version-3.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/9/96/Cheat-On-a-Test-Step-3- Version-3.jpg/v4-728px-Cheat-On-a-Test-Step-3-Version-3.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight” :546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Start by gathering the information you need, including formulas, keywords, vocabulary, dates, names, conjugations, etc.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/0/0a/Cheat-On-a-Test-Step-4-Version-3.jpg/v4-728px-Cheat-On- a-Test-Step-4-Version-3.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/0/0a/Cheat-On-a-Test-Step-4- Version-3.jpg/v4-728px-Cheat-On-a-Test-Step-4-Version-3.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight” :546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Write or print information correctly. Fonts should always be clear, legible, and text should not be too big or too small. Even if you want to cram a lot into the small page, you need to remember that if the text is too small, you will focus too much on the document and thus, more easily caught. Also, if possible, you should print the document to reduce the risk of the handwriting being exposed.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/7/7d/Cheat-On-a-Test-Step-5-Version-3.jpg/v4-728px-Cheat-On- a-Test-Step-5-Version-3.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/7/7d/Cheat-On-a-Test-Step-5- Version-3.jpg/v4-728px-Cheat-On-a-Test-Step-5-Version-3.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight” :546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Write out. This method is often used for memorization tests. Copy the content from the book onto a piece of paper and then place it on your lap or sleeve. This method has a high degree of risk, so you need to be careful when doing it.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/b/bd/Cheat-On-a-Test-Step-6-Version-3.jpg/v4-728px-Cheat-On- a-Test-Step-6-Version-3.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/b/bd/Cheat-On-a-Test-Step-6- Version-3.jpg/v4-728px-Cheat-On-a-Test-Step-6-Version-3.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight” :546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Hide the document.

Try the “Material on the Body” method. Instead of printing the document, you can write on the body. If you’re male, it’s probably your arm, and if you’re female, you can write on your upper thigh. They are great copy places because you can wear a skirt or a long-sleeve shirt to hide documents when not in use. It’s important not to let it look too revealing. Just write in the position facing you.
Try the “Documentation on the water bottle” method. Print the document onto a piece of paper in the same color as the sticker on your water bottle. Stick it on there and rotate the water bottle so that the document is facing only you. Ideally, you should imitate the writing on the sticker to avoid suspicion.
Try the “Cuff Cover Document” method. If the binder has space in the front, you can put the document in it. Insert the cover from the bottom into the desk drawer to read. With this method, you need to minimize the number of pages, especially when the classroom is not carpeted.
Try the “Documents in a pocket calculator” method. This method is often used in math tests: this is the only case where you can use the calculator without being suspicious. Place the required recipe or content between the back of the computer and its case.
Another pocket calculator method: If it’s a graphing calculator, save the math formula in the calculator. Then, put this information in the storage so that it can be retrieved after clearing the RAM memory at the request of the teacher. Unpack this information during the test and clear the memory when you’re done. This method can also be applied to school computers because no teacher or student will open and view the archive. If you don’t know how to store it in a pocket computer, you can learn more online or in the documentation.
Try the “Concealed Document” method. With this method, you will hide all documents in a separate place, removing all contact with you. It could be a bulletin board in a classroom, a restroom, or someone’s chair.
Wear long sleeves and hide documents under the sleeves. This is a very good method: the teacher won’t look under your sleeve. When they’re not paying attention, you can easily take the document out and put it back.

The method of looking / asking questions

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/6/6e/Cheat-On-a-Test-Step-7-Version-3.jpg/v4-728px-Cheat-On- a-Test-Step-7-Version-3.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/6/6e/Cheat-On-a-Test-Step-7- Version-3.jpg/v4-728px-Cheat-On-a-Test-Step-7-Version-3.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight” :546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Try the “Sneak peek” method. Sit behind someone who will do well on the test (who brags a lot about their studies or who is very good at the subject being tested). Adjust yourself to the far left or right corner of the chair, slanting toward the person’s table: you can look over their shoulder without having to move your head too much. Never choose the student sitting in the top or middle of the class: you will be more easily spotted.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/3/3f/Cheat-On-a-Test-Step-8-Version-3.jpg/v4-728px-Cheat-On- a-Test-Step-8-Version-3.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/3/3f/Cheat-On-a-Test-Step-8- Version-3.jpg/v4-728px-Cheat-On-a-Test-Step-8-Version-3.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight” :546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Try the “Ask each other” method. Team up with a few classmates to create a common symbology. Knowledge about the exam will be doubled because at this time, you can cooperate to signal the answer to each other. With multiple choice test:

