If you have any special requirements that may affect your ability to complete an exam or assessment, your centre may apply on your behalf for the arrangements outlined below. If you have any special requirements, it is worth discussing these with your centre as soon as possible.

Before the exam: access arrangements

Access arrangements are made before an assessment to allow a candidate with particular requirements (e.g. special educational needs, disability or temporary injury) to demonstrate their knowledge and what they can do without changing the assessment. For example, you may require a reader, a word processor or a braille question paper.

It is a good idea to make your centre aware of any access arrangements you might need when you first approach them with a request to be hosted as a private candidate. You must request any access arrangements through your centre as soon as possible. You will normally be required to provide evidence to support an application for access arrangements. 

After the exam: special consideration 

Special consideration is an adjustment made to a candidate’s mark or grade. If, on the day of the exam or whilst completing an assessment, you are affected by a temporary illness, injury or other indisposition, you may be entitled to apply for special consideration. 

You must request special consideration through your centre at the time of the exams. It cannot be requested after you receive your results. If you feel you may need special consideration, speak to your exams officer, who should be able to advise you.