Cambridge Handbook 2012 (International) PDF

Exams Officers and Principals
Cambridge for
Cambridge Handbook
2012 (International)
Instructions for conducting
Cambridge examinations
Valid for examinations in 2012

Cambridge Handbook contents
AZ of useful terms 5
Centre and Cambridge Associate responsibilities 7

1 Preparation
Timetable clashes and deviations 16

Access arrangements 18
2 Entries
Candidates 39
Estimating entries 41
Making final entries 41
Entry fees, late entries and entry amendments 41
Retaking examinations and coursework components 42
3 Teacher assessment
Centre-based assessment 43
Non-coursework speaking tests 46
4 Before the exams
Pre-exam despatches 50
Storing confidential materials 51
Preparing the exam room 52
Training invigilators 54
5 Exam day
At the beginning of the examination 56

During the examination 58
Leaving the examination room 60
At the end of the examination 60
Despatching scripts 61
Dealing with the unexpected 62
Special consideration 64
Malpractice and maladministration 68
Special instructions for particular examinations 74
6 Results and certificates
Provisional examination results 81

Examination grades 81
Certificates 82
Enquiries about results services 83
Index 86
Cambridge Handbook 2012 (International)

2 Contents
Key to icons
To make it easier for you to find the information you need quickly we have developed a set of icons
especially for exams officers.
You will see them throughout this handbook. They will help you pick out certain bits of text and get
to the information you need quickly, for example, whenever there is a reference to CIE Direct you will
see the Reference CIE Direct icon as shown below.
Updated Important dates

information Highlights the key dates
Highlights new information so on each page.
you know what has changed
from last year.
Reference CIE Direct > Reference Cambridge

You will see this icon whenever
Administrative Guide
there is a reference in the text You will see this icon
to CIE Direct. whenever there is a reference
in the text to the Cambridge
Administrative Guide.
Administrative Important
forms information
Appears next to the administrative Highlights the key pieces of
forms referenced on a page. information on each page.

Key to icons 3
Introducing the Cambridge Exams Cycle
There are many different activities that need to take place to successfully deliver an exam. Sometimes, it
can be challenging to remember what needs to happen when. We run two exams series a year, one in June
and the other in November, so many of our exams officers are managing different processes for different
series at the same time. We have simplified our processes and grouped them into six different phases to
help you keep track of what you need to do when. We call this the Cambridge Exams Cycle.
The cycle includes every phase of the process from the planning and preparation that takes place before you
enter your candidates to giving your candidates their certificates. The cycle has six phases.
1 Preparation
2 Entries
4 Before the exams
5 Exam day
All our support for exams is structured around this exams cycle, so at a glance you can see which phase of
the cycle the communication relates to - helping you prioritise and manage your workload.

4 Introducing the Cambridge Exams Cycle
AZ of useful terms
Preparation
In this handbook the words listed below have the Centre status
following meanings.
Centre status is awarded to a school, institution
Access arrangements or organisation once it has been approved by and
1
registered with Cambridge as a Centre. Cambridge

A pre-examination arrangement made on behalf of
can withdraw this status in line with the conditions
a candidate with particular needs.
of this handbook and the Centres agreement with
Agreement Cambridge.
The contract between a Centre or Cambridge CIE Direct

Associate and Cambridge for providing
Entries
CIE Direct is a secure extranet website for the
assessments in a form specified by Cambridge.
direct submission and transfer of data and other
Assessment information between Centres and Cambridge. 2
https://direct.cie.org.uk
The method used to evaluate a candidates
performance, for example, written examination, Exams officer/Centre co-ordinator
coursework.
Teacher assessment
The person appointed by the Head of Centre to act
Associate Centres (formerly known on behalf of the Centre, with specific responsibility
as Sub, Attached or Affiliated Centres) for the administration of Cambridge examinations.
The Head of Centre may also be the exams officer.
Centres which provide Cambridge assessments
and qualifications under the supervision of a Full Centre Supervision 3
Cambridge Associate.
A specific type of supervision for examination
Cambridge Administrative Guide candidates. It means that the candidate must
either be:
A guide that provides information and guidance
under examination conditions; or,
Before the exams

on all the administrative tasks and activities
Cambridge exams officers need to carry out during supervised by the Centre in line with the
each examination series. conditions laid out below.
Cambridge Associate (formerly Centres must make sure that candidates are in a
4
known as Distributor or Parent supervised environment and there is at least one
Organisation) invigilator for every 30 candidates.
A body such as a Ministry, examinations council, When supervised, candidates must not:
distributor, department of education, Cambridge
be in the same room as any other people
international partner or other agency, which has
except for invigilators, and candidates taking
control of, and administrative responsibility for
the same examination
Exam day
Centres through an agreement with Cambridge.

have access to telephones, mobile phones,
Candidate laptops/computers with and without internet 5
A person who has been entered for an access, or any other means of external
assessment. communication
Results and certificates
Centre communicate in any way with anyone who

is not under Full Centre Supervision at that
A school, institution or organisation approved by Centre.
and registered with Cambridge for the entry of
candidates to Cambridge qualifications and to carry When supervised, candidates may have access
out the related assessments. to their books and notes, and talk to each other,
provided that they do not disturb candidates taking
66
an examination.

AZ of useful terms 5
AZ of useful terms
Head of Centre Sub, Attached or Affiliated Centres

In this handbook, a Head of Centre is either the These are now known as Associate Centres.
head or principal of a Centre, or the person legally See Associate Centres for definition.
responsible for an institution that is approved to
offer Cambridge examinations. Venue
Invigilator/Supervisor A location where written examinations or

assessments are taken.
The person appointed by the Head of Centre to be
responsible for the proper conduct of a particular
examination in line with Cambridges regulations.
Key Time
A time, local to each country, stipulated by
Cambridge, for example 14.00, when all candidates
must either be in an exam or under Full Centre
Supervision. Key Time will always be expressed as
GMT/UTC.
Parent Centres
These are now known as Cambridge Associates.
See Cambridge Associate for definition.
Parent Organisation
These are now known as Cambridge Associates.
See Cambridge Associate for definition.
Series
A group of examinations in the same range,
for example, Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge
International AS and A Level, with the same closing
date for entries. A series is identified by a series
month and year.
Session
A period in a day in which an examination takes
place, which is either in the morning or afternoon.
Special arrangements
These are now known as access arrangements.
See access arrangements for definition.
Special consideration
A post-examination adjustment made to a
candidates mark, by an awarding body, to make
allowances for any adverse circumstances, for
example illness, bereavement or temporary injury.

6 AZ of useful terms
Centre and Cambridge Associate responsibilities
Preparation
This handbook is written in the English language; if translated into
any other language, the English language text will prevail.
A The regulations and procedures detailed in this handbook apply 1
to the assessments and qualifications provided by University of

Cambridge International Examinations.
B Under the terms of the agreement with Cambridge (the

Agreement), the Centre must keep to the terms and conditions
set out in this handbook, along with the documents detailed in
paragraph (C) below.
Entries
C By registering with, and submitting entries to Cambridge,
the Centre agrees to be bound by the terms and conditions, 2
processes and procedures set out in this handbook, the
In this section >Cambridge Administrative Guide and all Centre registration
7 Centre responsibilities documents and agreements issued by Cambridge.
9 Cambridge Associate D All services provided to the Centre by Cambridge are
Teacher assessment
responsibilities conditional on the payment of all fees due, in accordance with
10 Associate Centre Cambridges payment terms and the Agreement.
responsibilities
E Cambridge may issue:
extra administrative or procedural documents or 3
instructions for the conduct of specific examinations (for

example, written papers, coursework, orals and practicals).
Such documents also form part of the Agreement.
Before the exams

F Cambridge reserves the right to alter the handbook and any of
its other documentation, with any changes taking immediate
effect unless otherwise stated. Cambridge will communicate
any changes to Centres.
Important information 4
G This handbook is interpreted in accordance with English
Any fees referred to in the law and all disputes shall be referred to and be under the
handbook are on the relevant jurisdiction of the High Court of Justice in England and Wales.
application forms which are
available from A Centre responsibilities
www.cie.org.uk/examsofficers
A1 The Centre is responsible for the administration and conduct of
Exam day
Cambridges assessments.
A2 The Centre must not offer courses leading to Cambridge

5
qualifications without first acquiring from Cambridge written
approval of its eligibility to do so.
Administrative forms
A3 If the Centre wants to offer qualifications beyond those initially
Forms available from the approved it must request further approval by submitting
Exams Officers section of the Preparation Form 5 to Cambridge.
Cambridge website
www.cie.org.uk/examsofficers A4 The Centre must notify Cambridge if it changes premises.
Cambridge may inspect any new premises.
Change of Qualifications/
Syllabus Eligibility: Preparation The Centre must also inform Cambridge of changes to contact
66
Form 5 details, including changes to exam staff, email addresses,
telephone or fax numbers.

A5 Cambridge accepts notification of changes via B Inspections

CIE Direct, by email, in writing or by fax on
official Centre stationery. Cambridge will not B1 The Centre must co-operate with and facilitate
accept notification of changes of address by any inspection by or on behalf of Cambridge,
telephone. including giving access to secure storage.
A6 The Centre must make sure that: B2 If the Centre changes premises, Cambridge
may carry out a re-inspection. The Centre will
A6.1 the correct version, including the pay Cambridges inspection charges.
year and series, of the syllabus is
administered for each examination B3 Cambridge usually carries out unannounced
series inspections when examinations are being held.
Cambridge inspectors may also inspect the
A6.2 all teachers and tutors involved in the arrangements for the security of examination
delivery of qualifications understand the material and for conducting examinations at
subject area concerned. times outside the examination period.
A7 The Centre must not bring the name, Cambridge may withdraw Centre status
reputation or interests of Cambridge, its if an inspection shows the Centre not to be
employees, or its products or services into satisfactory.
disrepute in any way.
C Candidates
A8 If a Centre does not keep to the processes
and procedures set out in this handbook, C1 Centres will correspond with candidates on
Cambridge shall, at its discretion, be entitled every aspect of the examinations on behalf of
to take such action as it deems appropriate, Cambridge.
which may include:
C2 Centres will issue the following to each of
A8.1 requiring the Centre to take remedial their candidates:
action
C2.1 details of the dates and times of their
A8.2 requiring the Centre to undergo further examinations
inspection and quality assurance visits
C2.2 a statement of the candidates
A8.3 removing Centre status and terminating examination entry
any contract it has with the Centre.
C2.3 the candidates provisional results.
A9 Cambridge may require the Centre to pay any
and all costs incurred by Cambridge in the C2.4 any certificate issued by Cambridge.
conduct of any required inspection or other
C3 Centres must make sure that candidates
quality assurance. These costs may include
have access to suitable accommodation and
additional inspections or expenditure required
specified equipment and materials, including
as a result of any actions or inaction by the
for examinations that involve practical tests.
Centre.
C4 Centres must confirm the identity of all their
A10 Cambridge may require the Centre to
candidates in each assessment, including
pay any of the costs incurred by Cambridge.
private candidates. Centres must make sure
This includes indirect costs and the cost
that candidates know that their data will be
of Cambridge securing an assessment,
passed to Cambridge and other third parties
where the assessments integrity has been
and gain their consent for this.
compromised because of the Centres actions
or inactions, whether negligent or otherwise. C5 Centres are responsible for the submission of
candidates work and must make sure that:
C5.1 the work in every candidates

assessment submission meets
the criteria in the syllabus for the
examination series

8 Centre and Cambridge Associate responsibilities
Preparation
C5.2 candidates work is produced, and, D6 The Centre will appoint suitable invigilators
where appropriate, marked internally, and must make sure examinations are carried
moderated and despatched according to out in accordance with part 5 of this handbook.
1
Cambridges instructions
D7 Centres will work with Cambridge to prevent
C5.3 it is the candidates own work and is malpractice or maladministration and, in
identified as such. particular, shall:
D Examination administration D7.1 report any established, suspected

or alleged cases of malpractice by a
D1 If a Centre wants to make examination entries candidate
they must send the following to Cambridge:
Entries
D7.2 report any malpractice or
D1.1 details of estimated and actual entries maladministration by a member of staff 2
D1.2 marks for internally-assessed D7.3 assist in any investigation into

components malpractice or maladministration
suspected by Cambridge
D1.3 any other information that Cambridge
Teacher assessment
requires in relation to its examinations, D7.4 provide information and advice
in line with its instructions, for example Cambridge may require to assist with
forecast grades. any investigation (see part 5)
D2 If the Centre wants to make any applications D8 The Centre will submit and process any result
for access arrangements or special enquiry or appeal in accordance with the 3
considerations, it must send these to regulations (see part 6).
Cambridge in accordance with the regulations
and guidance laid out in this handbook. D9 The Centre must keep unclaimed certificates
under secure conditions for a minimum of
D3 If the Centre wants to make changes to 12 months from date of issue and not destroy
Before the exams

the venue or timetable they must apply to unclaimed certificates (see part 6).
Cambridge in accordance with the regulations
laid out in this handbook. E Cambridge Associate
responsibilities
D4 The Centre is responsible for the receipt
4
and security of examination materials at all E1 Cambridge Associates must carry out all
times. Centres must carry out the following in obligations for Centres and Cambridge
accordance with Cambridges regulations: Associates specified in this handbook and
any supplementary documentation. The
D4.1 secure storage of all examination
Cambridge Associate has full responsibility for
materials
the administration of all assessments in the
D4.2 distribution of examination papers to Centres associated to it.
Exam day
candidates
E2 Where it says Centres in this handbook
D4.3 collection of scripts and question papers this should be read to include Cambridge
5
at the end of each examination Associates.
D4.4 secure return of scripts to Cambridge E3 Cambridge Associates must apply to register
their Centres with Cambridge. Cambridge can
D4.5 check that the correct versions of refuse such applications.

materials for the Centres administrative
zone are received. E4 A Cambridge Associate must comply with the
terms and conditions in this handbook and any
D5 The Centre will make sure that there is other communications issued by Cambridge.
constant and effective supervision of the
candidates. 66

E5 As well as to the complying with all the duties E12 The Cambridge Associate will submit to
of a Centre (see sections AD), Cambridge Cambridge details of the fees they will charge
Associates will do the following and agree to to their Centres. They must get approval
do so on behalf of their Centres: before charging them.
E5.1 issue to each of their Centres details of E13 The Cambridge Associate will give its Centres
the dates and times of their candidates reasonable notice of fees and of any changes.
examinations; statements of the
candidates examination entries; the F Inspections of Associate Centres
candidates provisional results; and any
F1 Cambridge Associates will carry out an initial
certificates issued by Cambridge
registration approval inspection of each of their
E5.2 inspect their Centres in accordance with Centres.
the regulations stated in this handbook
F2 A Cambridge Associate will regularly inspect
E5.3 fill in Preparation Form 5 and return its Centres to make sure that they have
it to Cambridge Customer Services the right facilities, equipment and teaching
should they or one of their Centres want resources to deliver the curriculum and to
to change its qualification or syllabus prepare candidates for entry to Cambridge
eligibilities. qualifications.
E6 Cambridge will inspect Cambridge Associates F3 Cambridge Associates have to cover the costs
and their Centres to make sure they comply of inspecting their Centres.
with the regulations in this handbook.
F4 A Cambridge Associate should make their
E7 If the Cambridge Associate changes premises, inspection reports available to Cambridge and
Cambridge may carry out a re-inspection. The inform Cambridge of its inspections schedule
Cambridge Associate will pay Cambridges at the beginning of each year.
inspection charges.
F5 Where there is a conflict between inspection
E8 The Cambridge Associate and its Centres required as part of an Associate Centres
must co-operate with any inspections by or on agreement and this handbook the agreement
behalf of Cambridge, including giving access must be followed. Associate Centres must
to secure storage. inform Cambridge if they think there is a
conflict.
E9 The Cambridge Associate must have any
additional obligations it wants to impose on G Associate Centre responsibilities
its Centres approved by Cambridge in writing
G1 Associate Centres must keep to the terms and
before they introduce them.
conditions for Centres in this handbook where
E10 The Cambridge Associate may only collect applicable.
fees in relation to assessment from its Centres
G2 Associate Centres must also keep to any
in accordance with the Agreement and
specific terms agreed with their Cambridge
handbook.
Associate in relation to the subject matter of
E11 The Cambridge Associate is responsible for this handbook.
the payment to Cambridge of their fees and
their Centres fees, in particular:
E11.1 Cambridges examination fees Administrative forms
E11.2 Cambridges annual registration fee, Forms available from the Exams Officers
if any section of the Cambridge website
E11.3 inspection fees.
Change of Qualifications/Syllabus Eligibility:
Preparation Form 5

Preparation
H Communication with Cambridge H9 Centres can also contact Cambridge by filling
in the online feedback form at:
H1 The Centre should choose the method of www.cie.org.uk/contactus/
1
communication most appropriate to the
subject matter and the urgency of the H10 Centres must check for communications from
communication, unless the regulations Cambridge regularly and provide Cambridge
specify a particular means. For general with up-to-date contact information, including
administrative queries email is the preferred email addresses for their exams officer, Head
means of communication. of Centre and any other key staff.
H2 Unless told to do otherwise, Centres should H11 Centres will inform Cambridge of email
Entries
address all communications to Cambridge address changes by contacting
Customer Services. international@cie.org.uk
2
Cambridge Associates must make sure I Telephone communication
their Centres communicate directly with them
I1 To telephone Cambridge, contact Customer
rather than Cambridge.
Services on +44 1223 553554.
Teacher assessment
H3 All correspondence between the Centre and
I2 When responding to a communication from
Cambridge must be in English. This applies
Cambridge or following up a previous contact,
even when assessments are offered in a
Centres should use the telephone number
language other than English.
provided.
H4 The Head of Centre, or exams officer, must
I3 Centres should get written confirmation of any 3
sign all letters from the Centre to Cambridge.
telephone response concerning Cambridges
H5 Centres can email international@cie.org.uk. regulations. Cambridge does not accept
responsibility for any misinterpretation of
H6 Unless instructed otherwise Centres should information, advice or guidance given by
send written correspondence to:
Before the exams

telephone.
Customer Services J Cambridge software and
University of Cambridge International
online services
Examinations
1 Hills Road J1 Centres must make sure that user names 4
Cambridge and passwords issued by Cambridge are only
CB1 2EU given to staff authorised to access the relevant
United Kingdom online services or software. They must not
give login information to candidates or to any
If another address is specified on an
other unauthorised person. Failure to comply
administrative form or accompanying
may lead to Cambridge suspending all services
instructions, Centres must send the form to
Exam day
with the Centre or terminating the Agreement.

that address.
J2 Centres must also comply with the Terms
H7 Centres must include the following in their
of Use of Cambridge online services and 5
messages:
software while using them.
H7.1 Centre name and number
J3 Centres may use Cambridge products that
H7.2 name, position and title, of the member require the use of particular software or
of staff sending the message services. To use software from Cambridge,
Centres must enter into licensing agreements
H7.3 for continuing email correspondence, and must use software in accordance with
the reference number included in them.
Cambridges initial response.
66
H8 Centres must not attach files larger than
2 MB to emails.

