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Individual Exam Arrangements

The University provides individual exam arrangements to students with health conditions or a disability so that no students will be disadvantaged in their exams. Students' tutors make applications on their behalf for exam arrangements to be made. Normally, applications for exam arrangements are submitted by 31st January, but exceptions can be made so don't panic if this date has passed and you think you need an exam arrangement. The important thing is to speak to your tutor as soon as possible.

Examples of Exam Arrangements

Additional Time
You may be granted additional time if you are suffering from a short-term or long-term medical condition or disability which would prevent you from completing the exam in the specified time. For example if you are suffering from ME or have a specific, diagnosed learning difficulty you will normally qualify for extra time. The amount of time will depend on the nature and severity of your illness or disability.

Food and Drink
You may be permitted to bring food and drink into the exam room if you have a medical condition that requires you to consume food or drink at regular intervals.

Supervised rest breaks
If you suffer from excessive fatigue or pain as a consequence of a medical condition or disability you may be granted supervised rest breaks. Rest breaks may also be granted to prevent you from becoming excessively tired as a consequence of additional time.

Alternative formats
If you are blind or suffer from a visual impairment, your question paper may be produced in an alternative format such as Braille or in large type. Please remember to advise your tutor of the required size of print. You may also wish to consider using a low vision aid; you can obtain further details from The Disability Resource Centre [ucam-disability@lists.cam.ac.uk].

Alternative location
If your mobility is restricted and you are unable, or would find it difficult, to gain access to the exam room, you will normally be permitted to sit your exams in college. Similarly, if you suffer from anxiety and are likely to find the exam too stressful you may be granted permission to sit your exams in college.

Amanuensis (dictation)
If you are unable to write because of a temporary or permanent disability or injury you can sit your exam by dictating to an amanuensis. Your college is responsible for appointing the person who will conduct the amanuensis. You are not permitted to use a friend or any individual with whom you have a close personal or academic relationship. Effective dictation requires a certain level of skill and it is recommended that you practice with the person prior to the first exam. An amanuensis may not be appropriate for you, in which case it should be possible for you to use an alternative method such as a word processor. You are encouraged to contact your tutor at the earliest opportunity to help you identify the most appropriate arrangements.

Students with Specific Learning Difficulties

If you have been diagnosed with a specific learning difficulty you may be granted extra time in your written exams. You will be required to provide a recent assessment report from an educational psychologist. The assessment should have been conducted within the last three years but after you were sixteen. The amount of additional time and any other arrangements will be determined on the basis of the recommendations of your educational assessment. You may also be granted permission to use a word processor in your exams.

If you have not been assessed within the last three years you should contact Sarah Slater at the Disability Resource Centre [ses49@cam.ac.uk]. You should be aware that it can take four to six weeks to complete the assessment report so contact the DRC as soon as possible. Once you have the report it can be used to apply for exam arrangements in the following years. The cost of the assessment is payable by the student and the current charge is around 250. It is recommended that you contact your tutor as funds may be available to help with the cost.

Exam Warnings

If you have been hindered in preparing for or taking your exams because of illness or disability or because of some other grave cause (e.g. bereavement), you tutor may submit an exam warning. This does not empower the examiners to give you any extra marks, but does allow for e.g. not penalising for minor faults in spelling and grammar in the case of students with dyslexia.

For more information on exam warnings click here Exam Allowances and Exam Warnings.

For more information on Individual Exam Arrangements contact The Disability Resource Centre [ucam-disability@lists.cam.ac.uk] or CUSU:

CUSU provides confidential, free, non-judgemental support and information to individual students. Contact the CUSU Education Officer, Welfare Officer or Women's Officer by email, phone or by dropping into the office if you would like support or information on any topic.