Should Declaration and Authorization Pages Be Included in Similarity Checks? | Rules for Check Copies, Review Copies, and Final Versions

What this page helps you do first

• Separate the handling of declaration pages across check, review, and final versions
• Avoid placing signed materials into the wrong submission stage
• Useful before finalizing front matter and submission packages

Why declaration pages are often placed into the wrong file version

Many students keep editing one Word file across all stages and end up mixing the similarity-check copy, the review copy, and the final archive version.

Because declaration and authorization pages sit in the front matter, they are often kept by default even when that is not the safest choice for every stage.

What matters more in a similarity-check copy

• Which parts the school actually includes in the check scope
• Whether declaration pages confuse the intended detection scope
• Whether title, author information, and main content align with the check requirements
• Whether incomplete signature materials were added too early

What matters more in a review copy

• Whether anonymized review requires removing signed or identity-bearing pages
• Whether the declaration or authorization page exposes author or advisor information
• Whether the department has its own rule for retaining or removing front matter

What matters more in the final version

• Whether declaration pages are restored to the official archive structure
• Whether signatures, dates, or stamps are required
• Whether the Word, PDF, and printed copies all use the same final set

A safer approach

Do not try to make one file serve all three stages. Separate the similarity-check copy, review copy, and final version, and the handling of declaration pages becomes much clearer.

Common university scenarios for this issue

If you are solving this problem under a specific university format, check the relevant school requirement pages below before making final edits.

Frequently asked questions

Must the originality declaration always be included in the similarity-check copy?

Not always. Many schools focus on the abstract, contents, body text, and references, but the exact scope should follow local rules.

Should the authorization page stay in the blind-review version?

If it reveals identity or the school requires removal, it usually should not remain in the anonymized review file.

When is the safest time to restore signed pages?

Usually after review and defense stages are complete and you are preparing the formal archive-ready version.