K Copyright in examination material K5.5 digital media
K1 Copyright and any other intellectual property K5.6 photographs

rights in all material (including examinations, K5.7 maps.
assessments and syllabuses) delivered by
Cambridge to the Centre under the Agreement L Ownership of Cambridge
is owned by and shall remain with Cambridge. question papers
K2 The Centre may reproduce copies of past L1 All Cambridge examination question papers
question papers and other materials for which remain the property of Cambridge. The Centre
Cambridge holds copyright, for internal Centre can use the paper after the examination, in
purposes, provided that copies are: accordance with either:
K2.1 limited to one per candidate entered for i the 24-hour secure storage regulation
the syllabus
ii regulations specific to the conduct of a
K2.2 used exclusively by candidates at the particular examination component.
Centre in connection with their class
work or internal assessments L2 Cambridge retains all intellectual property
rights to the papers.
K2.3 not offered for sale or distribution under
any circumstances M Copyright and candidates work
K2.4 reproduced with all Cambridge M1 The copyright in a candidates work remains
copyright symbols, trademarks, with the candidate, subject to clause M2.
acknowledgement and notices intact
M2 By submitting work to Cambridge a candidate
K2.5 not claimed to be approved by grants a perpetual, irrevocable and royalty-
Cambridge free licence to Cambridge to use any answer
scripts, coursework or extracts (providing the
K2.6 not passed to any third party. candidate remains anonymous) for:
K3 The Centre must not distribute past papers educational presentations, materials or
electronically, including on websites only products that Cambridge may publish
accessible over the Centres intranet.
education purposes, for example,
K4 If staff at the Centre want to use material standards setting, training or to
owned by Cambridge in any publications they demonstrate standards in the recognition
are developing, they must get permission from of Cambridges qualifications by
Cambridge. universities or other organisations
K5 Cambridge cannot give permission to maintaining the integrity of assessments
reproduce any material it does not own. This or to identify plagiarism.
includes:
Centres must tell candidates the
K5.1 text taken from books published for regulations on copyright and candidates work
or on behalf of Cambridge or with the before the examination.
approval of Cambridge
N Ownership of assessed material
K5.2 third-party copyright material used
in past papers; Centres can identify N1 All material submitted for assessment will
these items by the copyright become the physical property of Cambridge.
acknowledgements which appear under
each item, or at the back of the paper N2 Cambridge will not return examination answer
scripts to Centres, except for:
K5.3 musical scores
examination work for Cambridge IGCSE
K5.4 audio or video material and Cambridge International AS and

Preparation
A Level Art and Design for which the P Cambridge identity
return fees are charged
P1 Cambridge identity refers to the Cambridge
copies of answer scripts as part of the logo and associated text. Centres and
1
service of enquiries about results. Cambridge Associates are issued with official
N3 Centres must request the return of Cambridge logos, text and sets of images
examination work for Cambridge IGCSE when they register.
Art and Design by completing Teacher P2 The following Cambridge identities are
assessment Form 5. authorised for Centres use; Centre status
N4 Cambridge will normally return to the Centre dictates which Cambridge identity it should
Entries
Cambridge IGCSE, O Level, International AS use.
and A Level coursework submitted for external 2
marking or external moderation, but may keep
copies of some items for awarding and archive
purposes.
N5 If Cambridge decides to keep original
Teacher assessment
Cambridge IGCSE, O Level, International AS
and A Level coursework it will tell the Centre
which items it wants to keep. Cambridge
will not tell Centres when it decides to keep
copies of any work. 3
N6 For other qualifications, Cambridge will not

normally return to the Centre assessments
submitted for external marking or external
moderation.
Before the exams

O Referring to Cambridge
O1 The Centre must refer to Cambridge as
Cambridge or University of Cambridge
International Examinations, and must not refer 4
to Cambridge as the University of Cambridge P3 Cambridge also has a number of trademarks,

or Cambridge University. both registered and unregistered, known in
this handbook as the Cambridge marks. This
The Centre must not use the acronym UCIE. means any trademark, registered mark or
O2 University of Cambridge International design or any other identifier that is identified
Examinations is part of the Cambridge with Cambridge, Cambridge University, Exam day
Assessment group. Cambridge Assessment University of Cambridge Local Examinations

is the brand name of the University of Syndicate or Cambridge Assessment.
Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate These include Cambridge, University of
5
(UCLES), a department of the University of Cambridge International Examinations,
Cambridge.
O3 When translating University of Cambridge

International Examinations into another Administrative forms

language, the most appropriate wording is the
Forms available from the Exams Officers
examinations department of the University of
section of the Cambridge website
Cambridge (England).
Returning Cambridge IGCSE Art and Design 66

Work: Teacher assessment Form 5

University of Cambridge Local Examinations Q5.5 not use the Cambridge identity or marks
Syndicate, UCLES, the University of as part of its email web address.
Cambridge and Cambridge Assessment.
Q6 The Centre may:
Q Regulations governing Cambridge
Q6.1 reproduce the Cambridge identity in full
Centre status identity colour or in a single colour, subject to
Q1 If the Centre does not follow the instructions sections Q and R
in this handbook or misuses the Cambridge
Q6.2 use the Cambridge identity in printed
identity or Cambridge marks, its Centre
leaflets and brochures, advertisements,
status may be withdrawn and the Agreement
posters, subject to sections Q and R
terminated.
Q6.3 communicate its Centre status in the
Q2 The Centre may use the Cambridge identity
text of information or publicity material.
appropriate to its status.
Q7 The Cambridge identity must be no more
Q3 The Centre must submit to Cambridge
than 75 per cent of the size of the logo of the
Customer Services, by email, copies of all its
institution and it must also be less prominent.
planned uses of the Cambridge identity and
gain approval before use. Q8 This handbook does not transfer any copyright
in the Cambridge identity and Cambridge
Q4 The Centre must always:
marks arrangements from Cambridge to the
Q4.1 reproduce the Cambridge identity in the Centre.
format provided by Cambridge
Q9 Permission to use the Cambridge identity is
Q4.2 use the Cambridge identity along with dependent upon the Centre continuing to hold
its own logo and name Cambridge Centre status. If Centre status is
withdrawn, its use must stop immediately.
Q4.3 place the Cambridge identity at the
bottom of any stationery, including Q10 The Centre must not reproduce Cambridge
letterheads and business cards. certificates in any form.
Q5 The Centre must: R Approval for the use of the

Cambridge identity
Q5.1 not provide the Cambridge identity
or Cambridge marks for use by any R1 Cambridge is the sole interpreter of the
organisations other than registered conditions for use of the Cambridge identity
Centres and marks. Cambridge will make all decisions
about interpretation of the conditions of use.
Q5.2 not use the Cambridge identity at the
top of any document. It must make R2 Cambridge investigates all reports of improper
sure that where the Cambridge identity use of the Cambridge identity, and insists that
is used on a document, it is smaller and publications that do not comply with these
less prominent (lower) than the logo guidelines are withdrawn immediately.
and name of the Centre itself and of any
associated logo
Q5.3 not use parts of the Cambridge identity

separately
Q5.4 not use the Cambridge identity or

marks in certification or financial
documentation issued by the Centre,
for example, attendance certificates,
receipts or invoices

Preparation
S Access to assessments equal
opportunities
1
S1 Cambridge is committed to equality of
opportunity for candidates, in accordance with
current UK legislation in relation to gender,
ethnic origin, religion, age and disability.
S2 There is a policy of open access for all

Cambridge qualifications, promoted in all areas
of assessment activity. Cambridge aims to
Entries
overcome inequality in relation to gender,
ethnic origin, religion, age and disability in:
2
S2.1 the assessment process
S2.2 the arrangements made for candidates

with special requirements to facilitate
Teacher assessment
access to Cambridge qualifications
S2.3 the interpretation of data relating to

the implementation of policies and
procedures of the scheme
3
S2.4 the monitoring of all publications
produced for Cambridge qualifications.
T Access and private candidates

T1 Specific regulations govern the access of
Before the exams

private candidates to Cambridge assessments.
Exam day
5
66

1 Preparation
1.1 Timetable clashes and deviations
Before the exams series starts Centres should study the final
timetable to see if they can identify any potential timetable clashes.
This will help them to think about potential ways to resolve the
clashes. Centres have to wait until they have submitted their
entries, and received their timetable clash report from Cambridge
before applying for a timetable deviation.
Timetable clashes occur when, for various reasons, candidates

cannot take papers in the timetabled session. In some
circumstances (for example, if candidates are taking different
papers timetabled in the same session) Centres can apply for
a timetable deviation to avoid the clash. Centres cannot make
In this section timetable deviations unless Cambridge gives written consent and
16 1.1 Timetable clashes and until they have received confirmation of their final entries.
deviations
For each examination series, Cambridge sends a final version of the
18 1.2 Access arrangements timetable to Centres. Centres must make sure that their candidates
take Cambridge examinations in the session shown on the final
timetable and in accordance with the Key Time regulations.
For more information on Key Times and Full Centre Supervision see
part 4.
When telling candidates the dates and times of examinations,

Centres must use the final timetable only, not any provisional
timetable.
Cambridge can refuse an application for a timetable deviation if it

could potentially threaten the security of the question paper.
1.1.1 Submitting timetable deviations applications

(a) Centres must fill in a separate application form for each
syllabus and component. Centres can submit their application
using Preparation Form 2. Centres must submit all
applications for timetable deviations by the date specified in
the >Cambridge Administrative Guide.
(b) It is up to the Head of Centre to suggest arrangements for

resolving a clash of two or more papers. The proposals should
make it possible for candidates to take the papers on the day
on which they are timetabled. If this is not possible the time
of the examination can be moved to no more than 24 hours
Important information section of the Cambridge website
If the period of Full Centre Supervision is more
than four hours the Centre will need to apply Timetable Deviation and Additional Sessions:
for a timetable deviation. Preparation Form 2

16 1 Preparation
Timetable clashes and deviations
Preparation
after the published timetable date. When away for the candidate to arrive in time to sit
this happens the Centre must guarantee Full the second paper on the set day.
Centre Supervision of the candidates during
the period between the start of the timetabled 1.1.2 Cases in which Cambridge may 1
examination and the start of the rescheduled consider a timetable deviation

examination.
Examples of cases in which Cambridge may
(c) Candidates are never allowed to take an consider a timetable deviation are given below.
examination on an earlier day than that
A clash between examinations which
scheduled on the timetable.
Cambridge has timetabled in the same session
(except prohibited syllabus combinations), that
Entries
(d) Cambridge will only consider timetable
deviations for candidates directly involved in exceed the time allowance. Candidates are
any clash. However, Cambridge may make an assumed to be capable of taking examinations 2
exception if it is not possible for the Centre of up to 6 hours, duration in one day.
to invigilate the examination in two sittings,
A clash with an examination of a different
or if they have limited examination space or
awarding body in a different subject where the
equipment for practical examinations.
Teacher assessment
recommended number of hours is exceeded.
(e) If candidates are taking two or more
Circumstances outside the control of the
examinations in a session, the Centre may
candidate that prevent him/her taking the
decide the order in which to carry out these
examination at the scheduled time (for
examinations. The Centre can also allow a
example, a hospital appointment, attendance
supervised break between the papers within 3
at court).
the session. The Centre must follow all
arrangements for invigilating candidates during Participation of candidates in events at an
and between examinations, and make sure the international level.
question papers remain secure.
1.1.3 Unacceptable reasons for a
Before the exams

(f) If the total duration of the papers to be taken
timetable deviation
in one session (either during the morning
session or the afternoon session) exceeds These include:
3 hours and 45 minutes, then the Centre can
ask for a timetable deviation. Cambridge will a clash with another awarding bodys 4
only consider requests to move a paper to the examination at the same level and in the
following day if the total duration of papers to same subject, or a subject with significant
be taken on one day exceeds 6 hours. overlapping content
(g) If a candidate is entered at two different being required to sit three or more different
Centres and is required to take examinations subject papers on the same day
in both Centres on the same day, Cambridge
Exam day
clashes with a school function or closure

may allow the entering Centre to take a
paper to the second Centre if security can be participation in national or local events
guaranteed. Cambridge will give instructions 5
in each case. Cambridge will only do this in holidays (for example, family holidays, public
cases where the second Centre is too far holidays, national holidays, religious holidays).
Important information
The Centre must supervise any candidate
attending at a time that is not as scheduled,
from the Key Time for the examination until the
66
time they start the examination.

1 Preparation 17
Access arrangements
1.1.4 Extra session for practical Head of Centre responsible if it is found that
there has been any breach of regulations.
examinations and listening tests
Cambridge may take action against the Centre,
for Cambridge IGCSE, O Level, and that action could include removal of
Cambridge International AS and Cambridge registered Centre status.
A Level
(b) The supervising adult is required to give
(a) Centres that do not have enough equipment the Centre a written guarantee of security.
or space for all of their candidates to take a This should confirm that they will collect
practical examination or listening test at the candidate(s) from the Centre and deliver them
same time may arrange one or more extra back. The Centre must keep this statement
sessions. Centres intending to hold extra until the end of the result enquiry period,
sessions must submit a timetable deviation unless Cambridge requests the statement
request as soon as possible and at least beforehand.
four weeks before the day of the practical
examination. Centres do not need to list (c) A member of Centre staff should normally
the candidates concerned when submitting carry out any necessary overnight supervision
the form. However, the Centre must make of a candidate although, in cases where the
accurate seating plans and attendance records Centre feels that parental supervision can be
for each session and keep these until the end guaranteed, Cambridge may accept this.
of the result enquiry period. For the practical
The person appointed must supervise the
examinations, the Centre must supply copies
candidate from the end of one examination
of the seating plan and attendance records
to the start of the other examination; this
with the supervisors report.
includes collecting them from and delivering
(b) The examination may be taken by several them to the Centre. The candidate must have
groups in different sessions, with staff no outside contact with anyone taking the
supervision to make sure that security examination. This includes telephone calls,
is maintained. There must be no contact text messages, faxes, emails and internet
between groups taking examinations in access. The Head of Centre must be fully
different sessions and all conduct must satisfied that arrangements will maintain the
comply with the regulations for Key Time and security of the examination.
Full Centre Supervision.
(d) Any infringement of the conditions governing
(c) Cambridge will acknowledge applications overnight supervision may lead to the
either by letter or with the return of the application of penalties and sanctions to the
application form, stamped Board Approved. candidates examinations.
1.1.5 Supervision arrangements 1.1.6 Communicating decisions to

Centres
(a) Supervision, because of a timetable deviation,
should normally be carried out by Centre Cambridge will give Centres a written decision
staff, from the end of one examination and/ about their timetable deviation as quickly as
or session to the beginning of the second possible.
examination and/or session. Centres should
also undertake this supervision if the
candidate(s) travel(s) to an examination from 1.2 Access arrangements
another event or examination. If it is not
possible for Centre staff to supervise the Cambridge recognises that some candidates have
candidate(s), Cambridge is prepared to accept coped with the learning demands of a course and
supervision by another responsible adult can demonstrate attainment in the skills being
acceptable to the Centre and the candidate. assessed. However, the standard assessment
The Head of Centre must be satisfied that arrangements may present unnecessary barriers.
such an arrangement will maintain the security Such barriers may result from:
of the examination. Cambridge will hold the

18 1 Preparation
Access arrangements
Preparation
a permanent or long-term disability or learning 3. Modified papers: Centres need to apply for
difficulty these in advance of the exams.
a temporary disability, illness or indisposition Cambridge considers all applications on an 1
individual basis. The Centre making the entry must

the immediate circumstances of the submit the application. Cambridge will not accept
assessment. applications from candidates or parents/carers.
Cambridge will make provision for access
1.2.2 Principles governing access
arrangements so that candidates are able
to receive recognition of their attainment.
arrangements
Adjustments cannot be granted if they interfere (a) Cambridge assesses all candidates according
Entries
with the competence standards being tested. to the same marking criteria, so that grades
and certificates have the same validity and are 2
It is the responsibility of the Head of Centre
a true reflection of the candidates attainment.
entering the candidate to make sure that they
base any request on behalf of a candidate on firm (b) Access arrangements must not give the
evidence of a barrier to assessment of attainment. candidate an unfair advantage over others.
Teacher assessment
Once Cambridge has agreed arrangements, the (c) Access arrangements must not compromise
Centre must observe the regulations governing the competence standards being assessed,
those arrangements. Failure to keep to the and will therefore be restricted in certain
regulations may lead to the disqualification of the syllabuses (for example, a reader cannot be
candidate. permitted in a specification where reading is
3
the focus of the assessment).
A reasonable adjustment is any action that helps
to reduce the effect of a disability or difficulty that (d) English not being the candidates first language
places the candidate at a substantial disadvantage is not a valid reason for an application.
in an assessment situation. Not every arrangement
(e) Centres should consider the candidates usual
Before the exams

is permitted in every assessment, nor may the
candidate require the same degree of assistance in methods of learning and producing work when
every subject. making decisions on access arrangements.
1.2.1 Definition of access (f) Centres should determine access

arrangements arrangements in relation to the defined needs 4
of individual candidates.
Access arrangements are pre-exam arrangements
made on behalf of a candidate with particular (g) Centres are responsible for bearing costs
needs. For example, the use of a scribe, modified incurred in putting in place Cambridge-
papers or extra time. There are three different approved access arrangements for candidates.
groups of access arrangements, each with their
1.2.3 Assessment criteria
own application form and set of deadlines.
Exam day
(a) Cambridge will not permit access

1. Access arrangements: Centres must get
arrangements if they affect the competence
permission from Cambridge to use these. 5
standard being tested.
2. Centre-delegated access arrangements: Centres
(b) Centres should consult Cambridge before the
need to notify Cambridge if they use these.
commencement of a course to make sure that
appropriate access arrangements are available

for a candidate with a known permanent
Important information disability or learning difficulty.
Read Cambridges good practice guide to (c) Some types of impairment affect the
running exams using access arrangements. candidates ability to demonstrate one or
Download it from more of the objectives. Candidates need 66
www.cie.org.uk/examsofficers to be aware if they are choosing a course

1 Preparation 19
Access arrangements
where they will not be able to demonstrate tested in these subjects include reading and
attainment, and so not be able to gain credit in writing, he cannot have an adjustment in the
all parts of the assessment. form of a reader in the reading papers. It may
not be possible to use a scribe in the written
In some cases, an alternative route is available
papers for Foreign Languages, unless the
within the syllabus and Centres can seek
candidate were to dictate the responses letter
advice on how to approach the subject. If
by letter, including all punctuation. The Centre
no alternative can be found, because the
must decide whether or not to enter him for
impairment relates to a fundamental part of
these subjects on the basis of how much he
the assessment, the candidate may not be
could complete independently.
able to score enough marks to justify entering
for an examination. 3. A candidate with no hands wants to take
Art examinations in painting. Mouth or
If the candidate is fully aware that they will not
foot painting might be acceptable, but the
be able to meet the assessment criteria, but
candidate cannot do either and wants another
still wants to enter the course without being
person to paint at her instruction. This is not
assessed, entry is at their and the Centres
permitted as the assessment criteria is the
discretion.
skill of painting.
The Centre should make sure that candidates
are aware of the range of subject options open 1.2.4 Access arrangements that
to them and identify those subjects in which require permission from
they can cover the course and demonstrate Cambridge
attainment across the whole assessment.
(a) Centres must apply for access arrangements
(d) In Cambridge qualifications, each syllabus lists by the deadline dates published in the
its assessment criteria. These explain what >Cambridge Administrative Guide. Cambridge
the candidate must know and be able to do in will not guarantee that it will deal with late
order to achieve the qualification. There are applications, especially where modified papers
four main objectives: are required.
1. knowledge (b) Centres must make applications using

Preparation Form 1. Cambridge cannot
2. understanding consider applications without the correct
information.
3. application of knowledge and
understanding (c) The Centre making the entry must submit
the application. Cambridge will not accept
4. skills.
applications from candidates or parents/carers.
Examples of how assessment criteria If Cambridge approves access arrangements,
can impact on the availability of access the Head of Centre can decide whether to
arrangements administer the approved arrangements to the
candidate as they may not require the same
1. A candidate with severe cerebral palsy degree of assistance in every subject.
enjoys her Design and Technology course but
cannot use her hands. She cannot design
independently. As such abilities constitute a
large proportion of the whole qualification, she
decides not to enter for this particular subject.
The assessment criteria are designing and Administrative forms
making, so no adjustment can be made.
2. A candidate with severe dyslexia wants to section of the Cambridge website
take English Language and Foreign Language www.cie.org.uk/examsofficers
examinations but cannot read or write
Access Arrangements: Preparation Form 1
adequately. As the assessment criteria being

20 1 Preparation
Access arrangements
Preparation
(d) Centres must send with all applications (i) For deadlines for submitting applications
supporting medical or psychological evidence for Braille or modified papers, see the
in English. The Centre may provide a >Cambridge Administrative Guide.
1
translation if necessary, together with the
original document. Request modified papers using
Preparation Form 3.
(e) Friends and relatives of the candidate should
not write any evidence submitted in support of If requests are late Cambridge may not
access arrangement applications. Where this be able to produce the papers required.
is unavoidable a senior member of Centre staff See >Cambridge Administrative Guide for
must countersign and authorise the evidence. deadline dates.
Entries
Cambridge reserves the right to refuse If unsure of the level of entry, Centres
evidence that has been written by a friend or should request all levels relevant to a 2
relative. syllabus, for example, core and extended.
(f) Centres cannot grant access arrangements (j) For deadlines for submitting applications
unless Cambridge has given written consent, for all other access arrangements, see the
except for emergency access arrangements >Cambridge Administrative Guide.
Teacher assessment
for temporary disabilities (for example, sudden
injuries such as broken arms or wrists). 1.2.5 Guidance on particular
disabilities
(g) If emergency access arrangements are
required Centres should contact Cambridge This section is relevant to both access
in advance, where possible, to obtain advice arrangements that Centres need permission from 3
and approval. It is advisable to telephone Cambridge to use, and Centre-delegated access
Cambridge rather than to fax or email, so arrangements.
that Cambridge can deal with applications
immediately. If permission is given verbally, 1.2.5.1 Candidates with physical disabilities
Before the exams

the Centre must complete Preparation
(a) An extra time allowance of up to 25 per cent
Form 1 or Preparation Form 3 depending
will meet the needs of most candidates with
on the type of access arrangements needed.
physical disabilities. Cambridge may consider
State the arrangements that were agreed on
additional extra time in cases of severe
the form and send it to Cambridge together
physical disability, but please note that too 4
with the candidates medical certificate as
much time can be counter-productive. Centres
soon as possible.
should seek medical advice before requesting
(h) If it is not possible to contact Cambridge extra time over 25 per cent.
before the examination, the Head of Centre
(b) Candidates with severe disabilities may need
can decide on the day of the examination
a supervised rest break. The invigilator should
whether to grant arrangements that will
stop the timing of the examination and re-start
Exam day
alleviate the problem. In all cases the Centre

it when the candidate is able to continue.
must make an access arrangement application,
The candidate must be supervised at all times.
stating the arrangements that were agreed,
5
and send this to Cambridge together with
the candidates medical certificate as soon as
possible.
Centres must comply with regulations relating section of the Cambridge website
to any access arrangement given. Failure www.cie.org.uk/examsofficers
to keep to the regulations may result in a 66
malpractice investigation. Modified Papers: Preparation Form 3

