1. BSI Symbols for Graphic Communication
Throughout the Graphic Communication Courses, candidates should develop a knowledge of
current British Standards conventions (such as dimensioning and line types) and symbols.
This document contains a list of common symbols that candidates must be familiar with and
which they may be asked to identify or draw unseen in an external examination.
There may be occasions where candidates could be asked to use British Standards symbols
from outwith this list in the external examination – in such cases we would provide the symbol
(an example of this may be to appropriately place the symbol for an electricity meter on a floor
plan of a house).
Please note that this list may not be taken into an external examination.
Advanced Higher
Although candidates should continue to develop their knowledge of BSI symbols and
conventions, they will not be asked to identify any symbols in the Advanced Higher
examination.
Standard Grade, Intermediate 1, Intermediate 2 and Higher
All candidates should be familiar with the 3 angle projection symbol and the following:
rd

2. SG Int 1 Int 2 Higher
Architectural/ Building Symbols Architectural/ Building Symbols
Architectural/ Building Symbols Architectural/ Building Symbols
Architectural/ Building Symbols Architectural/ Building Symbols
Sink Sink ü ü ü ü
Sinktop Sinktop ü ü ü ü
Wash Basin
Wash Basin ü ü ü
ü
Bath Bath ü ü ü
Shower Tray
Shower Tray ü ü ü
ü
WC WC ü ü ü ü

3. Window Window ü ü ü
Door Door ü ü ü ü
Radiator Radiator ü ü ü
Lamp Lamp ü ü ü ü
Switch (one
Switch (one pole/one way) pole/one ü ü ü
way) ü
Socket Socket ü ü ü ü
North
North Symbol ü ü
Symbol ü
Sawn Timber
Sawn Timber ü ü
ü
Concrete Concrete ü ü ü
Insulation Insulation ü ü ü
Brickwork Brickwork ü ü ü
Signs Signs Signs Signs Signs Signs
Prohibition Prohibition ü ü ü
Safe
Safe Condition ü ü
Condition ü
Warning Warning ü ü ü
Mandatory Mandatory ü ü ü
BSI Kitemark
BSI Kitemark ü ü
ü
Abbreviations/ Symbols Abbreviations/ Symbols Abbreviations/ Symbols
Abbreviations/ Symbols Abbreviations/ Symbols Abbreviations/ Symbols
CL Centre Line ü ü
AF Across Flats ü ü
AC Across Corners ü ü
Diameter ü ü ü
R Radius ü ü ü
¨ Square ü ü ü