Exam Access Arrangements (Reasonable Adjustments)

If you have an illness or disability, you may require some form of adjustment with your preparation for, or the actual undertaking of your exams. 

What are exam access arrangements?

Exam access arrangements, also known as reasonable adjustments, are used to relieve students of any disadvantage that may arise if an exam were conducted under standard conditions. Any application requests for an adjustment are considered on a case-by-case basis and will depend on the nature and severity of your illness or disability. Any arrangements will not give an unfair advantage over candidates taking their exam under standard conditions. 

Examples of standard reasonable adjustments:

  • Additional writing time - you may be granted additional writing time (standard is usually 25% of exam time) at the end of your exam if you have a short-term or long-term condition or disability which would prevent you from completing the exam in the specified time. The amount of time would depend on the nature and severity of the illness or disability. Reading time does not constitute extra time and is not permitted unless explicitly stated on the front of the question paper. 
  • Rest breaks - if you experience excessive fatigue or pain as a consequence of a medical condition or disability, you may be granted supervised rest breaks (standard 10 minutes per hour of exam). Rest breaks may also be granted to prevent candidates from becoming excessively tired as a consequence of additional time. Rest breaks provide a break from the exam whilst remaining under exam conditions and are awarded based on medical evidence provided. 
  • Use of a PC - if you have a diagnosed disability, you may be permitted to type an exam where the format is handwritten. Permission will not be granted based on poor handwriting and all students are encouraged to practise handwriting under timed conditions as standard exam preparation. If you have been approved to type an exam where the rest of the cohort are handwriting, you will be required to bring your own device. 
  • Noise cancelling headphones - you may be approved to use noise cancelling headphones in the form of non-Bluetooth earpieces or ear defenders. Where an exam is typed, foam earplugs will be available to all students. 
  • Food and drink - candidates may be permitted to bring food and drink into the exam room if they have a medical condition that requires them to consume food or drink at regular intervals. 
  • Low density - we are able to offer a low density (20 capacity) exam venue for students in all years of study, irrespective of mode of assessment. 
  • Amanuensis (dictation) - if you are unable to write because of a temporary or permanent disability or injury, you can sit your exam in College by dictating to an amanuensis. Your College is responsible for appointing the person who will conduct the amanuensis - you are not permitted to use a friend or any individual with whom you have close personal or academic relationship. Candidates are encouraged to contact their Tutor as early as possible to help identify the most appropriate arrangements. 
  • Alternative formats - some candidates may require alternations to hard copies of exam papers, such as enlarged question papers, alternative format including Braille, or having exams printed on coloured paper. 

If standard reasonable adjustments do not alleviate the disadvantage caused by a student's disability, there are some enhanced reasonable adjustments, which may be applicable.

How do I apply? 

If you require adjustments for your exams, you should discuss these with your College Tutorial Office as soon as possible in Michaelmas term to allow enough time before your exams to obtain the appropriate supporting documentation and practice with the approved adjustment (where appropriate). Your College will advise you on deadlines and make an application on your behalf. Current students can find further information relating to Reasonable Adjustments on the Cambridge students SharePoint site Reasonable Adjustments.

Supporting evidence

You will be required to provide evidence (i.e., a full assessment report from an Educational Psychologist, GP letter, screening report) which must attest to your disability and include a diagnosis with specific recommendations to support the awarding of exam related Reasonable Adjustments. Detailed information is required in order to meet actual needs. 

Further support

If you have a specific disability, illness, or temporary substantial injury, and where standard and enhanced Reasonable Adjustments do not adequately address the specific, substantial disadvantage you may experience in relation to assessment, you may benefit from an Adjusted Mode of Assessment (AMA). If you have any queries on the process, please contact your College Tutorial Office.