1 Preparation 21
Access arrangements
(c) If the candidate cannot write independently, (b) Candidates may also require supervised rest
the Centre should submit an application for breaks. The invigilator should stop the timing
the use of a scribe. The Centre is responsible of the examination and re-start it when the
for selecting an appropriate scribe and the candidate is able to continue. The candidate
Regulations governing the use of scribes must be supervised at all times.
must be observed. The Centre must attach
Exam day Form 4 to the front of the (c) If the candidate cannot read independently
candidates script. Cambridge will not permit or use Braille, the Centre should submit an
the use of a scribe in examinations where application to use a reader. The Centre is
writing is part of the assessment criteria responsible for selecting an appropriate reader
please refer to individual syllabuses for details and must observe the Regulations governing
on examination objectives. the use of readers.
(d) If the candidate normally uses a word (d) If the candidate cannot write independently,
processor, the Centre may request this the Centre should submit an application to
arrangement for written examinations. The use a scribe. The Centre is responsible for
Centre must observe the Regulations selecting an appropriate scribe and must
governing the use of computers, word observe the Regulations governing the use
processors and electronic typewriters. The of scribes. The Centre must attach the Scribe
Centre must attach a copy of Cambridges Cover Sheet to the script. Cambridge will
outcome letter approving the use of a word not allow the use of a scribe in examinations
processor to the examination answer script. where writing is part of the assessment
criteria. Please refer to individual syllabuses
(e) If the candidate can write, but the writing for details on examination objectives.
is not easy to read, the Centre may want to
provide a transcript. The Centre must observe (e) If the candidate normally uses a word
the Regulations governing the production processor, or Braille and print machine, the
of a transcript. The Centre must attach a Centre can make an application for the use
Transcription Cover Sheet to the transcript. of this arrangement for written examinations.
The Centre must observe the Regulations
(f) In speaking test examinations a Centre should governing the use of computers, word
give a candidate who can speak, but only with processors and electronic typewriters. The
difficulty, enough time to answer. No formal Centre must attach a copy of Cambridges
request for extra time is necessary in this outcome letter approving the use of a word
case. processor to the examination answer script.
(g) For practical examinations an assistant (f) If the candidate can write but the writing is
may help to lift equipment, pour liquids etc. not easy to read, the Centre may want to
The Centre must not give credit to candidates provide a transcript. The Centre must observe
where a practical assistant has performed this the Regulations governing the production
skill, but may credit them for planning, analysis of a transcript. The Centre must attach a
and evaluation. The Centre must observe the Transcription Cover Sheet to the transcript.
Regulations governing the use of practical
assistants. (g) For practical examinations, an assistant may
help to lift equipment, pour liquids etc. Centres
1.2.5.2 Candidates with visual impairment
(a) An extra time allowance of up to 25 per cent

will meet the needs of most candidates with
a visual impairment. In severe cases, Centres
may need to extend this, and those using Forms available from the Exams Officers
Braille papers may require 100 per cent extra section of the Cambridge website
time. Centres must state the amount of time www.cie.org.uk/examsofficers
recommended on the application form.
Scribe/Writer Cover Sheet: Exam day Form 4

22 1 Preparation
Access arrangements
Preparation
must not give credit to candidates where the necessary to answer the questions and is not
practical assistant performed this skill but the part of the skill being tested. For example, in a
Centre may credit them for planning, analysis science practical examination, a candidate may
1
and evaluation. The Centre must observe the be told that a solution has changed in colour,
Regulations governing the use of practical but not given any indication about what such a
assistants. change in colour represents.
(h) Cambridge can provide papers in the following 1.2.5.3 Candidates with hearing impairment
formats.
(a) Centres may give candidates with hearing
Braille papers visual information will impairment an extra time allowance of up to
25 per cent if literacy difficulties reduce the
Entries
be simplified or removed and presented
as verbal information. Diagrams may speed at which they read and comprehend
be presented in a tactile form. The written questions. 2
application form must indicate whether
(b) In speaking tests, Centres should give
contracted or un-contracted Braille is
candidates who can speak enough time to
required.
answer. If the candidate cannot speak audibly,
Teacher assessment
Enlarged papers the normal paper the Centre may request exemption from the
is enlarged to A3 size. (This is not oral assessment.
appropriate where scaled diagrams have
(c) In language listening tests, access
been used).
arrangements may be made for candidates
Modified enlarged papers the paper with hearing impairments. They may be 3
is modified so that visual information is allowed:
simplified. The paper is re-printed in 18
to sit the examination in a separate room
point bold print on A4 sheets. This is the
most appropriate paper for candidates headphones
with severe impairment or for syllabuses
Before the exams

where scaled diagrams may be required. a transcript for the live speakers to read
to the candidate if the normal method of
Modified papers will not have different or access is lip reading. Centres will always
easier questions. Cambridge still expects need at least two speakers, one male and
candidates to answer the same questions at one female. 4
the same level as other candidates.
Centres should choose the method that is
(i) If candidates present answers in Braille, used with the candidate in normal classroom
the Centre must provide a transcript for the preparation.
examiner. Centres must use the Transcription
Cover Sheet and observe the Regulations (d) When applying for access arrangements
governing the production of a transcript. for hearing impaired candidates in language
Exam day
examinations, Centres should give Cambridge

(j) If the visual impairment is colour-blindness, as much information as possible about how
a Centre may allow a candidate to have candidates are being prepared. For listening
5
colour naming, but only if this information is tests, Cambridge will send Centres detailed
information about the conduct of the test, for
example, how to apply the extra time. Centres
must request a transcript if the candidate is to

Important information lip-read.
Centres must observe the deadlines for (e) Centres must not use sign language in
submission of applications. Cambridge will language examinations.
only be able to provide modified papers if
(f) Invigilators may use sign language to help
Centres submit applications ahead of the
the candidate read any questions written in 66
deadline.
English, but not to explain what the question

1 Preparation 23
Access arrangements
is asking the candidate to do. Candidates must unavoidable, a senior member of Centre staff
not use sign language to convey answers must countersign and authorise the evidence.
to written questions in any syllabus, (that is, Cambridge reserves the right to refuse
candidates must not use sign language to evidence from a friend or relative.
dictate answers to a scribe).
(d) An extra time allowance of up to 25 per cent
(g) Cambridge can provide papers with a will meet the needs of most candidates.
simplified carrier language for certain
syllabuses. This means that complex (e) Candidates with severe learning disabilities
sentences are broken down into simpler may require reading assistance. The Centre
ones. The questions and answers remain the is responsible for selecting an appropriate
same as for any other candidate and technical reader and must observe the Regulations
vocabulary is unchanged. Centres may governing the use of readers. Readers will not
request such papers with a modified papers be allowed in examinations where reading is
application. These papers are not available in part of the assessment criteria. Readers will
language or literature examinations. Please not be allowed unless the candidates reading
note that deadlines for modified papers apply. skills (accuracy, speed, comprehension)
have been measured in a test conducted
1.2.5.4 Candidates with learning disabilities by an educational psychologist, a clinical
psychologist, occupational psychologist or
(a) An educational psychologist, a clinical
suitably qualified teacher and are shown to
psychologist, an occupational psychologist
be below average. Below average is classified
or a suitably qualified specialist teacher must
using a nationally standardised test and does
assess candidates with learning disabilities.
not mean below average standard within a
A report must accompany the application particular Centre. It is essential that the Centre
form and be dated within three years of the conducts tests to determine the candidates
examination for which the Centre requires reading abilities and that these are covered in
access arrangements. The report should the report. If the Centre does not include test
provide up-to-date literacy assessments for results Cambridge will reject the application.
candidates with learning disabilities. Details of
(f) If the candidate normally uses a word
qualifications held by the report writer must
processor, the Centre may make an
also be included.
application for this arrangement for written
(b) For applications requesting a word examinations. The Centre must observe the
processor only: Cambridge will accept a Regulations governing the use of computers,
report written by a qualified teacher who has word processors and electronic typewriters.
no additional special needs qualification, but A Centre must attach a copy of Cambridges
has at least five years, working experience in outcome letter approving the use of a word
the area of special educational needs. If this processor.
option is taken, Cambridge will require a
(g) If the candidate can write but the writing is
written statement from the Head of Centre
not easy to read, the Centre may want to
confirming the teachers status.
provide a transcript. The Centre must observe
(c) Friends and relatives of the candidate should the Regulations governing the production
not write evidence submitted in support of an of a transcript. The Centre must attach a
access arrangement application. Where this is Transcription Cover Sheet to the transcript.
(h) In exceptional cases, the Centre may want to

request permission to allow a scribe to write
for the candidate. The Centre must send
Important information with the application form evidence of the
Centres cannot request exemptions for both candidates work both with and without the
the speaking test examination and the listening use of a scribe. The Centre must state clearly
test components of a syllabus. how long each piece of work took. The scribe

24 1 Preparation
Access arrangements
Preparation
will not be allowed in examinations where the reading aloud
assessment criteria include writing. If writing
is the focus of the assessment Cambridge coloured paper/coloured overlays
1
will only consider a scribe if the candidate visual aids
can dictate all grammar and punctuation, and
the words letter by letter. Where this has colour naming
been done the Centre must make a note of
it on the Scribe Cover Sheet. A scribe is not simple translation dictionaries.
automatically permitted to act as a reader for (a) The Centre must refer to the rules governing
the candidate unless Cambridge has given all of the delegated access arrangements.
prior permission that the candidate may have
Entries
the use of a reader. The Centre must observe (b) The Centre will need to decide whether it can
the Regulations governing the use of scribes. make the arrangement. An application must be 2
The Centre must attach a Scribe Cover Sheet made to Cambridge for arrangements that are
to the script. not delegated arrangements.
(i) If the candidate has a neurological or cognitive (c) The Centre must take into account evidence
disability, the Centre may want to allow a of need in the normal working arrangements
Teacher assessment
prompter. The Centre must observe the made for candidates and the candidates
Regulations governing the use of prompters. performance in internal assessments, such as
mock examinations.
(j) Cambridge can provide papers with a
simplified carrier language for certain (d) The Centre must take into account any history
3
syllabuses. This means that complex of difficulties and any residual effects there
sentences are broken down into simpler may be from those difficulties.
ones. The questions and answers remain the
(e) The Centre must keep on file all evidence
same as for any other candidate and technical
relating to current candidates to show
vocabulary is unchanged. Centres may
to inspectors. Failure to keep evidence
Before the exams

request such papers with a modified papers
constitutes malpractice by the Centre.
application. These papers are not available in
language or literature examinations. Please (f) If the Centre is requested to submit evidence
note that deadlines for modified papers apply. for a candidate to Cambridge, they must do so
within the time period specified. Failure to do 4
1.2.6 Centre-delegated arrangements
so may constitute malpractice.
Centres can use the arrangements listed below
(g) All permitted Centre-delegated access
without getting prior permission from Cambridge.
arrangements must be recorded using
To use any other access arrangements Centres
Preparation Form 4 and submitted
must request permission from Cambridge using
by the dates shown in the >Cambridge
Preparation Form 1.
Exam day
Centre-delegated arrangements:
extra time up to 25 per cent (not permitted 5

in syllabuses where time is the focus of the Administrative forms
examination) Forms available from the Exams Officers
word processors section of the Cambridge website
supervised rest breaks
Scribe/Writer Cover Sheet: Exam day Form 4
separate invigilation
Access Arrangements: Preparation Form 1
transcript
Centre Delegated Access Arrangements:
66
prompter Preparation Form 4

1 Preparation 25
Access arrangements
Candidates with learning difficulties will need one has multiple disabilities
of the following to support the arrangement:
has very severe physical disability or
a psychological assessment carried out by a illness
qualified psychologist confirming a learning
disability is visually impaired and/or needs to use
Braille papers
an assessment confirming a learning disability
carried out by a specialist teacher who holds a is normally permitted a reader but the
relevant qualification. syllabus in question is one where readers
cannot be permitted
Cambridge will also accept a report written by a
qualified teacher who has no additional special A request for more than 25 per cent extra time
needs qualification, but has had at least five must be made using Preparation Form 1.
years working experience in the area of special (e) Please note that prolonging the examination
educational needs. can be damaging to a candidates condition,
Candidates with medical, physical, mental or so a Centre should seek medical advice
other ill heath must have medical evidence in the before applying for an extra time allowance.
form of a report, letter or sick note. The evidence Cambridge cannot accept responsibility for
should cover the candidates period of secondary any ill-effects caused by access arrangements
education. requested by the Centre.
1.2.7 Regulations governing the use of 1.2.8 Regulations governing the

extra time up to 25 per cent production of a transcript
(a) Extra time is not allowed in an examination (a) The Centre may submit a transcript where
component where performance of a task in a candidates handwriting is illegible or so
a limited time is an assessment objective, or difficult to read that it would be beneficial for
where a candidates ability to demonstrate an examiner to be able to refer to a transcript
attainment in a subject is not affected by their for clarification.
special assessment needs. (b) The regulations apply equally to the
(b) An extra time allowance of up to 25 per cent transcription of a candidates answers in
should meet the needs of most candidates. Braille.
The amount of extra time granted must reflect (c) A transcript is a copy of the candidates script
the extent to which the completion of the made after the examination has taken place
examination is affected by the candidates and without the participation of the candidate.
condition.
(d) A transcript may be a full copy written in a
(c) Candidates eligible for extra time include spare answer booklet (Braille) or a partial copy
those with permanent or temporary physical where only certain words need clarification.
disabilities and those with a learning difficulty. In this case, the Centre must photocopy the
(d) Cambridge may give prior approval for an extra original script and write the words clearly
time allowance of more than 25 per cent only above the candidates writing (but not in red,
in exceptional cases. By exceptional cases it green or purple ink or pencil). It may be helpful
is understood that a candidate: to enlarge the photocopy to A3 size.
Centres must keep to the regulations relating section of the Cambridge website
to any arrangement allowed. Failure to comply www.cie.org.uk/examsofficers
with the regulations may result in a malpractice
investigation. Access Arrangements: Preparation Form 1

26 1 Preparation
Access arrangements
Preparation
(e) The Centre may produce a transcript that is Example of how access arrangements for a
handwritten, typed or word processed. transcript would apply
(f) The Centre must produce a transcript 1. A candidate with severe dyslexia writes in 1
immediately after the examination, under a very cramped style which is difficult for a
secure conditions. The candidate must not be stranger to read. His teachers are familiar with
involved in the production of the transcript. his writing. Cambridge permits one of them,
not his own subject teacher, to write a full
(g) A member of the Centres staff who is familiar
transcript in a clean answer booklet, which the
with the candidates handwriting or is fully
Centre sends to the examiner with the original
competent in Braille code for the subject
script.
Entries
concerned must produce the transcript.
2. A candidate writes some words illegibly. The
(h) The Centre must fill in a Transcript Cover 2
Centre makes a photocopy of the script and
Sheet and attach it to the candidates script.
writes in the necessary words clearly over the
The teacher preparing the transcript must sign
top of the candidates writing, but only on the
the cover sheet and a person acting on behalf
photocopy.
of the Head of Centre must counter-sign. The
Teacher assessment
Centre must also attach a cover sheet to any 1.2.9 Regulations governing the use of
coursework/portfolio work transcribed.
prompters
(i) The transcript must be an exact word-for-
(a) Centres may allow the use a prompter for
word copy of the candidates script. Where a
candidates who have:
candidate has misspelt a non-technical word 3
the transcriber may correct it in the transcript, severe attention difficulties
but must not add or leave out any words, or
change their order. The transcriber must not a neurological or cognitive disability
correct technical terms. affecting attention
Before the exams

(j) If the Centre considers that some little or no sense of time
interpretation is necessary, it should an obsessive-compulsive disorder which
discuss this with Cambridge well before causes them to keep revising a question
the examination. Centres should limit rather than moving on to other questions.
such interpretation to the correct spelling 4
of individual words or, in exceptional For a number of candidates in this category,
circumstances, some re-phrasing, rather than it may be sufficient for the invigilator to act
re-interpreting what the candidate has written. as the prompter, provided that the number
The Centre should be prepared to supply of candidates in the examination room is
samples of the candidates usual written work. small enough to allow this. The same person
may act as both a reader and a prompter if
(k) In language examinations, the transcript Cambridge has permitted the candidate to
Exam day
must be a word-for-word copy of the original have both.

script. The transcript must include any errors,
including those of spelling, punctuation and (b) A prompter is a responsible adult who may 5
grammar. sit beside the candidate in order to keep the
candidate focussed on the task in hand, and
(l) Production of the transcript must not delay the on the need to answer a question and then
despatch of scripts to the examiner. Centres
move on to the next.

must not send any extra information to the
examiner. (c) A prompter is not a reader, a scribe or a
practical assistant, but the same person may
(m) For candidates whose difficulties are so act as such as long as Cambridge has given
significant that the Centre cannot produce permission for each of these arrangements.
a transcript, please see the regulations
governing the use of scribes. 66

1 Preparation 27
Access arrangements
(d) The prompter is responsible to the Head of 2. A candidate with Aspergers Syndrome has
Centre/exams officer and must be a person no sense of time. The prompter sees that the
who is both acceptable to the Head and a candidate is doing nothing. She taps on the
person known to the candidate. desk to bring his attention back to the answer
he was writing.
(e) The prompter should not normally be the
candidates own subject teacher. On no 1.2.10 Regulations governing the use of
account may a relative, friend or peer of
supervised rest breaks
the candidate be a candidates prompter.
A prompter should be sufficiently familiar (a) The Centre may allow supervised rest breaks
with the candidate to recognise when their in timed components in most subjects.
attention is no longer on the task in hand.
(b) Candidates eligible for supervised rest breaks
(f) The provision of a prompter should reflect the include those with permanent or temporary
candidates normal way of working. physical disabilities and, in certain cases, those
with a learning difficulty.
(g) A prompter must not speak to the candidate,
give factual help or offer suggestions. It may (c) The Centre may give supervised rest breaks
be possible to say the candidates name or use either in or outside the examination room. The
certain instructions on flash cards. The Centre duration of the break must not be included
should submit flash cards to Cambridge before in the time allowed for the examination
the examination to make sure that they are component. The clock is stopped and then
acceptable. restarted. In certain cases the candidate may
require extra time as well as supervised rest
(h) A prompter must not advise the candidate
breaks.
about which questions to do, when to move
on to the next question, or the order in which 1.2.11 Coloured overlays/paper
to answer questions.
(a) Some visual perception difficulties are
(i) A prompter must only tap on the desk or normally corrected by the use of tinted
on the candidates arm, depending on what spectacles or coloured overlays. The Centre
is normal practice, in order to remind the may allow these if required.
candidate that they must pay attention to the
question. (b) Cambridge will not provide enlarged question
papers for candidates with such difficulties.
(j) A prompter should be prepared for periods However, Centres may, with the permission
of inactivity during the examination, but must of Cambridge, open question papers up to
remain vigilant and refer any problems during 30 minutes before the examination in order
the examination to the invigilator. to make enlargements or to photocopy
on coloured paper. Centres must take
(k) The prompter must abide by the regulations.
responsibility for ensuring that the entire paper
Failure to do so can lead to the disqualification
is copied and for maintaining the security of
of the candidate.
the question paper.
Example of how access arrangements for a
prompter would apply
1.2.12 Separate invigilation
(a) Centres may allow a candidate to have
1. A candidate with obsessive-compulsive
separate invigilation.
disorder goes over the first question again and
again. The prompter taps on the desk every (b) The Centre is responsible for ensuring that
quarter of an hour. The candidate knows how the candidate is accommodated in a suitable
many questions they must do in that time and venue and that an invigilator is provided.
tries to move on.
(c) The Centre must keep to the instructions
for the conduct of examinations at all times,
particularly in relation to accommodation and
invigilation arrangements.

28 1 Preparation
Access arrangements
Preparation
1.2.13 Visual aids (c) The Centre must give credit according to the
assessment criteria in the syllabus. Where the
Centres may allow a candidate with visual use of a computer means that the candidate
1
perception difficulties to use visual aids, for cannot demonstrate certain skills, the
example, CCTV or a magnifying glass. Centre must not give credit for those skills.
Cambridge may require a Centre to submit
1.2.14 Read aloud coursework produced on a computer for
inspection by a moderator.
If a candidate is not permitted a reader the
Centre may want to accommodate the candidate (d) It is the attainment of the candidate that must
separately so that he/she may read aloud, be assessed, so the use of the computer must
Entries
particularly where this is their normal way of not result in a misleading assessment or give
working. an unfair advantage.
2
1.2.15 Colour naming (e) Candidates who can produce work for
assessment by handwriting or drawing
Cambridge will allow colour blind candidates to
are expected to do so. Candidates must
ask the invigilator to name colours. The invigilator
only use a word processor if a disability or
Teacher assessment
cannot give any other information. If the candidate
learning difficulty impairs their handwritten
normally uses a colour chart, Cambridge will
communication, or if their handwriting is
allow them to do so in both written and practical
illegible so that they cannot present answers
examinations.
in the usual way. The use of a word processor
1.2.16 Simple translation dictionaries must reflect the candidates normal practice.
3
(a) The Centre must check the syllabuses before (f) Before choosing a syllabus for a candidate who
the examination to determine if a dictionary uses a computer, the Centre should consider
can be allowed. whether the candidate can fully meet its
assessment objectives. Some syllabuses test
(b) The use of a simple translation dictionary
Before the exams

particular skills (for example, drawing by hand),
should reflect the candidates normal way of which the candidate cannot demonstrate if
working within the Centre. a computer is used. If there is any doubt the
Centre should consult Cambridge. It is in the
(c) Electronic dictionaries, reading pens,
candidates best interest to establish at an
translators, wordlists or glossaries must not be 4
early stage if they can use a word processor.
used.
(g) A word processor must be used as a
(d) Translation of either examination material
typewriter, not as a database, although
or the candidates answers into or from the
standard formatting software is acceptable.
candidates first language is not allowed.
Word processors must not have spell
1.2.17 Regulations governing the use of checking, grammatical checking or thesaurus Exam day
features, or give the candidate access to

word processors, computers and
other applications (such as calculators,
electronic typewriters spreadsheets). They must not include graphics
5
(a) Candidates can normally complete coursework packages or computer-aided design software
on word processors unless prohibited by the unless Cambridge has given permission for
syllabus. this.
(b) Marks will be awarded based on the (h) Cambridge will determine what effect, if any,
achievement demonstrated by the candidate. the use of specific software may have on its
In order to ensure the fair application of mark ability to assess the candidate fairly in each
schemes, Cambridge may, in some cases, ask subject. Cambridge reserves the right to seek
Centres to supply extra information about the independent advice concerning the operation
means the candidate used to answer particular of computers and software by candidates in
66
examination questions. order to decide what access arrangements the
Centre should make.

1 Preparation 29
Access arrangements
(i) A computer or word processor must not be coursework produced on a computer for
connected to the internet or any other means moderation.
of communication.
Example of how access arrangements for a
(j) The Centre/candidate must clear the word word processor would apply
processor of any previously stored data. The
word processor must be in good working order 1. A candidate taking a Design and Technology
and must be connected to mains electricity. paper wants to use a word processor. Most
It must also be connected to a printer so a of the paper involves drawing original designs
script can be printed. Printing may be done by hand. Cambridge does not allow computer-
after the examination is over, not during the aided design packages in this particular paper.
extra time. The candidate should be present The request to use a word processor is
for the printing to check that the work printed refused.
is his or her own. Frequent saving of work is 2. A candidate who cannot write legibly because
strongly recommended. Where it is available, she has severe dyslexia applies to use a word
candidates can use an auto-save facility. processor in examinations. It is her normal
(k) The use of a word processor must reflect means of producing written work because her
the candidates normal method of producing teachers cannot read her writing. She is very
written work. proficient on the machine. Cambridge allows
her to use a word processor.
(l) Centres must accommodate candidates using
word processors in such a way that other 1.2.18 Regulations governing the use of
candidates are not disturbed and cannot read readers
the screen. Where candidates using a word
(a) If a candidate wants to use a reader, the
processor are accommodated separately, they
Centre must submit an application before
will need a separate invigilator.
the first examination using an access
(m) Centres must attach word processed scripts arrangements form together with evidence of
to any answer booklet containing some of the need.
answers.
(b) The Centre must get permission for the
(n) Candidates must use word processors to use of a reader from Cambridge before the
produce scripts under secure conditions, examination or at the commencement of
otherwise scripts may be refused. coursework.
(o) Word processors must not include voice- (c) Cambridge will allow a reader in certain
activated software unless the candidate has subjects where a candidate has a more
permission to use a scribe and/or relevant significant impairment. For visually impaired
software. candidates, this means:
(p) A third party must not use a word processor those who cannot read a Braille/enlarged
on the candidates behalf unless the candidate paper independently
has permission to use a scribe.
those whose impairment is a result of a
(q) The Centre must attach a Word Processor temporary injury.
Cover Sheet to each script where the word
(d) Cambridge will allow a reader for candidates
processor was used.
with other types of disability, impairment, or
(r) For Cambridge Pre-U coursework the more significant impairment, where reading
Centre should give credit according to skills (accuracy, speed, comprehension) have
the assessment criteria for the syllabus. been measured in a test by an educational
Where the use of the computer means that psychologist, a clinical psychologist, an
certain skills cannot be demonstrated, the occupational psychologist or a specialist
Centre must not give credit for those skills. teacher and are in the below average range.
Cambridge may require a Centre to submit Below average is a technical definition which

30 1 Preparation
Access arrangements
Preparation
means one deviation below the mean on (l) The use of a reader must not give the
an up-to-date, nationally standardised test. candidate an unfair advantage or disadvantage.
It does not mean below average standard in a
particular Centre. (m) The reader must only read the instructions 1
and questions on the question paper(s) and

(e) Cambridge will not allow a reader if the must not explain or clarify. In some cases the
request is based on English not being the understanding of the written word may be the
candidates first language. skill being examined, for example, in language
examinations (including English).
(f) The provision of a reader should reflect the
candidates normal way of working, except in (n) The reader must not advise the candidate
Entries
cases of temporary injury. which questions to answer, when to move
on to the next question, or in which order to
(g) A reader is a responsible adult who reads the answer questions. 2
questions to the candidate. This may involve
reading the whole paper or only some words (o) The reader must not decode symbols and unit
that the candidate requests. abbreviations. For example, do not read 22 as
two squared but simply point to the function
(h) A reader is not a scribe, but the same person
Teacher assessment
since part of the assessment is recognising
may act as both reader and scribe as long what the superscript 2 means. Similarly, if the
as Cambridge has given permission for both symbol > is printed, do not read it as greater
arrangements. than but simply point to it.
(i) Cambridge will not allow a reader for sections (p) The reader may read numbers printed in 3
of papers that test reading. Cambridge may figures as words. For example they should
instead grant an extra time allowance to a read 252 as two hundred and fifty two but at
candidate who would normally be eligible for a the point of reading the number they should
reader but is not permitted this arrangement in also point to it on the paper. An exception
certain examinations. would be when the question is asking for a
Before the exams

(j) The reader is responsible to the Head number to be written in words (for example,
of Centre/exams officer and must be a Write the number 3675 in words).
person acceptable to the Head of Centre (q) The reader may read back, when requested,
as well as capable of reading the material what has been written in the answer. 4
involved. A reader should not normally be the
candidates own subject teacher and must not (r) The reader may, if requested, give the spelling
be a relative, friend or peer. of a word which appears on the question
paper. Apart from this they must not give
(k) The Centre is responsible for ensuring that if a spellings.
candidate and reader are not accommodated
separately, other candidates cannot overhear (s) The reader may enable a visually impaired Exam day
what the reader is saying and are not disturbed candidate to identify diagrams, graphs and
by their presence. If the candidate and reader tables, but must not give factual information
are accommodated separately, they will or offer any suggestions, other than to give
5
require a separate invigilator. information which would be available to
sighted candidates.
(t) The reader must abide by the regulations.

Important information Failure to do so could lead to the

disqualification of the candidate.
We recommend Centres make any candidates
using a reader in an exam aware of what the (u) Centres whose candidates are not permitted a
reader can and cannot do before the candidate reader may want to accommodate candidates
takes their first exam. Centres can download separately so that they may read aloud,
instructions for readers from particularly where this is their normal way of 66
www.cie.org.uk/examsofficers working.

1 Preparation 31
Access arrangements
(v) Cambridge will permit a computer reader if a of the examination in question. For all cases
candidate is eligible for a reader. Centres must the Centre must fill in Preparation - Form 1,
also request early opening so that they can stating the arrangements that were allowed
scan papers into the software. The software and send this to Cambridge as soon as
must not decode or interpret the paper. possible together with the candidates medical
Cambridge will not permit a computer reader certificate.
in sections of papers that test reading.
1.2.19 Regulations governing the use of
(w) Readers for the visually impaired: scribes
must read, as often as requested, the (a) The Centre must submit an application before
questions and the answers already the candidates first examination using an
recorded access arrangements form together with
evidence of need.
must, if asked, give information about
time elapsed and remaining (b) The Centre must get permission for the
use of a scribe from Cambridge before the
are permitted to help a candidate using
examination or at the commencement of
tactile maps, diagrams, graphs and tables
coursework.
to obtain the information which the print/
amended print copy would give to a (c) A scribe is a responsible adult who, in
sighted candidate coursework and/or in examinations, but not
in speaking test examinations, writes down
must, if requested, give the spelling of a
or word processes a candidates dictated
word which occurs in the question paper
answers. If a candidate dictates answers on to
or in the coursework material otherwise
a tape the Centre must produce a transcript.
they must not give spellings
Candidates must respond in English. The
must be prepared for periods of inactivity use of any other language could advantage or
during an examination disadvantage a candidate.
must immediately refer any problems in (d) Candidates are eligible to use a scribe if they
communication during an examination to suffer from long-term or temporary disabilities
the invigilator. If in doubt always speak to that prevent them from communicating by
the invigilator. any other means. If writing is a skill which
is being tested and the use of a scribe could
(x) Where a temporary injury causes the need for modify the requirements of the subject being
a reader the Centre must, if possible, contact examined, the candidate must dictate all
Cambridge before the examination. If the punctuation in their responses. The Centre
Centre cannot contact Cambridge, the Head must describe in full on the cover sheet all
of Centre may use their discretion on the day assistance provided to the candidate by the
of the examination to allow arrangements that scribe, including help with spelling. However,
will alleviate the problem. However, Centres it will not be possible to use a scribe in certain
must make sure that the access arrangements language syllabuses where it is not possible to
do not interfere with the assessment criteria dictate responses.
We recommend Centres make any candidates
using a scribe in an exam aware of what the Forms available from the Exams Officers
scribe can and cannot do before the candidate section of the Cambridge website
takes their first exam. Centres can download www.cie.org.uk/examsofficers
instructions for scribes from
www.cie.org.uk/examsofficers Access Arrangements: Preparation Form 1

32 1 Preparation
Access arrangements
Preparation
(e) A scribe is not a reader, but the same person the scribe may at the request of the
may act as both scribe and reader as long candidate read back part of what has been
as Cambridge has given permission for both written but must make no comment about
1
arrangements. any part of the answer given
(f) Cambridge will allow a scribe in certain the scribe must draw or add to maps,
subjects when a candidates impairment diagrams and graphs strictly in accordance
has a significant effect. For visually impaired with the candidates instructions, unless
candidates, this means those who cannot the candidate is taking a design paper, in
record their answer independently through which case Cambridge will only permit a
handwriting, touch typing, Braille input or scribe to assist with written parts of the
Entries
other means. Centres should only request paper
scribes for candidates who cannot produce
written communication by any other means, the scribe must abide by the regulations 2
for example, word processing. For examination since failure to do so could lead to the
purposes, this means: disqualification of the candidate
candidates whose spelling accuracy score the scribe must write or word process a
Teacher assessment
is in the below average category correction on a typescript or Braille sheet
if requested to do so by the candidate
candidates whose free writing cannot
be read by others, is grammatically the scribe must immediately refer any
incomprehensible or is produced so problems in communication during the
slowly that answers cannot be fully examination to the invigilator 3
recorded even with the extra time allowed the scribe must not give factual help
candidates whose handwriting speed to the candidate or indicate when the
(words per minute) is in the below answer is complete
average range for their age
Before the exams

the scribe must not advise the candidate
candidates with a permanent physical about which questions to answer, when
disability or recent injury who are unable to move on to the next question, or about
to write. the order in which to answer questions.
(g) The scribe is responsible to the Head of (j) The provision of a scribe should reflect the 4
Centre/exams officer and must be a person candidates normal way of working, except in
acceptable to the Head of Centre, who is cases where temporary injury, for example, a
capable of recording the material involved. broken arm, means a scribe is needed.
A scribe should not normally be the (k) The Centre must attach Exam day Form 4
candidates own subject teacher and must not to each script. The cover sheet must indicate
be a relative, friend or peer. whether graphs and diagrams were completed
Exam day
(h) The Centre is responsible for ensuring that by the candidate or by the scribe. The cover
a candidate dictating to a scribe cannot be sheet must be signed by the scribe and
overheard by, or distract other candidates. countersigned by the Head of Centre or the 5
If the candidate and scribe are accommodated exams officer. The Centre must also attach a
separately, they will require a separate copy of Cambridges letter of agreement to the
invigilator. use of a scribe.
(i) The following conditions apply to the use of a

scribe:
the scribe must write down or word
process accurately what the candidate
has said (except in an examination 66
requiring word processing, in which case
Cambridge will not permit a scribe) Scribe/Writer Cover Sheet: Exam day Form 4

1 Preparation 33
Access arrangements
(l) Cambridge will not allow a scribe in subjects (p) The following computer software can be used:
testing writing, such as languages writing
papers, unless the candidate can dictate the software which produces a hard copy of
words letter by letter. The candidates dictation the candidates dictated answers
may be taped. This will help the candidate to software which produces speech that can
get the flow of the particular language. When be used to dictate to a scribe
the candidate has finished dictating their
response the tape may be re-run, enabling the software which produces a hard copy with
candidate to give the exact spellings of the predictive text when the candidate uses
words dictated. In such circumstances, the a word processor, but in line with scribe
Centre may allow extra time of up to 25 per regulations.
cent.
Example of how access arrangements for
(m) In language writing tests candidates are scribes would apply
marked for the quality of their language, which
covers not only the range and complexity, 1. A candidate with severe cerebral palsy has
but also the accuracy of the language. It is no use of his hands. He cannot use speech
therefore essential for words to be spelt out recognition software because his speech is
in such examinations. Similarly in language indistinct. It is too difficult for him to spell out
listening and reading tests, marks are awarded each word letter by letter. He is permitted a
for comprehension. Sometimes the spelling of scribe in all subjects except language writing
a word in a language can indicate a particular papers where writing in the language is being
tense and this can be of importance in tested.
marking. 2. A candidate with severe dyspraxia cannot use
(n) In other subjects testing written a word processor because she has poor motor
communication skills, including English, skills. She can dictate words in her chosen
Cambridge will allow a scribe. In such cases language examination letter by letter. She is
Cambridge will assess the candidate only permitted a scribe, but must dictate in the
on those aspects of written communication language by spelling out words letter by letter.
which they can demonstrate independently, In other subjects, she is permitted simply to
such as the use of language, or effective and dictate without spelling out the words, unless
grammatical presentation. If separate marks they are uncommon ones. Her marks are
are awarded in an examination for spelling credited for those skills she has demonstrated.
and punctuation, these cannot be credited to 1.2.20 Regulations governing the use of
a candidate using a scribe. Cambridge may
practical assistants
award marks for punctuation if this is dictated,
and if the Centre notes this fact on the Scribe (a) The Centre must submit an application before
Cover Sheet. the candidates first examination using an
access arrangements form together with
(o) Where a temporary injury gives rise to the
evidence of need.
need for a scribe the Centre must contact
Cambridge before the examination if possible. (b) The Centre must obtain permission from
If the Centre cannot contact Cambridge the Cambridge for the use of a practical
Head of Centre may use their discretion assistant before the examination or at the
on the day of the examination to allow commencement of coursework.
arrangements that will alleviate the problem.
However, Centres must make sure that the (c) A practical assistant is a support in practical
access arrangements are compatible with assessments who will:
the assessment criteria of the examination.
make sure candidates are safe
For all cases the Centre must fill in an access
arrangements form, stating the arrangements transmit visual observations at the
that were allowed, and send this to Cambridge candidates instructions
as soon as possible, together with the
candidates medical certificate.

34 1 Preparation
Access arrangements
Preparation
carry out some or all of the manual tasks (k) The practical assistant is responsible to the
contributing to the practical examination, Head of Centre/exams officer and must
at the candidates instruction. be a person acceptable to the Head and
1
able to carry out the tasks involved. The
Candidates may be eligible to use a practical practical assistant should not normally be
assistant if they suffer from disabilities or the candidates own subject teacher. On no
indispositions which prevent them from account may this be a relative, friend or peer.
carrying out the manual tasks themselves.
Practical assistants must never give assistance (l) The provision of a practical assistant should
with analysis of data or answers to questions. reflect the candidates normal way of working,
except in cases of temporary injury to the
Entries
(d) Before Cambridge can consider allowing writing hand or arm.
a practical assistant the Centre must seek
advice at the beginning of the course about (m) Centres may need to accommodate separately 2
whether or not it will affect the assessment candidates using a practical assistant in
criteria. externally set practical examinations, in which
case they will require a separate invigilator.
(e) The use of a practical assistant must not
Teacher assessment
give the candidate an unfair advantage or (n) The candidate may require the practical
disadvantage. The practical assistant is assistant, who may also be acting as a reader
used to enable the candidate to show their and/or scribe, to read back part of what they
knowledge, understanding and skills. have written, but the practical assistant must
make no comment about any part of the
(f) A practical assistant is a responsible adult answer given. 3
who, in coursework and/or in an examination,
carries out practical tasks at the instruction of (o) A practical assistant must not give factual help
the candidate. In an examination this might to the candidate or indicate when a task is
include holding a ruler or turning the pages complete.
of the script. In practical assessments, the
Before the exams

practical assistant might pour liquids, weigh (p) A practical assistant must not advise the
solids or hold equipment for the candidate. candidate about which practical questions
to answer, when to move on to the next
(g) A practical assistant must make sure the question, or the order in which they should
candidate and those around them are safe. answer questions. 4
(h) A practical assistant is not a reader or scribe (q) A practical assistant must carry out accurately
but the same person may act as a reader, what the candidate has asked them to do,
scribe and practical assistant as long as unless to do so would endanger the candidate
Cambridge has given permission for all three or others.
arrangements.
(r) The practical assistant must abide by the Exam day
(i) Cambridge will allow a practical assistant regulations. Failure to do so can lead to the
in certain subjects when a candidates disqualification of the candidate.
impairment has a significant adverse effect,
and prevents them from performing practical Example of how access arrangements for a 5
tasks independently. This might be because practical assistant would apply

their level of manual dexterity or physical co- 1. A candidate who has a severe tremor in both
ordination is below that of most people.
hands cannot safely perform any Science

(j) Cambridge will not allow a practical assistant practical activity. She applies for a practical
in subjects testing design or artistic skills, (for assistant. She is credited with marks for
example, Music, Art, Design and Technology, planning, evaluation and observations, but
IT keyboarding or word processing), where the she cannot gain marks for using techniques,
practical skill is the focus of the assessment. apparatus and materials.
Where minimal assistance only is required 66
please contact Cambridge.

1 Preparation 35
Access arrangements
2. A candidate has hemiplegia affecting his left 1.2.22 Regulations governing the use of
side. He is right-handed. He needs a practical other arrangements
assistant in Science to hold equipment
steady while he performs practical tasks. The Coursework extensions
practical assistant is acting only as a second
(a) The Centre must submit an application before
hand where two hands are needed. The
the candidates first examination using an
candidate does not lose any marks for using
access arrangements form together with
apparatus and materials because he performs
evidence of need.
by himself those skills which are being
assessed. (b) A Centre may request permission from
Cambridge for an extension to the deadline
1.2.21 Regulations governing the use for the submission of coursework marks.
of live speakers for pre-recorded This might apply in the case of teacher illness
examination components or the long-term illness of a candidate who
has been unable to finish coursework at the
normal time.
the candidates first examination using an
access arrangements form together with Alternative accommodation
evidence of need.
(b) The Centre must obtain permission from the candidates first examination using an
Cambridge before the examination for the use access arrangements form together with
of live speakers. evidence of need.
(c) The Head of Centre must appoint the live (b) A Centre may apply to Cambridge for
speakers presenting the listening component. permission to allow a candidate to take a
The live speakers must be fluent in the paper at another venue.
language in question ideally the live speakers
should be teachers of the language. (c) Centres should request alternative
accommodation only for candidates who are
(d) The Centre should consider the abilities of the physically or mentally impaired to the extent
candidates as lip readers when requiring them that they cannot take the paper in the Centre,
to share live speakers. There should never be but are considered medically fit to take it
more than six candidates to one live speaker elsewhere.
and they should be seated so as to gain
maximum benefit from the live speaker. Ideally (d) The Head of Centre/exams officer must be
live speakers should work with only one or satisfied that a named responsible adult at
two candidates. Invigilation should take place the other venue will keep the paper in secure
in the normal way. conditions. This adult must make sure that
the examination is conducted in line with the
(e) The Centre should allow the live speaker Instructions for the Conduct of Examinations.
access to the CDs before the examination,
to allow them to prepare their role from the (e) The Centre should request permission as far
transcript and to hear the speed of delivery in advance of the examination as possible,
required. No personal interpretation of the text especially if separately packaged papers are to
is permitted. be sent.
(f) To comply with security requirements, it (f) Centres must not open question paper packets
will be necessary to delay the start of the before the scheduled date of the examination.
examinations for the candidates concerned
(g) Centres can request permission if they need to
and to place them under Centre supervision
open question paper packets up to 30 minutes
while preparation takes place. The Centre
before the scheduled start of the examination,
must not open materials (the transcript and
especially when emergency medical situations
CD) before the scheduled time on the final
arise at the last minute, for example a
timetable.

36 1 Preparation
Access arrangements
Preparation
candidate is suddenly admitted to hospital, and design and technology (design and
papers have to be taken to another venue. The making).
Centre must have permission from Cambridge
before they open the question paper packets. 1.2.24 Appeals against the outcome 1
of applications for access

(h) The Centre must package securely all papers arrangements
to be taken to another venue on the day of
the examination and keep them under secure The Head of Centre must send any appeal in
conditions at all times. writing within 28 days from the date of notification
of the decision. No requests for an appeal will be
(i) Centres should despatch scripts with the accepted directly from a candidate.
Entries
Centres other scripts and send them to the
examiner at the normal time. Where scripts When making an appeal, Centres must provide
have to be despatched separately from Cambridge with any extra information or evidence 2
a distant venue, the Centre should make they would like the Appeals Committee to consider.
sure that the other venue has appropriately
addressed envelopes. Centres should not send Once a Centre has submitted an appeal, all
any medical information in the script packets. communication relating to the case must be in
Teacher assessment
writing.
Colour naming for colour blind candidates
Cambridge will not enter into any communication
Cambridge will allow candidates who are colour about an appeal with candidates or their parents.
blind to ask the invigilator to name colours. The
invigilator cannot give any other information or Cambridge will inform the Centre/Cambridge
3
explanation. If the candidate normally uses a colour Associate of the outcome within 28 days of the
chart, Cambridge will let them do so in both written appeal.
and practical examinations. 1.2.24.1 Access arrangements appeal process
1.2.23 Exemptions Stage 1
Before the exams

Cambridge needs to balance carefully the (a) At stage 1 the evidence is reviewed by
requirement to make sure qualifications are senior staff within the Compliance Unit. All
accessible to candidates, with the need to protect previous evidence is considered alongside any
the integrity of the qualification. Exemptions are new evidence or mitigating circumstances
4
appropriate in a few extreme cases, but Cambridge submitted by the Centre.
will only consider them as a last resort when it has
made all other reasonable adjustments. (b) The Centre/Cambridge Associate will be
notified of any decision in writing.
(a) The candidate must still cover the course for
assessment even if they are exempt from a Stage 2
particular component.
This takes place if the Centre is not satisfied by the
Exam day
(b) Cambridge will not permit exemptions when outcome of the stage 1 appeal. A request to go to
they would compromises the integrity of the stage 2 will only be accepted if requested by the
qualification. Centre. 5
(c) Cambridge will not allow exemptions from (a) At stage 2 the Cambridge Appeals Committee
components which are the key objectives of will consider the appeal against the decisions
made.
the syllabus.
(d) Examples of where exemptions are not (b) The Cambridge Appeals Committee consists
permitted (this list is not exhaustive): of a Cambridge director or assistant director
who will act as the chair, the regulations officer
science practical who will minute the meeting and at least two
independent panel members. Other subject,
art and design 66
assessment or specialist staff may be invited

1 Preparation 37
Access arrangements
to give extra information as required. The

Appeals Committee will review the evidence
and decide what action, if any, should be
taken. The Committee will consider each case
on an individual basis in the light of all the
information.
(c) The outcome of a stage 2 appeal is final

and Cambridge will not enter into further
correspondence.

38 1 Preparation
2 Entries
Preparation
2.1 Candidates
2.1.1 Eligibility 1
(a) Cambridge places no age restrictions on entry for

assessments.
(b) Each candidate must be entered by a Centre.
(c) Candidates may not enter for the same syllabus code at two
different Centres in the same examination series.
Entries
(d) All candidates must meet the full requirements of the
assessments for which they are entered.
2
In this section (e) A Centre must authenticate and, where appropriate, mark and
moderate all work submitted for assessment.
39 2.1 Candidates
41 2.2 Estimating entries 2.1.2 Private candidates
Teacher assessment
41 2.3 Making final entries Assessments are primarily designed for candidates who are
registered on courses of study at schools and colleges that are
41 2.4 Entry fees, late entries registered as Centres with Cambridge. However, some candidates
and entry amendments
who do not attend Cambridge Centres may want to enter for
42 2.5 Retaking examinations assessments. Such individuals are referred to as private candidates. 3
and coursework
components Centres must check syllabuses to make sure that they are suitable
for private candidates before they make any entries. Syllabuses can
be downloaded from the Cambridge website.
Before the exams

(a) Private candidates must be able to meet the full requirements
of any assessment for which they are entered. Certain options,
including those with coursework, are not available to private
candidates.
4
(b) Entry for assessments can only be made through a Centre. It is
up to private candidates to make arrangements with a Centre.
(c) The Centre must pay fees to Cambridge for any private
candidates accepted. The Centre may require private
candidates to reimburse the entry fee and also to pay a fee
to cover the cost of supervision and the marking of any
coursework or other internally-assessed work by staff of the
Exam day
Centre.
(d) Private candidates are identified separately in summaries of 5

the Centres results. The Centre name does not appear on
certificates issued to private candidates.
66

2 Entries 39
Candidates
2.1.3 Transferred candidates 2.1.5 Declaration of interest

Candidates entered for Cambridge examinations (a) If a member of staff, including the Head of
that need to move Centres, can only continue Centre, has an interest in a person taking a
with the examinations if they move to a centre Cambridge assessment or if they are taking
registered with Cambridge. a Cambridge assessment themselves they
must fill in Entries Form 1. They must hand
(a) A candidate who transfers to another the form to the Head of Centre (or the exams
Cambridge Centre after final entries are made officer if the member of staff concerned is
becomes the responsibility of the receiving the Head of Centre) who will send a copy to
Centre. This Centre should allocate its own Cambridge for the attention of the Compliance
candidate number to the candidate. Unit. Centres must store the original form
(b) The original Centre must fill in Entries for a period of one year and it must be made
Form 3. The receiving Centre must complete available if Cambridge asks to see it.
Entries Form 4. Once Cambridge receives (b) Interest in a person applies to:
both forms, it will move the entry from
the original Centre to the receiving Centre. a close relative
Centres should not make changes to the
entry until Cambridge has confirmed that the children
transfer is complete. grandchildren
(c) Cambridge will refund to the original Centre cousins
any exam fees charged and issue a new
invoice to the receiving Centre. Cambridge will nieces
not charge late entry fees to Centres receiving
a transferred candidate. nephews
(d) Where necessary, the original and the any person whose relationship to you
receiving Centres must make arrangements could compromise the integrity of the
for the completion of internal assessment. Centre or of Cambridges assessments
The receiving Centre must submit all marks any person whose relationship to you
and coursework samples for internally could compromise your integrity or
assessed work. good name, as a Centre employee or
(e) Cambridge is unable to accept a request for otherwise, if you did not disclose the
transfer received less than 10 days before the relationship.
first examination of the candidate. (c) Centres should fill in Entries Form 1 as
(f) Centres should submit requests for full soon as they know that the person concerned
candidate transfers only. Cambridge cannot will be, or has been, entered for a Cambridge
accept requests for transfer for specific examination. The form is available on
syllabuses or components. CIE Direct.
2.1.4 Communicating about

candidates Administrative forms
Only the Head of Centre, exams officer/Centre Forms available from the Exams Officers
co-ordinator or their nominated deputy responsible section of the Cambridge website
for the candidates entry should communicate www.cie.org.uk/examsofficers
with Cambridge on any aspect of a candidates
assessment. Only in exceptional circumstances Declaration of Interest: Entries Form 1
will Cambridge, at its discretion, correspond
Candidate Transfer Request: Entries Form 3
directly with candidates or their parents.
Candidate Transfer Confirmation: Entries
Form 4

40 2 Entries
Estimating entries
Preparation
2.2 Estimating entries 2.4 Entry fees, late entries and
Centres should provide estimated entry entry amendments
1
information when requested by Cambridge.
2.4.1 Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge
Centres that do not submit estimated entries may
O Level and Cambridge
not have the necessary materials to carry out
assessments at the specified time.
International AS and A Level
(a) Cambridge will charge an entry fee per
syllabus per candidate. Centres will also be
2.3 Making final entries charged a single fee for each candidate for any
Entries
Cambridge O Level or Cambridge International
(a) Final entries can be submitted to Cambridge
AS and A Level entries they make.
online using the CIE Direct website, or
2
using the Direct Desktop application. See (b) Cambridge will charge late entry fees for any
the Cambridge Guide to Making Entries for syllabus entries or changes to entry options
instructions. received after the final entry closing date.
(b) The Head of Centre is responsible for making
Teacher assessment
(c) If a candidate changes their syllabus entry with
sure entry data sent to Cambridge is accurate, another subject after the closing date for final
complete and submitted on time. entries, Cambridge will charge the Centre a
new syllabus entry fee and a late entry fee.
(c) After the final entries deadline Centres can
Cambridge cannot refund the original syllabus
send Cambridge late entries or changes to
entry or transfer the entry fees for the original
entries until the late entry closing date (see 3
syllabus to the new syllabus entry.
the >Cambridge Administrative Guide).
Cambridge charges a late entry fee for any (d) Cambridge will accept November examination
entries which we receive after the entry series retake entries, which are dependent
deadline, or for any entries which are amended on results from the preceding June series,
Before the exams

or corrected after this date. until the date shown in the >Cambridge
Administrative Guide without charging a late
Cambridge may not be able to accept entries
entry fee. After this date, we will apply late
or amendments after the late entry closing
entry fees.
date.
4
(e) Although there is not a syllabus entry fee for
(d) Entry closing dates are shown in the
certain Cambridge IGCSE staged assessment
>Cambridge Administrative Guide.
entry options, Centres are liable for late entry
2.3.1 Candidate numbering fees for any entries received after the closing
date.
The Centre must assign one unique four-digit
number to every candidate in the examination (f) Fee rates and methods of payment are Exam day
series. detailed in the Cambridge fees list. This

document is issued annually and can be
2.3.2 Confirming entries downloaded via CIE Direct. You can request
5
a hard copy of the fees document by emailing
If Centres make their entries using CIE Direct
international@cie.org.uk
online entries they can download a statement
of entry at any point confirming the entry status Cambridge invoices Centres for any late fees
for each of the their candidates. Cambridge will or other priced services they have used.
issue statements of entry to Centres, showing
details of each candidates entry. Centres should
give candidates, including private candidates, the
opportunity to check these details. Statements of
entry will form the Centres record of entries, both
66
before and during the assessment.

2 Entries 41
Retaking examinations and coursework components
2.4.2 Refunding fees taken the Cambridge International AS Level papers

in a previous series they do not have to take them
Cambridge will usually only refund entry fees if again, but can carry forward their result.
told of the withdrawal of a candidate before the
published entry closing date. Subject to the requirements of the particular
Cambridge International A Level syllabus, a
However, Cambridge will consider refund candidate can use an award in a Cambridge
requests for candidates withdrawn after the entry International AS Level syllabus towards an award
deadline on medical grounds. Centres should in a Cambridge International A Level syllabus,
email a request to international@cie.org.uk, in the same subject, within a 13 month period.
including a statement from a medical practitioner For example, a candidate may use an award in
confirming that the candidate was unable to sit a Cambridge International AS Level syllabus in
the examination(s). Centres should not remove November 2011 towards the award of a Cambridge
the entry until Cambridge confirms the refund has International A Level in the same subject in June
been approved. 2012 and/or November 2012.
Refunds are issued as a credit on the Centres next Centres must follow the processes for entering
invoice. candidates for staged assessments as set out in
the >Cambridge Administrative Guide.
2.5 Retaking examinations and

coursework components
Centres must follow the processes set out in the
>Cambridge Administrative Guide for submitting
retake entries and for carrying forward marks.
2.5.1 Staged assessment

The curriculum for most Cambridge International
Advanced (A) Level syllabuses includes the
curriculum to be covered for the Cambridge
International Advanced Subsidiary (AS) Level in
the same subject. The Cambridge International
AS Level syllabus covers about half of the material
of the Cambridge International A Level syllabus.
The part of the Cambridge International A Level
syllabus that is not included in the Cambridge
International AS Level syllabus is sometimes
referred to as the A2 syllabus because it is
usually covered in the second year of a two-year
Cambridge International A Level course.
Candidates may either take a Cambridge

International AS Level examination as an end in
itself or as an intermediate examination halfway
to a Cambridge International A Level. Candidates
do not have to take the Cambridge International
AS Level examination before the Cambridge
International A Level.
A2 is not a qualification. Candidates who have

studied the A2 part of a Cambridge International
A Level syllabus must enter for the full Cambridge
International A Level. However, if they have already

42 2 Entries
Preparation
3.1 Centre-based assessment
Coursework is any component specified by a Cambridge syllabus
1
that is assessed in the Centre, either by the Centres teachers or
by other local teachers, and moderated by Cambridge. Examples
are: projects, folios of essays, field work, art and craft items, design
studies, practical work, assignments, and experiments undertaken
and assessed during the course. Coursework may include work
for which the theme, experiment or parameters of a project have
been set by the teacher, specified in the syllabus or chosen by the
candidates.
Entries
3.1.1 Accreditation of coursework assessors 2
In this section (a) In order for a Centre to carry out internal assessment of
coursework in a subject, at least one teacher of the subject
43 3.1 Centre-based
assessment must have the appropriate certificate or letter of accreditation
from Cambridge. Please refer to the >Cambridge
Teacher assessment
46 3.2 Non-coursework Administrative Guide for details.
speaking tests
(b) Centres that make entries through a Cambridge Associate will
have to meet their requirements.
(c) An accredited teacher can assess the coursework component 3

in the subject in which they have been accredited. A teacher
accredited for Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Combined Science,
Coordinated Sciences or Physical Science can assess other
Sciences that they are qualified to teach.
Before the exams

(d) Accredited teachers can also supervise other teachers for
coursework assessment in the subject in which they are
accredited or in related subjects.
(e) When a Centre enters candidates for examinations that

4
include Centre-based assessment, they must send details of
accredited teachers to Cambridge by the dates given in the
>Cambridge Administrative Guide.
3.1.2 Submitting coursework for more than one
syllabus Exam day
There is no restriction on the submission of the same coursework

for more than one syllabus, unless indicated in the syllabus.
However, coursework submitted for more than one syllabus must
5
be relevant, and will be assessed separately for each syllabus
according to its criteria. More than one moderator may require
such coursework and it is the Centres responsibility to see that
it is made available, if necessary by photocopying. (For some
syllabuses, such as Design and Technology, photocopies may not

be appropriate.)
66

3 Teacher assessment 43
Centre-based assessment
3.1.3 Outline proposal form (b) In addition, teachers must:
For outline proposal forms, refer to the details and (i) continuously supervise work to prevent
deadlines given in the relevant syllabus and the plagiarism and to monitor progress
notes on the back of the form. (ii) distinguish between deliberate copying
If the candidate makes any changes to titles, then and an innocent over-reliance on books or
the form should be re-submitted to Cambridge for other published materials
confirmation that the new titles are acceptable. (iii) make sure that candidates state their
Any work submitted must be accompanied by the sources
outline proposal form. (iv) make sure that work is completed in line
Cambridge reserves the right to refuse any with syllabus requirements and can be
proposal or completed work that in its sole opinion assessed against the criteria.
is sexually explicit, violent, breaches standards (c) Cambridge requires teachers to record (on the
of good taste or decency, brings Cambridge candidates individual candidate record card)
into disrepute, is potentially illegal or otherwise full details of the nature of any assistance
actionable either in the UK or in the learners own given to individual candidates beyond that
jurisdiction, or, is otherwise controversial. specified above. Cambridge requires teachers
to take this assistance into account in
3.1.4 Authenticating coursework
awarding marks for the work.
In submitting coursework marks to Cambridge, the
(d) Private candidates or candidates entering
Centre and Cambridge Associate are deemed to
through a Centre other than the one they
have authenticated the work for which the marks
are studying at, may not submit coursework
have been accredited as the candidates own
unless the Centre making the entry to
original work. Coursework must not incorporate
Cambridge:
corrections made by the teacher. Centres should
fill in and submit to Cambridge declaration forms is able to authenticate the work as the
signed by both candidate and teacher. candidates own
3.1.5 Supervising coursework undertakes to oversee the marking of the

coursework.
(a) Cambridge does not expect candidates to
undertake coursework without guidance and 3.1.6 Presentation of coursework
continuing teacher supervision. Teachers may:
(a) Each candidate must present written
(i) assist with the choice of subjects for coursework on A4 paper, unless stated
investigations, models and topics otherwise in the syllabus.
(ii) indicate sources of information, for (b) Candidates may produce their coursework on
example, organisations or people who a word processor unless a particular syllabus
might be able to help, materials, places to specifically prohibits doing so.
visit and references
3.1.7 Marking coursework
(iii) advise on the practicability of ideas
suggested by candidates (a) The accredited teacher must award marks
for coursework in line with the criteria in
(iv) give advice as to length, approach and the syllabus and must provide evidence of
treatment how they have awarded marks, using the
(v) treat coursework as an integral part of the Cambridge documentation provided for
course and see that candidates are given, that syllabus. For most Cambridge IGCSE
as appropriate, regular class work and/or syllabuses this means recording the marks
homework relating to it. awarded on each candidates Individual
Candidate Record Card and then transferring a

44 3 Teacher assessment
Centre-based assessment
Preparation
summary of the marks of all the candidates in produce a rank order of candidates for the
the Centre for that syllabus to the Coursework Centre as a whole.
Assessment Summary Form.
(b) One teacher (who must be a teacher 1
(b) Teachers must apply the marking criteria to all accredited by Cambridge) per Centre per
pieces of work, without regard to the stage syllabus must take responsibility for the
of the candidates course at which they were standardisation of the marking of members of
produced. staff. This teacher must make sure that a valid
set of marks is produced for candidates in that
3.1.8 Incomplete or extra coursework syllabus from that Centre.
If the coursework component of a syllabus
Entries
(c) Standardisation within a Centre is to be
specifically requires candidates to produce several achieved by all teachers involved in assessing
distinct pieces of work (for example, three essays), samples of work coming to an agreement on 2
the Centre should credit a candidate who fails the marks to be awarded. Marks for some
to finish all parts of the coursework with only teaching groups may be moved up or down
the marks that they have earned for the work to ensure consistency for the whole Centre.
submitted, and should make no compensation Centres must round up any part marks to
Teacher assessment
unless an application for shortfall in coursework has reach the final total marks.
been made to and been accepted by Cambridge.
3.1.12 Submitting marks
If a candidate provides more than the prescribed
number of pieces of coursework, the worst Centres must follow the process for submitting
piece(s) should be disregarded in awarding the internally-assessed marks detailed in the 3
candidates mark, subject always to the satisfaction >Cambridge Administrative Guide.
of the requirements of the syllabus about the
nature of the work. 3.1.13 Selecting samples
3.1.9 Failure to complete coursework Centres must follow the processes for selecting
Before the exams

and submitting coursework samples for moderation
The teacher must indicate as absent (A) any as detailed in the >Cambridge Administrative
candidate entered for a coursework component Guide. If a Centre does not provide a coursework
in a syllabus who fails to submit any coursework. sample Cambridge will not issue a result for the
Such a candidate is not eligible for the award of a syllabus.
4
grade in that syllabus and will receive a No Result.
3.1.13.1 Coursework moderation of video
3.1.10 Requests for special evidence
consideration Centres must provide video evidence of
Where a candidate has a shortfall in coursework candidates performances for a range of subjects in
due to an unforeseen illness or other misfortune one of these formats: Exam day
during the period when coursework was produced, full-sized DVD (standard PAL or NTSC DVD
it may, in some subjects, be possible to accept a video) that can be played on a standard DVD
reduced quantity of coursework without penalty. player 5
It will not be possible to give this consideration in
every case, for example, if the candidate has not VHS format (PAL system) that can be played
satisfied the coursework assessment objectives. on a standard VHS player
3.1.11 Standardising marking within If Centres do not provide video evidence in the
Centres correct format Cambridge will not issue a result for
the syllabus.
(a) Cambridge requires Centres to standardise
assessments across teachers and teaching Centres must make sure that video evidence is
groups to make sure, for a particular syllabus, stored securely until submitted to Cambridge.
that all candidates in the Centre have been 66
judged against the same standards, and to

Non-coursework speaking tests
3.1.14 Dealing with unsatisfactory local teachers, then externally moderated by

Cambridge. The format for non-coursework
practice
speaking tests is set by Cambridge and is the
(a) Cambridge will provide further guidance where same for all candidates. The tests are carried out
individual teachers or Centres fail to meet as a terminal examination within a period set by
Cambridges requirements for coursework. Cambridge (that is, not over the course of study, as
with coursework speaking tests).
(b) Where, in Cambridges sole judgement, a
significant problem has occurred, Cambridge The following tests are non-coursework speaking
may revoke the accreditation of a teacher to tests:
mark coursework.
Cambridge IGCSE speaking tests for foreign
3.1.15 Returning samples language examinations syllabuses 0515,
0519, 0520, 0525, 0530, 0540, 0543, 0544,
Cambridge will not be responsible for loss of or 0545, 0546 and 0547
damage to coursework submitted for moderation.
Cambridge IGCSE second language speaking
Coursework that is externally assessed will be tests
returned if requested but a fee will be charged
per component. Centres should refer to the Cambridge IGCSE first language speaking
specification for details. tests Paper 5
3.1.16 Carrying forward Cambridge Cambridge International AS and A Level

languages other than English speaking tests.
IGCSE and Cambridge O Level
internally-assessed marks 3.2.2 Appointment of examiners for
Centres must follow the process for carrying non-coursework speaking tests
forward internally assessed marks as detailed in (a) Centres must select their own teacher/
the >Cambridge Administrative Guide. examiner, subject to accreditation
requirements. This would normally be
3.1.17 Re-use of coursework
a teacher from within the languages
It is permissible for a candidate to re-submit, in department, but could be a suitably qualified
whole or in part, the coursework they submitted in person independent of the department/
the previous examination series. Any work which Centre. A group of neighbouring Centres may
is re-submitted must meet the requirements of the choose the same examiner. Cambridge is not
syllabus for the year in which it is offered and may responsible for any fees agreed.
be subject to re-assessment.
Centres can contact Cambridge if they are in
3.1.18 Dishonesty and malpractice in any doubt about the suitability of a teacher/
coursework examiner.
In cases where dishonesty or malpractice is (b) For Centres operating through a Cambridge
suspected in relation to coursework, Centres must Associate, the Cambridge Associate will
take action in accordance with the regulations appoint the examiner and make arrangements
given in this handbook. for testing candidates.
(c) If a Nomination of an Oral Examiner form is

required, (in Cambridge International AS and
3.2 Non-coursework speaking A Level languages other than English), Centres
tests should refer to the details and deadlines given
in the relevant syllabus.
3.2.1 Definition of non-coursework
speaking tests
These speaking tests are internally administered
and assessed by the Centres teachers or other

Preparation
3.2.3 Training and accreditation of procedures. Teachers must not remove materials
from the Centre and must store them in secure
teachers/examiners for non-
conditions in accordance with Cambridge
coursework speaking tests regulations until after the speaking test period
1
(a) Accreditation from Cambridge is not required specified on the Cambridge timetable has passed
to conduct non-coursework speaking tests, (even if the Centre has completed its tests before
except in the case of Cambridge IGCSE that time).
English as a Second Language.
3.2.6 Malpractice in non-coursework
(b) For Cambridge IGCSE English as a Second speaking tests
Language, the teacher who conducts the tests
Entries
must have been accredited by Cambridge. In submitting speaking test marks to Cambridge, a
Accreditation will usually be gained through Centre is deemed to be making a statement that
2
successful completion of a speaking test it has fulfilled Cambridges requirements for the
training handbook. In some cases, Cambridge conduct of the speaking test. It is intended that
may instead grant accreditation on the basis the conversation elements of speaking tests will
of prior experience of conducting similar tests. be lively and spontaneous. Cambridge will deal
with any suspicion of collusion in the conduct of
Teacher assessment
For this, the Centres should seek permission
in the first instance by writing to Cambridge, speaking tests (for example, candidates or teachers
enclosing a CV detailing the teachers using pre-determined scripts, or rehearsal of role-
experience. plays where these form a part of the examination)
in accordance with Cambridges malpractice
(c) Speaking test handbooks are available procedures.
3
for Cambridge IGCSE speaking tests.
Cambridge recommends, in the interests of 3.2.7 Timetabling of non-coursework
candidates, that teacher-examiners who are speaking tests
new to a syllabus should undergo training
(a) The speaking tests take place before the main
before conducting their first speaking tests.
Before the exams

examination period and Centres should consult
Cambridge reserves the right to insist that
the front of the timetable for details. Each
teacher-examiners undergo training, should
Centre decides on a convenient period within
the external moderator judge this necessary.
the specified dates.
3.2.4 Estimated entries (b) Once started, Centres must make sure that 4
Cambridge sends material for speaking tests on testing is as continuous as possible.

the basis of estimated entries. Failure to submit
(c) Centres must write to Cambridge to get
estimated entries may result in Centres not having
permission if they need to conduct its
the necessary material to carry out assessments at
speaking tests after the stipulated period.
the specified time.
For more information see the >Cambridge

3.2.8 Marking non-coursework
Exam day
Administrative Guide. speaking tests (internal

assessment)
3.2.5 Special instructions for foreign 5
(a) The teacher-examiner must award marks
and second language Cambridge
for speaking tests in accordance with the
IGCSE non-coursework speaking criteria specified in the mark scheme for
tests
the component. Teacher-examiners will find

Four working days before the first day of speaking this in either the teachers notes booklet, for
tests, the Head of Centre should make available syllabuses where applicable, or in the syllabus
to the head of department or appropriate teacher- for the appropriate year.
examiner the confidential teachers notes booklet. (b) Centres must initially assess candidates
Teacher-examiners must allow sufficient time to during the face-to-face interview, and not 66
familiarise themselves with the materials and subsequently from any recording made. During

the speaking test the teacher-examiner will fill 3.2.10 Failure to complete non-
in the marks under the separate headings on
coursework speaking tests
the working mark sheet. The teacher-examiner
will then transfer the marks to the MS1 sheet (a) Where the speaking test mark contributes
or whichever method is used for submitting to the overall grade for the syllabus, Centres
marks to Cambridge. must make every effort to examine absentee
candidates. Candidates who do not take the
3.2.9 Absent candidates speaking test and who are not eligible for
(a) If any candidate is absent at the time set special consideration will not be awarded a
aside by the Centre for the speaking tests, grade in that syllabus and will receive a No
the Centre should make a request to allow Result.
the candidate to be examined at another time (b) Where the speaking test does not contribute
within the specified speaking test period. to the overall grade for the syllabus,
Arrangements made for any such candidates candidates who do not attend are still eligible
must not delay the despatch of the sample for an overall grade.
and mark sheets for moderation. However,
3.2.11 Requests for special
where an absent candidate will be taking
the speaking test at a later date, the Centre
consideration for non-
must indicate this on the working mark sheet. coursework speaking tests
In addition, the Centre must not mark the (a) Where Cambridge has granted approval, the
candidate as Absent on the computer-printed Centre may allow a candidate who failed to
mark sheet (MS1) or in the electronic marks attend the speaking test to take the test after
file, but, leave it blank. the main body of candidates.
Where arrangements are made to examine an (b) Where a candidate is unavoidably prevented
absent candidate at a later date, the Centre from completing the speaking test
must record the speaking test on a separate requirements of the syllabus, and there is no
CD/cassette, in addition to the specified possibility of them being examined at a later
sample. As soon as the rescheduled test has date, Cambridge will consider a request for
taken place, the Centre must despatch the CD/ special consideration.
cassette and a copy of the working mark sheet
that was submitted with the original sample, (c) Cambridge will not accept a Centres failure
and which now includes the mark for the to find a suitable examiner as grounds for
previously absent candidate to: granting special consideration.
Compliance Unit 3.2.12 Standardising of marking within

University of Cambridge International Centres
Examinations
1 Hills Road (a) Normally, a Centre should appoint only
Cambridge one teacher-examiner for each syllabus.
CB1 2EU Where a Centre wants to use extra teacher-
United Kingdom examiners because it has more than 30
candidates, it must seek permission to do so
The Centre must submit the total mark from Cambridge, by contacting the product
for the speaking test to Cambridge on a manager for the relevant subject, before the
supplementary internal mark sheet. start of each speaking test period.
(b) The teacher-examiner must indicate as absent (b) Where permission is granted for more than
(A) on both the working and computer-printed one teacher-examiner to conduct and assess
mark sheet any candidate who fails to take the speaking tests, Cambridge requires Centres
speaking test, and who is not eligible to take to standardise assessments across different
the test at a later date as a result of special teachers-examiners. This is to make sure, for
consideration. a particular syllabus, that all candidates in the

Preparation
Centre have been judged against the same (d) Before despatching CDs or cassettes,
standards, and to produce a rank order of teachers/examiners must carry out spot-
candidates for the Centre as a whole. checks to make sure that all the candidates
1
required for the purpose of the sample have
(c) One teacher-examiner per Centre per syllabus been recorded. If there are any problems
must take responsibility for the standardisation with the recordings, the Centre must contact
of the marking of members of staff from that Cambridge immediately for advice.
Centre in that syllabus. This person must make
sure that a valid set of marks is produced for 3.2.15 Selection of samples
candidates in that syllabus from that Centre.
Details can be found in the >Cambridge
Entries
(d) Standardisation within a Centre is to be Administrative Guide.
achieved by all teachers/examiners involved
in assessing samples of work coming to an 3.2.16 Instructions for the submission 2
agreement on the marks to be awarded. of non-coursework speaking test
Marks for some teachers/examiners may be materials
moved up or down to ensure consistency for
the whole Centre. Details can be found in the >Cambridge
Teacher assessment
3.2.13 Deadlines for submission of
marks and samples for non- 3.2.17 Failure to provide a sample for
coursework speaking tests moderation
Marks and samples for non-coursework speaking If Centres do not provide a sample for moderation 3
tests must arrive at Cambridge by the date Cambridge will not be able to issue results for the
specified in the >Cambridge Administrative Guide. syllabuses concerned.
3.2.14 Recording of the sample for 3.2.18 Retaining non-coursework

moderation speaking test evidence
Before the exams

(a) Centres must make sure that speaking tests Centres must keep the following materials for at
take place in the best possible conditions. least six weeks after the examination results are
Centres must make arrangements to use a published:
suitably quiet room. There must also be a the Centres copy of the MS1 computer- 4
quiet area for candidates who are preparing printed mark sheet(s)
for the test, supervised if possible, though
this is not a requirement. The area must be a copy of the working mark sheet(s).
inaccessible to other pupils. Remove or cover
up any display material in the examination 3.2.19 Dealing with unsatisfactory
and preparation room which may be helpful to practice
candidates.
Exam day
(a) Cambridge will provide further guidance where

(b) Centres must check that good quality individual teachers or Centres fail to meet
recording equipment is available, for example, requirements for speaking tests. 5
a CD player, cassette player or digital voice
(b) Where in Cambridges judgement a significant
recorder, with, whenever possible, a separate
problem has occurred, Cambridge may require
microphone. They must test the equipment in
the Centre to find another person to conduct
the room where the tests are to be held, to

and assess the speaking tests in future
check the quality of the recording
examination series.
(c) During the speaking test, teacher-examiners
must check that the recording equipment is
3.2.20 Return of speaking tests
recording. Cambridge will not return to Centres speaking
tests that have been submitted for moderation. 66

4 Before the exams
4.1 Pre-exam despatches
4.1.1 Receipt of question papers and examination
materials
(a) Cambridge sends question papers and examination materials
to Centres before the examination period begins.
(b) It is the responsibility of the Head of Centre to make sure that

all deliveries are checked carefully when received.
(c) The following must be checked:
(i) that the correct Centre number and address is shown on

the outer packaging
In this section
(ii) that the correct number of boxes have arrived
50 4.1 Pre-exam despatches
51 4.2 Storing confidential (iii) that outer packaging is intact and there is no sign of
materials damage or tampering.
52 4.3 Preparing the exam (d) The contents must also be checked carefully on arrival by
room the Head of Centre, or the exams officer, in the presence of
54 4.4 Training invigilators another senior member of staff.
(e) Records must be kept by the Centre showing that the contents
were checked on arrival and that materials listed in the
despatch note have been received. This can be recorded either
by:
(i) ticking next to the listed materials on the despatch note
(ii) creating a list of all materials received in each delivery.
(f) Records must be dated and signed by the Head of Centre or

exams officer and by the member of staff who witnessed the
delivery being checked.
(g) The records must be kept by the Centre until Cambridge has
issued certificates and must be made available if Cambridge
asks to see them.
(h) The Centre must notify Cambridge immediately of any

problems, for example:
if there are discrepancies between the material received

and the despatch note
if the material does not appear to meet Centre

requirements
if the material has been significantly damaged in transit
if the seal of any question paper packet is not intact, or if

there is any indication of tampering
if there seems to have been a delay in the delivery of the

question papers

50 4 Before the exams
Storing confidential materials
Preparation
if a question paper packet has been Keep the keys to both the cabinet and the
opened by mistake. room in a secure place where unauthorised
people cannot access them.
If the despatch has been damaged or opened in 1
transit, the Centre should photograph the despatch If you need advice on security arrangements
as evidence and email the photos to Cambridge. please contact the Compliance Unit at
international@cie.org.uk
Centres should check question paper packets
against the examination timetable and arrange (c) Tell Cambridge immediately if the security
them in order to reduce the possibility of opening a of the question papers or confidential
packet at the wrong time. materials is put at risk by fire, theft, loss,
Entries
damage, unauthorised disclosure or any other
circumstances.
4.2 Storing confidential 2
(d) Centres must not open packets of question
materials papers and other examination materials until
(a) Centres must store their question the time set for the examination concerned,
papers securely and in full compliance with except for the circumstances given below.
Teacher assessment
Cambridges regulations. (i) Cambridge requires Centres to open
(b) Store question papers unopened, in a place confidential material such as instructions
of high security, ideally a strong safe. If a safe for practical examinations before the
is not available, use a non-portable, lockable, examination. Centres must make
reinforced metal cabinet or similar. Where a arrangements to safeguard confidential 3
filing cabinet is used fit it with a locking bar instructions after opening. They must not
and bolt it to the floor or wall. remove them from the Centre and when
not in use must keep them in secure
Keep the safe in a securely locked room in a conditions. It is up to the Head of Centre
fixed building where walls, ceilings and floors to make sure that these materials remain
Before the exams

are of solid construction. The door to the confidential and that no information about
secure room must be solid or reinforced and these materials reaches candidates.
fitted with strong hinges. Any glass panels in Under no circumstances should Centres
the door must be reinforced or have bars. discuss the confidential instructions with
any other Centre. Centres should refer 4
The room should ideally be located on an enquiries about confidential instructions to
upper floor with no internal or external Cambridge.
windows. Where this is not possible, fit
windows with bars (as illustrated below) or fit (ii) Centres can open certain literature
the room with an alarm. question paper packets for plain text or
open book examinations one hour before
the examination in order to check the page
Exam day
references to specific editions of texts.

The head of department or appropriate
teacher must open and check them in the 5
presence of the Head of Centre or their
deputy.
(iii) Where confidential material is pre-recorded

on CDs or other media, Centres
must make arrangements, before the
examination, to test the material according
A minimum of two and a maximum of
to Cambridges instructions.
three senior authorised people must be key
holders, for example the Head of Centre and (iv) Centres must open erratum notices
66
Examinations Officer. Only key holders should as soon as they are received, unless
have access to the secure room. otherwise stated on the envelope. Once

4 Before the exams 51
Preparing the exam room
read they must then be placed in secure If a Centre wants to use an alternative venue,
storage until the timetabled date and time the following information must be submitted to
of an examination. Cambridge:
(e) Centres must store examination stationery the new venues location in relation to the
and materials securely at all times so that no Centres location (distance, full address details)
unauthorised person has access. Stationery
that Cambridge provides must be used in the proposed method of transferring the
Cambridges examinations only. question papers on the day of examination
(f) Secure materials downloaded from the proposed method of transferring the
CIE Direct on the day of an examination or candidate scripts back to the Centre (daily)
assessment must be kept in a safe or secure the security arrangements for storing question
cabinet until needed. papers and scripts at the alternative venue
(g) Centres should send all answer scripts without confirmation that no examination will be split
delay after an examination, on the same across venues
day wherever possible, and by the quickest
and most secure method, for example, by confirmation that the new location conforms to
courier. If the Centre has to keep answer all Cambridges examination accommodation
scripts overnight they must be sealed and requirements.
stored under the same secure conditions as
question paper packets and other confidential 4.3.2 Examination room
examination material. Examination rooms must provide candidates
(h) If a candidate enters for Cambridge with appropriate conditions. Centres must pay
examinations at a Centre where a relative is due attention to such matters as access, heating,
employed, the Head of Centre must make ventilation, lighting and outside noise.
sure that during the examination series the Centres must carry out practical examinations
relative does not have unaccompanied access under conditions that give all candidates the
to examination materials, either before the opportunity to finish their tasks and display their
examination (for example, question papers), true level of attainment in the subject.
or after the examination (for example, answer
scripts). If the relative is acting as the Centres Centres must conduct Art and Design practical
exams officer, the Centre must make sure examinations, at all levels, in line with written
that another person is present for all the examinations.
administration relating to the candidates
examinations. A member of Centre staff other 4.3.3 Display material
than the candidates relative must authorise
Under no circumstances should display material
any documentation submitted to Cambridge
which might be helpful to candidates (for example,
for the examinations, (for example, access
maps, diagrams, wall charts) be visible in the
arrangements forms). This includes medical
examination room. Centres must take particular
certificates submitted for access arrangements
care with examinations held in laboratories or
and special consideration.
libraries.
4.3.4 Clock
4.3 Preparing the exam room
A reliable clock must be visible to all candidates in
4.3.1 Examination venue the examination room.
All candidates must sit the examination at the 4.3.5 Notice to Candidates and
Centre unless the Centre has obtained prior displaying information
permission from Cambridge for candidates to take
the examination elsewhere. Centres must display the Cambridge poster
Notice to Candidates both inside and outside the
examination room.

