Frequently asked questions

No. You can select individuals or groups of students for exemption from a component. This allows flexibility in circumstances that may not affect all students – for example, if some students are learning remotely and others learning in your centre.

If your candidates complete other components in the syllabus, we will calculate an assessed mark for the exempted component. An assessed mark is an estimated mark based on the candidate’s performance in other components in the same syllabus in the current series. We combine this with the marks they gained in the components they were able to sit and produce a syllabus grade. The weighting of each component remains unchanged.

No. We will make sure all students receive a grade that reflects their attainment.

For internally assessed components, you must mark exempted candidates as absent (with an 'A', not '0') when submitting marks through Direct. When you fill in the Coursework Assessment, Oral Examination or Speaking Test Summary Forms, you must list the candidate's number and name and tick the 'absent' box against that candidate's row on the form. If all of your candidates are exempted from the internally assessed component, you should not submit the Coursework Assessment, Oral Examination or Speaking Test Summary Forms to us, but you should still mark your candidates as absent in Direct.

We must receive details of which candidates you would like to exempt from which components by 23:59 UTC+1 on 30 April 2021. After that date, you will not be able to submit your candidates’ details so please contact us with any queries: covidexemptions@cambridgeinternational.org

The components that can be exempted for each syllabus are listed on our website.

When you have saved your exemptions in the Covid-19 exemptions area in Direct, you can check them by downloading a PDF or CSV file. These reports show all the exemptions you have saved for your candidates.

Yes – for details of which candidates you have exempted from which component(s), log in to Direct, select the 'Covid-19 Exemptions' tab and download the 'Exemption by Candidate Report' (as a PDF or CSV file) to see all of your candidates’ exemptions.

The last page of our ‘Guide to submitting candidates’ details for Covid-19 exemptions (PDF, 1MB)’ lists the different statuses and what they mean.

If you have questions about submitting your candidates’ exemption details on Direct after checking our step-by-step guidance and videos, please contact us: covidexemptions@cambridgeinternational.org

You must mark exempted candidates as 'absent' on the attendance register. You must not put a '0' or any other information except 'absent' or 'A'.

You must give each candidate a written record of the exams from which they are exempt. Give this to them at the same time you give them their statement of entry. You need to give a list of candidates with exemptions to your invigilators for any exams where you have one or more candidates with exemptions. You need to keep a record of your communication with your candidates about their exemptions and the lists you give to your invigilators.

Section 7 of the Exemptions regulations supplement has information about exemptions requested in error and/or candidates taking exams for which they are exempt.