Denmark tightens school exam rules to block students from using GPT
Oral defences, screen monitoring and firewalls that block GPT are among the measures announced by the ministry.
Denmark will tighten exam procedures in upper secondary schools to stop students using generative AI tools to write essays and other assignments.
The new rules require students to orally defend their written work while teachers may question them about their arguments and methods. Authorities said the measures respond to growing use of tools such as ChatGPT and Claude to complete schoolwork.
Three-pronged approach to academic integrity
The first measure introduces an oral defence of essays or final assignments — the main exam taken each year by around 9,000 upper secondary students. Schools will also be allowed to use software that monitors students’ computer screens during written exams.
In addition, schools are required to install a protective firewall that blocks access to GPT or similar AI services and to organise written tasks under direct classroom supervision.
Finally, schools will be encouraged to have students finish assignments at school under direct supervision so teachers can more easily monitor how work is completed, provide feedback and base grades on a reliable assessment.
Education Minister Magnus Heunicke defended the changes, saying: "Regarding the exams we held just before the summer break, we can see — for the first time in decades — that when students take written exams and complete the tasks at school, there was a real drop in the grades they receive. This clearly proves that something is wrong." The stricter rules take effect next week when upper secondary students return to school.
Photo: press material from the event