Preparing the exam room
Preparation
Centres must clearly display to all candidates: Wherever possible, for all written examinations:
the Centre number (a) all candidates must face in the same direction
1
the start and finish times of each examination. (b) each candidate must have their own desk
or table of sufficient size to accommodate
See the example image on page 56. question papers, maps, equipment and
The Notice to Candidates is available on the materials for practical examinations, and
Cambridge website or via CIE Direct. It is also answer booklets/paper
included on the candidates statement of entry. (c) if candidates are not working at individual
desks, they must be far enough apart that
4.3.6 Seating arrangements
Entries
other candidates cannot see their work or
Seating arrangements must prevent candidates make contact 2
from viewing the work of others, intentionally or
(d) candidates who are working on a drawing
otherwise. The minimum distance in all directions
board set on an easel or another non-horizontal
from the centre of one candidates chair to the
surface should, wherever possible, sit in an
centre of anothers must be 1.25 metres (see
inward-facing circle or similar
Teacher assessment
below).
(e) where candidates sit an examination in a
language laboratory, the minimum distance
in all directions from the centre of one
candidates chair to the centre of anothers
3
must be 1.25 metres. If Centres cannot meet
this requirement they must use screened
booths instead
(f) where candidates sit an examination in a
Before the exams

computer laboratory, the minimum distance
between the outer edge of one monitor to
the other should be 1.25 metres. If a Centre
cannot meet this requirement, candidates
must sit at alternate monitors or in screened
4
booths
(g) candidates must sit in candidate number order,

For multiple-choice papers, spacing desks with index numbers on each desk.
1.25 metres may not be enough to prevent Centres may hold other examinations in the room
candidates seeing, intentionally or otherwise, the at the same time, provided no disturbance is
work of others. Where this is the case the exams caused.
Exam day
officer must use an alternative method so that no

candidates work can be overseen by any other Any candidate suffering from a contagious
candidates. This may be achieved by : disease must take the examination in a separate 5
room where the Centre can apply all examination
increasing the space between candidates regulations. On completion of the examination
desks the Centre must photocopy the candidates script,
seating alternating rows of candidates taking seal the original in plastic and add a note to explain
different examinations the situation. The Centre must pack the script
separately from other scripts before posting with
using additional invigilators. the main despatch of scripts. The Centre should
inform Cambridge of this in writing either by email
If necessary, please contact Cambridge for advice or fax.
about alternative methods. Cambridge shall retain
66
the right to approve or query the steps that the
exams officer has taken to prevent candidates
seeing the work of others.
Training invigilators
(v) For practical tests there must be one

4.4 Training invigilators invigilator for every 15 candidates.
(a) The invigilator is the person in the examination A teacher of the subject should also be
room responsible for the conduct of a present at the start of the test and as
particular examination. necessary thereafter, to deal with technical
difficulties, including matters of safety, and
(b) The Head of Centre must make sure that to help with invigilation in general.
suitably qualified and experienced adults
carry out invigilation. The Head of Centre can (vi) For listening tests a member of staff
decide who is suitable, however, they cannot who speaks the language of the test
let any relative of a candidate invigilate an should ideally be present to deal with
examination by themselves. If the Head of any technical difficulties. A teacher who
Centre decides to use parents or relatives of prepared the candidates for the subject
a candidate they must ask them to complete under examination must not be the sole
Entries Form 1 before they invigilate any invigilator.
examinations. The Head of Centre must make
(vii) In examinations in which questions or
sure that invigilators are fully briefed and
passages must be read to candidates it is
trained before carrying out invigilation.
essential that an invigilator is present as
(c) Invigilators must give their whole attention to well as the reader.
the proper conduct of the examination and
(e) A copy of this handbook must be available
must not perform any other task (for example,
to the invigilators in each examination
marking, using a laptop), in the examination
room. Invigilators must be familiar with the
room. Invigilators must be present, mobile and
regulations in parts 4 and 5 of the handbook
attentive throughout the examination.
and the contents of the Notice to Candidates,
(d) (i) At least one invigilator must be present as well as any specific regulations relating to
for every 30 candidates. The Centre must the subjects being examined.
make arrangements so that the invigilators
(f) Further guidance for invigilation of
can observe each candidate in the
examinations is available on CIE Direct.
examination room at all times.
These guidance notes are intended as
(ii) When only one invigilator is present, reminders for invigilators who must only use
they must be able to get assistance them in conjunction with this handbook.
easily, without leaving the examination
room or disturbing candidates. A change
of invigilators during an examination
is allowed, provided the number of
invigilators in the room does not fall below
the number prescribed.
(iii) Where there are both male and female

candidates, Centres must ensure that both
male and female invigilators are available to
accompany candidates to the washroom,
if required. Where there is a sole invigilator
Centres must ensure that a male and
female member of staff can be contacted
by the invigilator without leaving the Administrative forms
examination room or causing a disturbance
to the candidates.
(iv) A teacher who has prepared the candidates www.cie.org.uk/examsofficers
for the subject under examination must not
Declaration of Interest: Entries Form 1
be the sole invigilator at any time.

Training invigilators
Preparation
4.4.1 Key Times
The Key Time for a particular morning or
1
afternoon examination session can be found at
www.cie.org.uk/keytime. Candidates must be kept
under Full Centre Supervision at the Key Time for
an examination, as specified by Cambridge.
If the Key Time is before the start of the

examination, candidates must be supervised by
invigilators from the Key Time until the start of the
Entries
examination. They can have access to books and
notes, and can talk to each other.
2
If they have finished their examination, they may
be allowed to leave the room, provided they are
supervised by invigilators continuously from the
time they leave until the Key Time. Once outside
Teacher assessment
the exam room, they can have access to books
and notes, and can talk to each other (provided
they do disturb candidates who are still doing an
examination).
During supervision, candidates must not have 3

access to telephones, mobile phones, laptops/
computers with or without internet access or any
other means of external communication; they
must not be allowed to communicate with anyone
Before the exams

not under Full Centre Supervision. At least one
invigilator must be present for every 30 candidates
under Full Centre Supervision.
Centres may need to timetable examinations

outside of the Key Time: 4
if the Key Time is before the examination

the Centre must keep candidates under Full
Centre Supervision from the Key Time until the
examination ends; or,
if the Key Time is after the examination the

Exam day
Centre must keep candidates under Full

Centre Supervision until the Key Time.
5
4.4.2 Records of invigilator
arrangements
Centres must also keep signed records of the
supervision arrangements for candidates under Full

Centre Supervision.
66

5 Exam day
5.1 At the beginning of the examination
Centres must make sure that candidates take their Cambridge
exams in the correct timetabled session. Centres are allowed to
start the examinations at any time within the sessions but must
make sure that the Key Time is followed. Key Times can be found
at www.cie.org.uk/keytime
All candidates entered for examinations in a session must be

under Full Centre Supervision at the Key Time. If Centres timetable
examinations outside of the Key Time they must keep candidates
under Full Centre Supervision from the Key Time until the
examination starts; or if they have already finished the examination,
they must be kept under Full Centre Supervision until the Key Time.
In this section
Centres unable to meet this requirement must apply to Cambridge
56 5.1 At the beginning of the for a timetable deviation.
examination
58 5.2 During the examination Centres are responsible for informing candidates of examination
times.
60 5.3 Leaving the examination
room 5.1.1 Identifying candidates
60 5.4 At the end of the The Head of Centre must make sure that arrangements are in place
examination
to enable invigilators to carry out thorough identity checks.
61 5.5 Despatching scripts
The Centre must require private candidates not known to the
62 5.6 Dealing with the Centre to present evidence (for example, an ID photocard or
unexpected passport), and check each time they attend a session that they are
64 5.7 Special consideration the same person who was entered for the examination.
68 5.8 Malpractice and 5.1.2 Candidate numbers

maladministration
The Centre must inform all candidates of their candidate numbers
74 5.9 Special instructions for before the examination.
particular examinations
5.1.3 Attendance registers
Before the examination Cambridge will send attendance registers
and instructions to Centres. Centres must record the presence of
candidates, in accordance with the instructions in the >Cambridge
Administrative Guide. Failure to complete the attendance registers
properly can lead to problems or delays for the issue of candidates
results.
5.1.4 Seating plan

Centres must keep signed records of the seating plan for each
examination session. Cambridge may request the seating plan at
any time up to the issue of certificates.
5.1.5 Unauthorised materials

Candidates may take into the examination room only those articles,
instruments or materials which are expressly permitted in the
instructions on a question paper, Additional Materials List or in the
syllabus booklet.

56 5 Exam day
At the beginning of the examination
Preparation
Possession of unauthorised material by a candidate 5.1.6.1 Extra stationery and materials for
during the examination is a serious breach of science papers
regulations and may result in cancellation of
examination grades. Centres must report all The following must be available to candidates in all 1
instances to Cambridge. Unauthorised materials science papers:

include calculator cases, instruction leaflets,
ruler (300 mm)
bags, non-transparent pencil cases, computers
of any sort, electronic or radio communication or protractor
recording devices, mobile telephones, cameras,
Bluetooth headsets or portable music players (this set square
is a non-exhaustive list).
Entries
pair of compasses
Electronic items, including mobile phones and graph paper. 2
Bluetooth devices, must be switched off and be
left outside the examination room. Other types of Cambridge does not list these specific extra
unauthorised material must either be left outside materials on science question papers.
or handed to the invigilator before the examination
begins. Materials handed to the invigilator must be Candidates are permitted to use calculators in all
Teacher assessment
placed out of reach of the candidates before and science papers.
throughout the examination.
5.1.7 Starting the examination
5.1.6 Stationery, materials and other An examination is in progress from the time the
equipment candidates enter the examination room until all the 3
scripts have been collected.
Before each examination series, Cambridge will
provide Centres with an Additional Materials List, Before candidates are allowed to start work, the
which details all required extra materials for each invigilator must follow the instructions listed below.
examination and whether Cambridge or the Centre
Before the exams

should provide them. (a) Make sure candidates are seated in
accordance with the seating arrangements.
The invigilator must make sure that only specified
items are issued to the candidates. (b) Tell the candidates that they are subject to the
rules of the examination.
For multiple-choice tests individual pre-printed 4
answer sheets are provided for each candidate. (c) Warn candidates that they must hand in
The invigilator must make sure that each answer any unauthorised material including food
sheet is given to the candidate whose name and drinks, which may only be allowed in
appears on it and that the sheets relate to the the examination room with the approval
subject and the component being examined. of the Head of Centre. Centres must warn
candidates about the severe penalties if they
Candidates must provide their own pens, pencils, are found in possession of unauthorised
Exam day
ink, drawing instruments and erasers. Candidates material.

must write their answers legibly in black or dark
blue ink. Candidates must not use red or green (d) Check that candidates have the necessary 5
ink. They must use soft pencils (type B or HB is materials to take the examination.
recommended) for multiple-choice tests. They may
(e) Check that the question paper packets are the
use pencils or pens in other colours for diagrams
correct ones for the examinations and that
and maps only if indicated on the question paper.

they are intact.
(f) Open the packets of question papers and

place the question papers face upwards on the
candidates desks. Tell the candidates that they
must not open the question papers until told
66
to do so.

5 Exam day 57
During the examination
Question paper packets must normally remain (iv) unless the question paper says something
sealed so that the invigilator can open them in different, they must do all work (including
the presence of candidates. There are special rough work) on the examination stationery.
circumstances when this is not possible. The Centre must include any rough work
For example, where more than one room with the answers sent to Cambridge
is used or when there are large numbers
of candidates, it is more sensible to place (v) in the case of multiple-choice papers, they
question papers face upward on desks before must do any rough work on the question
candidates enter the room. paper.
(g) Draw the candidates attention to the (j) Tell candidates to write their name, Centre
instructions and information printed on the number, candidate number and the component
front of the question paper, and ask them to code/paper details on their answer paper and
check that the invigilator has given them the to fill in any other details as required.
examination paper for the correct subject/ (k) Remind candidates that they must not
component. communicate in any way with, seek help from,
(h) Inform candidates of the contents of any or give help to, any person while they are in
erratum notices. The invigilator must not give the examination room.
any information about suspected errors in the (l) Inform candidates of the time allowed for the
paper except those stated on any erratum examination and state clearly that they can
notices received. open the question paper and may begin to
(i) Tell candidates that: read the questions and to write their answers.
Under no circumstances must invigilators
(i) they must write their answers legibly using allow candidates extra time, before the official
a black or dark blue ink or ball-point pen. start of the examination, to read through the
Cambridge recommends that candidates question paper.
do not use erasable pens
(ii) they must not use any form of correcting 5.2 During the examination
medium, including correcting fluid,
correcting pens and correcting tape. They 5.2.1 Supervision of the candidates
should neatly cross through rough work
but not obliterate it Invigilators must supervise the candidates
throughout the whole examination and give full
(iii) they must not use highlighters on their attention to this duty at all times.
answer sheets or paper and it may be
considered malpractice if they do. They are 5.2.2 Practical examinations
able to use highlighters on the question
During a practical examination, some movement
paper, however, to avoid the risk of
by candidates and spoken instructions may be
candidates accidentally using highlighters
necessary. Invigilators must limit this to what
on their answer sheet it is best practice to
is essential to achieve the objectives of the
advise them not to use highlighters in the
examination without compromising security.
examination at all
5.2.3 Use of calculators
Candidates may use electronic calculators unless
Important information they are prohibited by the syllabus. Cambridge
It is the responsibility of the invigilator to may, in consultation with the relevant Cambridge
report to the Head of Centre any grounds for Associate, issue specific local regulations
suspicion about the security of the examination governing the use of electronic calculators. Where
papers. The Head of Centre or Cambridge this happens, the local regulations will override the
Associate must notify Cambridge immediately, above regulation.
and later submit a full report.

58 5 Exam day
During the examination
Preparation
Where calculators are allowed, the Centre must tell QWERTY keyboards
candidates the following:
built-in symbolic algebraic manipulations
(a) the calculator must be of a suitable size for (output must be numeric not algebraic) 1
use during an examination

symbolic differentiation or integration
(b) the power supply for the calculator is the (output must be numeric not algebraic)
responsibility of the candidate and must
be integral to the calculator. The candidate capability of remote communication with
can bring a spare set of batteries into the other machines.
examination Cambridge regards the use of any such calculator
Entries
(c) the working condition of the calculator is the as malpractice.
responsibility of the candidate Cambridge does not recommend any particular 2
(d) the calculator must be silent, with a visual brand of calculator.

display only
5.2.4 Use of mathematical tables
(e) Cambridge will not normally consider
Teacher assessment
Candidates can only use mathematical or
a calculator fault as justifying special
statistical tables that are permitted by the subject
consideration for the candidate
syllabus or included in the additional materials
(f) candidates must not have calculator cases, section of the question paper. The Centre must
instruction leaflets or any instructions or provide these for the duration of the examination.
formulae printed on the lid or cover of a 3
5.2.5 Use of dictionaries
calculator, or similar. Anything printed on a lid
or cover that the candidate cannot remove Dictionaries are not allowed in Cambridge
must be securely covered International A Level, Cambridge International
AS Level and Cambridge O Level examinations,
(g) candidates must not borrow calculators from
Before the exams

except where specifically permitted by the
other candidates during the examination for
syllabus.
any reason, although the invigilator can provide
a candidate with a replacement calculator Simple translation dictionaries are allowed
in the Science and Mathematics Checkpoint
(h) candidates must clear any information and/or
examinations. They are not allowed in the English 4
programs stored in the calculators memory
examination.
before and after the examination. Retrieval of
prepared information and/or programs during Simple translation dictionaries are allowed in
the examination, or removal of question paper Cambridge IGCSE examinations, except in the case
content from the examination room, is against of language examinations or where specifically
the regulations prohibited in the syllabus. Exam day
(i) candidates can use programmable calculators. Simple translation dictionary means a dictionary
that only translates the word and does not give
However, calculators with any of the following
a translation of the meaning or definition of the 5
facilities are not allowed, unless stated
word.
otherwise in the syllabus:
Electronic dictionaries are not allowed in
graphic display
examinations.
data banks
dictionaries
language translators
retrieval or manipulation of text or 66

formulae

5 Exam day 59
Leaving the examination room
Where invigilators permit candidates who arrive

5.3 Leaving the examination late the full working time to take their examination,
room they can allow such candidates to continue after
the normal finishing time and tell them to stop
(a) Candidates must hand in their work as soon
writing after the extra time allowed.
as they are ready to leave the exam room or
at the end of the exam. Centres must collect The invigilator must instruct the candidates:
all answer scripts and question papers before
candidates leave the room. Candidates cannot (a) to check they have entered all required
leave the examination room until after the Key information on their answer scripts
Time of the examination has passed, unless
(b) to make sure that their answers are correctly
the Centre keeps them under Full Centre
numbered
Supervision until the Key Time has passed.
(c) to group any loose sheets (including rough
(b) Candidates who leave the examination
work) in the order in which questions were
room temporarily must be accompanied by
attempted and to fasten these and any extra
a member of staff. In cases where special
answer sheets to the back of their answer
consideration is applied for (for example,
scripts, or as otherwise instructed, with the
illness), the Centre may allow such candidates
string or tags provided (they must not use
extra time to compensate for their temporary
paperclips or staples).
absence.
(c) If an examination ends before the Key Time for 5.4.2 Collecting answer scripts
the examination session then the candidates Centres must collect all answer scripts before the
can only be permitted to leave the examination candidates leave the examination room.
room if they are moved to another location and
kept under Full Centre Supervision until the Invigilators must sort answer scripts into the order
Key Time. If a candidate fails to attend a period shown on the attendance register (candidate
of Full Centre Supervision after an examination number order), and check that all answer scripts
then Cambridge will consider this as possible are present and that candidates have used correct
malpractice. Centre and candidate numbers.
(d) Whether or not they leave the examination Centres should pay particular attention to
room early, candidates must not remove instructions on the return or otherwise of question
any question papers or transcribed content paper inserts.
of question papers. This includes writing
Immediately after collation, the invigilator must
questions on statements of entry, inserting
hand answer scripts to the person responsible for
question content into calculators etc. (This is
their despatch, who must place them immediately
not an exhaustive list.) Centres must apply the
in the return envelope and seal it. Answer scripts
24-hour rule for security of question papers
are confidential between the candidate and
and their contents.
Cambridge. They may not be read or photocopied
by any person before to despatch, unless this is
requested by Cambridge.
5.4 At the end of the
examination If a candidate or other unauthorised person
removes a script from the examination room,
5.4.1 Finishing the examination the Centre must tell Cambridge about the
circumstances. The candidate should be warned
Five minutes before the end of the examination,
that Cambridge may not accept the script.
the invigilator must tell candidates how much time
is left.
At the end of the examination, the invigilator must

tell candidates to stop writing and put their pens/
pencils on their desks immediately.

60 5 Exam day
At the end of the examination
Preparation
5.4.3 Collecting question unattended or disturbing candidates. Centres
must also make sure that they have both male
papers/24-hour security rule
and female supervisors available to accompany
1
Centres must keep all empty question paper candidates to the wash room if required.
packets secure until after the issue of results
If a candidate fails to attend a period of Full Centre
for the series. Cambridge may need them for
Supervision after an examination then Cambridge
investigations into suspected malpractice cases.
will consider this as possible malpractice. Centres
Only designated Centre staff responsible for the must contact Cambridge immediately in such
collection of question papers can take a copy of circumstances.
the question paper from the examination room. The
Entries
Centre must collect all question papers at the end 5.4.5 Unused stationery
of the examination and retain them under secure Centres must collect all unused stationery in the 2
conditions until at least 24 hours have passed after examination room, checking for loose sheets which
the end of the examination or Key Time, whichever candidates may have overlooked, and return them
is later. to secure storage.
Before candidates are released from supervision,
Teacher assessment
Centres must audit the number of question papers
at the end of the examination and check that this 5.5 Despatching scripts
matches the number issued.
5.5.1 Cambridge Pre-U Global
After 24 hours have passed from the Key Time for Perspectives 9777/02 and
a session, Centres can return papers to candidates/ 9777/03 3
Centre staff at their discretion. Centres must not

return Cambridge International A Level Applied Centres must submit all work electronically to
ICT papers and Cambridge IGCSE ICT papers to Cambridge by the date given in the >Cambridge
candidates. Administrative Guide. For details on acceptable file
formats and naming conventions, please see the
Before the exams

5.4.4 Full Centre Supervision and the >Cambridge Administrative Guide.
Key Time
5.5.2 Bar-coded labels
At the end of an examination candidates must
(a) Centres are given adhesive labels for packets
not leave the examination room until an invigilator 4
of candidates answer scripts. Centres must
tells them to. Candidates are under examination
use these labels.
conditions until they are told they can leave and
have left the examination room. (b) Centres are responsible for making sure that
the correct label is attached to each packet of
If an examination ends at or after the Key Time for
answer scripts.
the examination session then candidates can leave
the examination room once the examination is (c) At the end of each examination series destroy
Exam day
finished, and no further supervision is required. any unused bar-coded labels.

