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    • Acceptable reasons for applying for component exemptions
    • What exemptions are available?
    • Component exemptions FAQs
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  • Component exemptions

Component exemptions

What is a component exemption?

Candidates may not be able to work with others, or access certain facilities or equipment. This means they may be unable to complete a component. By using a component exemption (also known as a Covid-19 exemption), candidates do not take the component but can still receive an overall syllabus grade. Exempted candidates do not sit the exam for the exempted component or complete the coursework/speaking component. You do not send any candidate work to us for the exempted component.

Wherever possible, candidates should complete all components according to the requirements set out in the syllabus because this gives them the best chance of showing what they know and can do.

If we accept your application and 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.

What component exemptions are available?

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

Frequently asked questions

If you need help, see our frequently asked questions.

How do I apply for component exemptions?

You can apply for component exemptions from 27 June 2022 – 21 September 2022 (at 23:59 UTC+1). The application form is available from the ‘Support Materials’ area of Direct.

If you apply for one or more component exemptions and we approve them, you must confirm which candidates you would like to exempt from which component(s). You do this via Direct between 26 September – 9 October 2022 (at 23:59 UTC+1). We will contact you closer to the time to remind you to do this.

Submitting candidates’ details for Covid-19 exemptions

If you apply for component exemptions by 21 September, then between 26 September – 9 October you will need to tell us which candidates you would like to exempt from which component(s). You do this via Direct and it is extremely important you complete this step, otherwise your candidates cannot use their exemptions. Details about how to do this will be available soon and we will also email you to remind you.

Exemption regulations supplement

Our supplement outlines Covid-19 exemption regulations for the November 2022 series (PDF, 120KB). You must use this, as well as the Cambridge Handbook, if you are running exams.

Differences between a component exemption and a component adjustment

You must not apply for component exemptions and component adjustments for the same candidate(s) for the same component. Make sure you understand the difference between these routes to grades before you apply – see ‘What is a component exemption?’ above and ‘What is a component adjustment?’.

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