Set hand or foot symbols for A, B, C, D, E and “wrong answer”. By creating a notation for “wrong answer”, you will both improve your score by helping each other eliminate wrong answers. You should also make sounds that attract each other’s attention without causing suspicion (such as coughing or pounding your feet).

Start by coughing to get your teammates’ attention.

Use your finger to indicate the number of questions (to sign the question “32” by hand, give 3 and then 2 fingers quickly).

Wait for your partner to signal their answer (pulls your ears for “B”).

If you are confused between 2 answers: cough, give the number of questions, signal the answer you think is correct.

Teammates can nod if it’s the correct answer and signal “wrong answer” if it’s wrong (pulling hair up).

Methods that are difficult to be convicted of

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/8/8c/Cheat-On-a-Test-Step-9-Version-3.jpg/v4-728px-Cheat-On- a-Test-Step-9-Version-3.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/8/8c/Cheat-On-a-Test-Step-9- Version-3.jpg/v4-728px-Cheat-On-a-Test-Step-9-Version-3.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight” :546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Try to find the “For Teachers” version of the textbook. For teachers who use questions from the “For Teachers” book, buy a copy of them. You should go online to find the correct version of the book the teacher uses and buy it. Before the test, memorize the answers to the questions. This method is suitable for general science, foreign languages and/or history classes: the questions are often taken straight from the book.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/2/2b/Cheat-On-a-Test-Step-10-Version-3.jpg/v4-728px-Cheat-On- a-Test-Step-10-Version-3.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/2/2b/Cheat-On-a-Test-Step-10- Version-3.jpg/v4-728px-Cheat-On-a-Test-Step-10-Version-3.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight” :546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Try to find the “Tested/Old” topics. You can talk to previous students or related people in the class. Learn from these questions, or if you think the questions won’t change, you can memorize the answers.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/9/93/Cheat-On-a-Test-Step-11-Version-3.jpg/v4-728px-Cheat-On- a-Test-Step-11-Version-3.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/9/93/Cheat-On-a-Test-Step-11- Version-3.jpg/v4-728px-Cheat-On-a-Test-Step-11-Version-3.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight” :546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Try the “Back Later” method. If you know your teacher will send you back to finish the test, purposely don’t complete it and ask to be retaken another day. Don’t forget to memorize the topic or question so you can find the answer before continuing with the test.

Sick fox: near the end of the exam time, please go to the restroom and stay there until the time is up or move slowly. However, before using this method, you need to make sure the teacher will give you another day because if you don’t, you could get worse results.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/6/68/Cheat-On-a-Test-Step-12-Version-3.jpg/v4-728px-Cheat-On- a-Test-Step-12-Version-3.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/6/68/Cheat-On-a-Test-Step-12- Version-3.jpg/v4-728px-Cheat-On-a-Test-Step-12-Version-3.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight” :546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Try the “Bring Your Pencil” method. When submitting an assignment, if the teacher is not at the table, use the pencil you brought with you to correct or copy your answers from the work at the top of the submitted pile (this is a very risky method!).

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/7/7d/Amend-the-Constitution-Step-14.jpg/v4-728px-Amend-the-Constitution-Step-14. jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/7/7d/Amend-the-Constitution-Step-14.jpg/v4-728px-Amend-the-Constitution-Step- 14.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div> “}

Try the “fake test paper” method (in case you are given paper to take the test). To be successful, you need to know the exact format of the test paper so that you can write all the important points on the same paper as the exam paper.

