Component exemptions

What is an exemption?

By using an exemption, candidates do not take the component but can still receive an overall syllabus grade. Candidates may not have been able to work with others, or access certain facilities or equipment. This means they may be unable to complete a component. Therefore, we have allowed you to apply for some or all of your candidates to be exempt from that component. If your candidates complete all the other components in the syllabus option, we will calculate an assessed mark for the exempted component and issue a syllabus grade.

See this factsheet for an explanation of the Covid-19 exemptions (PDF, 112KB).

What exemptions are available?

You can see what Covid-19 exemptions are available for which syllabuses and components.

Exemption regulations supplement

Our supplement outlines Covid-19 exemption regulations for the June 2021 series. You must use this, as well as the Cambridge Handbook, if you are running exams.

Covid-19 exemption regulations supplement for the June 2021 exam series (PDF, 189KB)

How do I apply for exemptions?

The deadline for applying for exemptions for the June 2021 series has now passed. If you applied for one or more component exemptions and we have approved them, you need to confirm which candidates you would like to exempt from which component(s) by 23:59 UTC+1 on 30 April 2021.

Frequently asked questions

If you need help, see our frequently asked questions.

Submitting candidates’ details for Covid-19 exemptions

If you have approved Covid-19 exemptions, we must receive details of which candidates you would like to exempt from which components by 30 April 2021. You can submit these details via Direct.

To support you, we have produced step-by-step guidance on how to add your candidates’ details on Direct:

Guide to submitting candidates’ details for Covid–19 exemptions (PDF, 1MB)

The video below explains how to submit your candidates’ details for Covid-19 exemptions: