Running exams

We plan for exams to go ahead in June 2021 where it is permitted and safe. This is the fairest and most accurate way of assessing candidates’ performance.

In countries, and regions of countries, where government directives mean that exams cannot take place, we are switching from exams to school-assessed grades using student work, so that students can progress despite the impact of the pandemic. You can find more information on our school-assessed grades page.

Key dates for running exams

Running exams - Key dates for the June 2021 series (PDF, 144KB)

What is available?

You should try to deliver all exams, coursework, speaking and practical tests according to the syllabus requirements. However, we know that you are facing different challenges in managing teaching, learning and assessment. We have different options available to help you run exams in June 2021.

• Guidance — This helps teachers and candidates adapt to the current circumstances. This is available to everyone; you do not need to apply.
• Adjustments — Candidates take the component in a way that is easier to manage. You needed to apply to use these by 17 April 2021.
• Exemptions — Candidates do not take a particular component but still receive an overall syllabus grade. You needed to apply to use these by 17 April 2021.
• Special consideration — We adjust a candidate’s mark to allow for adverse or unexpected circumstances. You apply for this.

There is flexibility in how you use these options. You may choose one or more options for your candidates, but later change to another option if your situation changes. For example, you may have candidates doing a syllabus which has three components:

• Component 1: You applied for an exemption before 17 April 2021.
• Component 2: Your candidates sit the exam for this component at your centre.
• Component 3: Your centre then closes at short notice because of Covid-19. Candidates are unable to sit the exam for component 3. You apply for special consideration – absent for an acceptable reason.

Guidance on running exams

Our guide, for exams officers and heads of centre, will help you run June 2021 exams safely and securely. Use this, as well as the guidance in our current Cambridge Handbook, when planning the exams in your centre. To make it easier to use and understand, we have structured the guide around the phases of the Cambridge Exams Cycle.

Guidance on running exams in the June 2021 series (PDF, 346KB)

Contingency plans for running exams

We recommend you make the following contingency plans before the exam series:

• Check that all contact details for staff, students and invigilators are up to date in case there is a last-minute change. Is everyone aware of how they will be contacted (phone or email)?
• Make sure you have additional invigilators trained in our regulations so they can step in at the last minute if another invigilator becomes ill, or social distancing measures are increased and more exam rooms are needed.
• Think about which additional exam rooms may be suitable if social distancing or other government restrictions mean that more rooms need to be used as exam rooms.
• Make sure that more than one member of staff understands how to contact us and knows which forms to use to ask for emergency alternative venues, timetable deviations etc.
• Plan what will happen if you suspect a candidate or member of staff has symptoms of Covid-19 in the exam room.