In case it is an exam with room for answers, you need to write down the important points in advance as questions and answers respectively. You must also add the page number and score of each question (if available on the actual paper/test).
Next, clip this paper with the real test during the test without anyone finding out.

Try the trick

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/e/e3/Cheat-On-a-Test-Step-13-Version-3.jpg/v4-728px-Cheat-On- a-Test-Step-13-Version-3.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/e/e3/Cheat-On-a-Test-Step-13- Version-3.jpg/v4-728px-Cheat-On-a-Test-Step-13-Version-3.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight” :546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Try not to cram too much at the last minute. If you don’t spend a few minutes before the test going through your work, you probably won’t do well by cheating on the test.

With essays, you need to try to remember the key words and points. Often teachers will look at key words or arguments when grading: the “mustache” part of the essay will not be as important. If you know the topic or potential topic of your thesis, learn four to five key terms or arguments expected by the teacher instead of learning everything: that will make everything a lot easier.
With a math test, you should memorize formulas. Knowing the formula can be much more helpful than spending hours doing the exercises. Once you’ve written enough formulas to remember it, you can try using them to solve problems during test time.
With a multiple choice test, try to “break down” the information that you know will be tested. Instead of memorizing a long list of words, you can break them down into smaller lists that are easier to remember. For example, if you’re preparing for a history test, instead of “Jefferson, Hamilton, Franklin, Washington, Grant, Lincpn, and Lee,” you could break it down into “the four founders of the United States: Franklin, Washington, Jefferson and Hamilton”, “Three American Civil War Leaders: Lee, Lincpn, Grant”. By keeping in mind the number of people on each topic, it will be easier for you to identify missed audiences.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/5/5e/Accessorize-Your-Schop-Uniform-Step-1-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Accessorize-Your- Schop-Uniform-Step-1-Version-2.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/5/5e/Accessorize-Your-Schop-Uniform-Step-1- Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Accessorize-Your-Schop-Uniform-Step-1-Version-2.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight” :546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

For the next test, start studying early and be more efficient. With your current schedule, you can try creating your own.

Warning

In some countries, with important tests, some methods of cheating are illegal and you could end up in jail for doing so. ^{[1] X Research Source}
Other students may be suspicious and alert the teacher.
If you are reading this article on a shared computer, you should clear your browser history so that your parents won’t find out.
There is always a risk of getting caught cheating. If caught, you can be severely punished: automatically get zero points, suspension or even expulsion. Many schools even put a note on your transcript indicating that you broke the code of ethics. Instead of looking for ways to cheat on the test, try to find tips for preparing for the test.
With some major exams, such as the GCSEs in the UK or NAPLAN in Australia, it is possible that your entire exam results will be cancelled. The worst punishment is being banned from taking all national exams for 5 years: that is, not graduating from high school or taking the university entrance exam. Consequences of cheating on graduation exams in Ireland include being banned from taking state exams for five years.
In many professions, you need to gain knowledge from learning, not cheating. Don’t forget that as a patient surgeon, no scam can help you.
Don’t brag about it. Even though it seems unbelievable, people still do it. You never know who will tell the teacher!
Always pay attention to where the teacher is looking: when you are stared at by the teacher while holding documents in hand and taking notes, no method can help you.
If you’re looking at the card next to you, lean over and lean on your hands, turning your head to the side so you don’t look suspicious.
If you have to cheat because you don’t have time, don’t forget that it’s still helpful to re-study the lesson after the test. Maybe you will have other composite tests and some of this knowledge may help you in the future.
Cooperation is always better than documentation, and hard-to-find methods are even better. Ultimately, the method with less evidence will be better for you.
If you’re allowed to chew gum, you can write your answer on a piece of wrapping paper, then take the candy out.
Cheating is never a good thing because you may feel guilty later and want to confess what you did: in most cases, it will get you in trouble.
Even without getting caught cheating, it doesn’t seem like having a few extra points doesn’t make much of a difference in the score. On the other hand, the pressure you have to bear is huge. At the same time, you are also betting on the possibility of being disqualified from the competition, expelled from school or banned from taking the exam.