If an examination ends before the Key Time for (d) If a Centre has not received a relevant bar- 5
the examination session then candidates can only coded label and the examination has been
leave the examination room if they are moved taken, the Centre must clearly state on the
to another location, and kept under Full Centre envelope the Centre number, syllabus and
Supervision until the Key Time. component for which it has enclosed answer
scripts, the number of answer scripts enclosed
If candidates need to leave the room during
and the candidate number range.
periods of Full Centre Supervision for whatever
reason, they must be accompanied by a supervisor.
Where there is only one supervisor, Centres must
make sure that the supervisor has the means
66
to summons help without leaving the room

5 Exam day 61
Dealing with the unexpected
5.5.3 Packing of answer scripts (e) If any candidates arrive after the Key Time or a
candidate is admitted late into an examination
Centres must follow the instructions set out in the room the following rules apply:
>Cambridge Administrative Guide for packing and
despatching answer scripts. the Centre must send the answer script
to Cambridge in the normal way
the Centre must indicate on the answer

5.6 Dealing with the unexpected script any work completed after the official
finishing time
5.6.1 Late arrival of candidates
the Head of Centre must fill in Exam
(a) Centres may allow a candidate who arrives
day Form 3 and return to Cambridge as
before the Key Time for an examination
quickly as possible.
to enter the examination room to sit the
examination. Centres do not need to notify 5.6.1.1 Reasons Cambridge may consider
Cambridge. acceptable for late arrival
(b) If a candidate arrives after the Key Time In cases where the candidate is late for good
but before the end of the examination they reason and Cambridge is satisfied that there
are allowed to enter the room and sit the has been no breach of examination security
examination. Centres must warn the candidate (for example, supervision can be guaranteed by
that Cambridge may not accept their script. the Centre from the Key Time), Cambridge will
Centres do need to tell Cambridge if this accept the work completed in the whole of the
happens by filling in Exam day Form 3. examination, including that completed in any
extra time allowed to make up for the late arrival.
(c) When deciding whether to accept any of Examples of acceptable reasons are sudden illness
the work of a candidate who arrives late, or transport difficulties beyond the candidates
Cambridge pays particular attention to the control.
extent to which it considers the security of
the examination was maintained, especially 5.6.1.2 Unacceptable reasons for late arrival
in relation to the time at which candidates
In cases where a candidate is late because of
entered the examination room.
negligence or oversight, and Cambridge is satisfied
(d) The Centre, at its discretion, may allow the full that there has been no breach of security (for
time for the examination for a candidate who example, supervision can be guaranteed by the
arrives after the scheduled start time. Centre from the Key Time), Cambridge will accept
the work completed in normal examination time.
However, Cambridge will not accept any work
completed in any extra time allowed. Examples of
reasons which are not acceptable are oversleeping
or misreading of the timetable.
Important information 5.6.1.3 Late arrival for a period of Full Centre

Supervision
If a candidate is absent at the start of an
examination, the Centre may want to contact (a) If a candidate arrives late for a period of
the candidates parents/carers. The parents/ required Full Centre Supervision before
carers should be asked to keep the candidate an examination, but after the Key Time
under supervision at all times until the for the examination, then the candidate
candidate is met by a member of Centre staff. can only be permitted to enter Full Centre
In such circumstances the parent/carer and the Supervision if they do not have any contact
candidate should sign a statement to confirm or communication with any other candidates
the supervision arrangements which were put already under Full Centre Supervision.
in place. Cambridge will consider each case in
light of statements from the parent/carer, the
candidate and the Centre.

62 5 Exam day
Dealing with the unexpected
Preparation
(b) When deciding whether to accept any of the 5.6.3.1 Appeal process for late arrivals
work of by a candidate who arrived late for
a period of required Full Centre Supervision Stage 1
1
for an examination, Cambridge will pay
(a) At stage 1 the evidence is reviewed by
particular attention to the extent to which it
senior staff within the Compliance Unit. All
considers the security of the examination was
previous evidence is considered alongside any
maintained, especially in relation to the Key
mitigating circumstances or new evidence
Time.
submitted by the Centre.
(c) Whenever a candidate is admitted late into a
(b) Cambridge will communicate their decision to
period of Full Centre Supervision the following
the Centre in writing.
Entries
rules apply:
Stage 2
the Centre must send the answer script 2
to Cambridge in the normal way This takes place if the Centre is not satisfied by
the outcome of the stage 1 appeal. A request to
the Head of Centre must complete Exam
go to stage 2 will only be accepted if made by the
day Form 3, and return to Cambridge as
Centre; no requests will be accepted directly from
Teacher assessment
quickly as possible.
a candidate.
5.6.2 Candidates arriving after the (a) At stage 2 Cambridge will consider the
examination has finished appeals against the decisions made.
A candidate who arrives after the other candidates (b) The Cambridge Appeals Committee consists 3
have been released from the examination room of a Cambridge director or assistant director
must be dealt with as absent and Centres should who will act as chair, the regulations officer
not allow them to take the examination. The Centre who will minute the meeting and at least two
must tell the candidate that Cambridge may issue a independent panel members. If appropriate,
No Result in the subject in question. other subject, assessment or specialist staff
Before the exams

may be invited to provide further information.
5.6.3 Appealing against late arrival
The Appeals Committee will review the
decisions evidence and decide what action, if any,
Cambridge will communicate the outcome of should be taken. The Committee considers
reported incidences of late arrivals to Centres in each case on an individual basis in the light of 4
writing. If the Centre wants to appeal, the Head all the information available.
of Centre must send any appeal within 28 days
from the date of notification of the decision. No
requests for an appeal will be accepted directly
correspondence about an appeal with the
from a candidate; all appeals must be supported by
Centre.
the Centre.
Exam day
5.6.4 Irregular conduct

When making an appeal, Centres should provide
any extra information or evidence they would like (a) Wherever possible, the invigilator must
5
Cambridge to consider. remove and keep any unauthorised material
discovered in the possession of a candidate in
Once a Centre has submitted an appeal, all
the examination.
communication relating to the case must be in
writing.
Cambridge will not enter into any communication Administrative forms

about an appeal with candidates or their parents/
guardians. Forms available from the Exams Officers
Cambridge will inform the Centre/Cambridge www.cie.org.uk/examsofficers 66
Associate of the outcome of their appeal within
28 days of the date of the appeal. Late Arrivals: Exam day Form 3

5 Exam day 63
(b) It is the duty of the Head of Centre to

make sure that they report all cases of
5.7 Special consideration
irregularity or misconduct in connection with 5.7.1 Definition of special
the examination to Cambridge as soon as consideration
possible. The Head of Centre can expel a
candidate from the examination room, but Special consideration is a post-exam adjustment
they should only take such action when it is made to a candidates mark, by an awarding body,
felt to be essential or when the presence of a to make allowances for any adverse circumstances,
candidate would cause disruption to others. for example illness, bereavement or temporary
injury. Special consideration can only go some
(c) Any infringement of the regulations may way towards assisting a candidate affected by a
lead to disqualification of the candidate. potentially wide range of difficulties, emotional or
The decision on disqualification rests with physical, which may influence their performance in
Cambridge. examinations.
5.6.5 Emergencies Special consideration cannot alter the difficulty
faced by the candidate. There will be situations
In an emergency situation the safety of
where Centres should not enter a candidate for
candidates and staff is the most important thing.
an examination because they are not in a fit state
If it is safe and practicable to do so, the invigilators
to cope with the assessment. Cambridge can
should take the following steps to make sure the
make only minor adjustments to the mark awarded
examination remains secure:
because to do more than this would jeopardise the
evacuate the examination room assessment standard.
make sure candidates are fully supervised All examinations measure a candidates knowledge
while they are out of the examination room, and skills. There are minimum requirements
so there can be no collusion or external which are set out below. The overall grades must
communication reflect the level of attainment demonstrated in the
examination. They do not necessarily reflect the
make sure that all question papers and answer candidates potential level of ability, if attainment
scripts are left in the examination room and has been considerably affected over a long period
that the room is secured of time. The grade issued will not necessarily
after the candidates have returned to the match the candidates forecast grade.
examination room and before the examination Cambridge will base its decision whether to award
is resumed, indicate on the candidates work, special consideration on various factors, which
where feasible to do so, the point at which the may vary from learner to learner and from one
interruption occurred assessment to another. These factors may include
note the time and length of the interruption the severity of the circumstances, the date of the
assessment and the nature of the assessment.
allow candidates the full working time for the
examination 5.7.2 Principles governing special
consideration
if there are only a small number of candidates,
give consideration to the possibility of taking (a) Cambridge assesses all candidates according
the candidates, with question papers and to the same marking criteria so that grades
scripts, to another place in order to finish the and certificates have the same validity.
examination
(b) Cambridge assesses all candidates on what
make a full report of the incident and of the they know and can do, not on what they might
action taken, for immediate submission to have achieved if circumstances had been
Cambridge. different.
(c) Special consideration must not give the

candidate an advantage over other candidates.

64 5 Exam day
Preparation
(d) Special consideration must not interfere (f) Centres must complete the form for each
with the integrity of the assessment, and candidate. It may be appropriate for the Head
Cambridge will therefore restrict it in certain of Centre/exams officers to attach a letter
1
syllabuses. of explanation to the form if circumstances
are unusual or if the form is not adequate
5.7.3 Cambridge Primary Checkpoint for the particular circumstances. In some
and Cambridge Checkpoint circumstances, it is appropriate to submit one
form and attach it to a list of all the candidates
Centres cannot apply for special consideration
affected, and/or a letter.
for Cambridge Primary Checkpoint and Cambridge
Checkpoint candidates. It is not possible to make (g) Cambridge will not accept invigilator reports,
Entries
adjustments for candidates due to the diagnostic or applications included with scripts, as
nature of the Cambridge Primary Checkpoint and applications for special consideration. The
2
Cambridge Checkpoint tests. Centre must fill in the correct form and send it
directly to Cambridge.
5.7.4 Making applications for special
consideration (h) Cambridge will acknowledge all approved
applications. Cambridge will not give the
Teacher assessment
(a) Centres should apply using Exam day Centre specific details about action taken
Form 7. The Head of Centre/exams officer during the special consideration process.
should submit to Cambridge one form
per candidate. Cambridge will not accept If the application is rejected, Cambridge will
applications if parents/carers or candidates inform the Centre of the reasons.
submit them directly. 3
If the case is referred to a team of senior
(b) Cambridge cannot guarantee to consider a examiners for consideration, known as grade
Centres request if it does not receive the review, Cambridge will inform the Centre in
correct information. writing.
Before the exams

(c) Centres must submit applications within seven (i) In cases of lost/damaged coursework or a
days of the last examination in the series in shortfall in coursework, the Head of Centre/
each syllabus. Cambridge will only accept late Examinations Officer should complete and
applications after the publication of results in submit the relevant form.
the most exceptional circumstances. 4
5.7.5 Candidates present for the
(d) If a candidate is likely to be affected for the assessment but disadvantaged
whole examination series (for example, by
bereavement or long-term illness), the Centre (a) Cambridge will normally give special
should record all examinations affected then consideration by applying an allowance of
submit an application form when the candidate marks to each component affected in a
completes the last component for each
Exam day
syllabus. This will make sure that Cambridge

receives all necessary information in time for
the issue of results. Administrative forms 5
(e) A friend or relative of the candidate should not Forms available from the Exams Officers
produce the evidence submitted in support section of the Cambridge website
of special consideration applications. Where www.cie.org.uk/examsofficers
this is unavoidable, a senior member of

Special Consideration: Exam day Form 7
Centre staff must countersign and authorise
the evidence. Cambridge reserves the right Special Consideration (Shortfall in Coursework):
to refuse evidence produced by a friend or Teacher assessment Form 2
relative.
Special Consideration (Lost Coursework):
66
Teacher assessment Form 3

5 Exam day 65
particular scheme of assessment. The size

5.7.7 Unacceptable reasons for
of the allowance depends on the nature and
extent of the illness or misfortune.
special consideration
Candidates will not be eligible for special
(b) Cambridge will base its decision on various
consideration if their preparation for, or
factors which will be different from one
performance in, the examination is affected by:
subject to another. These might include:
(a) long-term illness or other difficulties during
the severity of the circumstances
the course affecting revision time, unless the
the date of the examination in relation to illness or circumstances manifest themselves
the circumstances at the time of the assessment
the nature of the assessment (for (b) bereavement occurring more than six months
example, whether the written papers or before the assessment, unless an anniversary
coursework are affected, or whether an has been reached at the time of the
oral or practical is involved). assessment or there are ongoing implications
such as inquests or court cases
5.7.6 Candidates absent from a
timetabled component for (c) domestic inconvenience, such as moving
house, lack of facilities, taking holidays
acceptable reasons
(including school/exchange visits and field
(a) When a candidate has missed a timetabled trips) at the time of the assessment;
component for acceptable reasons and can
(d) minor disturbance in the examination caused
produce medical evidence that they were
by candidates, such as bad behaviour and
unfit to take the paper, Cambridge may make
mobile phones
an adjustment to the final grade. Cambridge
can only do this if the candidate satisfied the (e) the consequences of committing a crime
minimum requirements.
(f) the consequences of taking alcohol or any
Cambridge cannot give advice about whether other non-prescribed drugs
a candidate is fit to take an examination.
Centre staff should follow internal procedures (g) the consequences of disobeying the Centres
for dealing with candidates who feel unwell internal regulations
on the day of an examination. If the candidate
(h) the failure to prepare candidates properly for
is in court accused of a crime, Cambridge will
the examination for whatever reason
postpone any decision until the outcome of
the case is known and the Centre submits (i) staff shortages, building work or lack of
appropriate documentation from the court. facilities
(b) The minimum requirement for enhancing (j) misreading the instructions of the question
grading in cases of acceptable absence is that papers and answering the wrong questions
the candidate must have completed 50 per
cent of the total assessment. (k) making personal arrangements such as a
wedding, or holiday arrangements which
(c) For Science practical examinations, to ensure conflict with the examination timetable
fairness for candidates when calculating an
assessed grade due to illness, Cambridge may (l) submitting no coursework at all, unless
require the Centre to submit evidence of the coursework is scheduled for a restricted period
candidates practical attainment throughout of time, rather than during the course
their course. This is in addition to the required
(m) missing all examination and internally
medical evidence.
assessed components
(n) failure to cover the course as a consequence

of joining part way through

66 5 Exam day
Preparation
(o) permanent disability unless illness affects the (b) Where the Centre has marks in its records for
candidate at the time of the assessment the missing internally-assessed coursework,
Cambridge will allow the Centre to submit
(p) failure without good reason to process access these in the normal manner. If work is lost
1
arrangements on time. before being marked, the Centre must send

any existing coursework for the candidates
5.7.8 Shortfall in coursework
affected, together with a copy of the form and
(a) Where a candidate has a shortfall in the moderation sample. If no work exists, the
coursework due to an unforeseen illness or Centre must include a copy of the form in the
other misfortune during the period when the sample submission.
coursework was produced, it may, in some
Entries
(c) If a candidate fails to complete any coursework
subjects, be possible to accept a reduced
they will receive a No Result for that syllabus.
quantity of coursework without penalty. It 2
will not be possible to give this consideration 5.7.10 Other situations requiring
in every case, for example, if the candidate
special considerations
has not satisfied the coursework assessment
objectives. For the award of a grade where a (a) There may be cases requiring special
Teacher assessment
candidate has a shortfall in coursework, the considerations that are particularly complex.
candidate must have completed a minimum Cambridge may refer such cases to our
of 50 per cent of the total coursework subject specialists or senior examiner for a
requirement. subject-specific decision on how to award
special consideration. This means that the
(b) If a candidate fails to complete any coursework 3
results may not show the special consideration
they will receive a No Result for that syllabus.
enhancement immediately.
(c) Centres are required to fill in Teacher
(b) A Centre gives a candidate an incorrect paper
assessment Form 2 stating how much of
and is aware of the error at the time of the
the coursework the candidate has completed
examination they may give the candidate the
Before the exams

overall and giving a breakdown of marks
correct paper, but only if they are still under
across the assessment objectives. Cambridge
supervised conditions and able to continue
will consider the remaining time available
with the examination. If the Centre does not
for the candidate to address the shortfall
realise their mistake Cambridge will tell them
before it sends a response to the Centre. 4
once they have the candidates script. In both
Candidates should always attempt the required
cases the Centre should send the special
coursework. Cambridge will not normally
consideration form to Cambridge as soon as
agree to arrangements of reduced coursework
they are aware of the issue.
in advance.
(c) In exceptional circumstances beyond the
(d) Cambridge will not grant a shortfall in
Centres ability to reasonably predict and
coursework adjustment to allow for the
plan for, for example, earthquakes, war or
Exam day
Centres individual teaching arrangements.
5.7.9 Lost or damaged coursework

5
(a) Where possible, candidates must not be Administrative forms

penalised for inadvertent loss of, or damage to,
coursework. The Centre must tell Cambridge Forms available from the Exams Officers
about the circumstances leading to lost or section of the Cambridge website

damaged coursework as soon as possible by www.cie.org.uk/examsofficers
completing Teacher assessment Form 3.
Special Consideration (Shortfall in Coursework):
The Centre must be able to verify that the
work was done and that it was monitored
while it was in progress. Special Consideration (Lost Coursework):
66

5 Exam day 67
Malpractice and maladministration
epidemics, Cambridge may consider, at its (b) The Cambridge Appeals Committee consists
sole discretion, accepting alternative forms of of a Cambridge director or assistant director
evidence of candidate attainment. Cambridge who will act as chair, the regulations officer
will always make any decision in such a matter who will minute the meeting and at least two
in full compliance with the Cambridge Code of independent panel members. Other subject,
Practice. assessment or specialist staff may be invited
to give extra information as required. The
5.7.11 Appeals against the outcome Appeals Committee will review the evidence
of applications for special and decide what action, if any, should be
consideration taken. The Committee will consider each case
Cambridge will communicate the outcome of information available.
special consideration applications to Centres
in writing. If the Centre wants to appeal, the (c) The outcome of a stage 2 appeal is final
Head of Centre must send any appeal in writing and Cambridge will not enter into further
within 28 days from the date of notification of correspondence.
the decision. No requests for an appeal will be
accepted directly from a candidate and all appeals 5.7.13 Honorary certificates
must be supported by the Centre.
Where a candidate was entered but died before
When making an appeal, Centres should provide completing the minimum amount of assessment
Cambridge with any extra information or evidence required, or was entered and is terminally ill and
they would like considered. unable to complete the minimum amount of
assessment, the Centre may request an honorary
Once a Centre has submitted an appeal, all certificate from Cambridge.
communication relating to the case must be in
writing.
Cambridge will not enter into any communication

5.8 Malpractice and
about an appeal with candidates or parents/carers. maladministration
Cambridge will inform the Centre/Cambridge 5.8.1 Introduction
Associate of the outcome of their appeal within
Malpractice and maladministration are those
28 days of the date of the appeal.
actions that may threaten the integrity of
5.7.12 Special consideration appeal Cambridge examinations and certification. The
process Head of Centre is responsible for immediately
reporting all cases of suspected malpractice and
Stage 1 maladministration to Cambridge.
(a) At stage 1 the evidence is reviewed by This section:

senior staff within the Compliance Unit. All
previous evidence is considered alongside any establishes the regulations with which
new evidence or mitigating circumstances examinations must comply
submitted by the Centre. defines malpractice in the context of
(b) The Centre/Cambridge Associate will be examinations
notified of any decision made in writing. sets out the rights and responsibilities of
Stage 2 Cambridge, Centre staff and candidates in
relation to such matters
This takes place if the Centre is not satisfied by the
outcome of the stage 1 appeal. A request to go to describes the procedures Centres must follow
stage 2 will only be accepted if requested by the in cases where there is reason to suspect that
Centre. the regulations have been broken.
(a) At stage 2 Cambridge will consider the appeal

against the decisions made.

68 5 Exam day
Preparation
Cambridge requires Heads of Centres to inform inform other examining bodies of the
candidates and Centre staff of their individual details of the case and the action taken
responsibilities as set out in these guidelines.
inform the police in serious cases 1
5.8.2 Cambridge procedures for involving theft, impersonation or the

dealing with suspected falsification of documents.
malpractice Cambridge may impose other penalties at the
(a) Cambridge will acknowledge the receipt of discretion of the Malpractice Committee.
reports of malpractice. When dealing with (f) Even if the Centre has breached the
suspected malpractice, Cambridge will deal regulations inadvertently the Malpractice
Entries
primarily with the Head of Centre or their Committee may decide that the circumstances
nominated representative. Cambridge expects are such that the award of an accurate grade is 2
Heads of Centres to supervise personally all not possible.
investigations resulting from an allegation of
malpractice. It is always in the best interests (g) Cambridge will inform the Heads of Centre of
of candidates, Centre staff and invigilators if decisions in writing as soon as possible after
Centres respond speedily and openly to all decisions are made. The Head of Centre must
Teacher assessment
requests for an investigation. communicate the outcome to the individuals
concerned.
(b) Cambridge reserves the right to withhold
the issue of results while investigations are (h) Cambridge will not consider any requests
ongoing. Depending on the outcome of the for post-result services for any syllabus
3
investigation, Cambridge may either release or component(s) for which malpractice has been
permanently withhold results. confirmed.
(c) Centres must send any documents requested 5.8.3 Suspected candidate malpractice
to Cambridge within 28 days of the date of
The following are examples of malpractice
Before the exams

the request. If they do not the Malpractice
Committee will review the case on the basis by candidates. The list is not exhaustive and
of evidence already presented. Cambridge may consider other instances of
malpractice at its discretion:
(d) Following review, Cambridge will refer
the matter to the Cambridge Malpractice misuse of examination material 4
Committee, who will decide what action, if
behaving in such a way as to undermine the
any, Cambridge should take. The Committee
integrity of the examination
will consider each case on an individual basis
in the light of all the information available at disruptive behaviour in the examination room
the time. (including the use of offensive language)
(e) Cambridge may impose the following bringing unauthorised material into the
Exam day
penalties: examination room, (for example, notes,

study guides and personal organisers, own
issue a warning
blank paper, calculators, dictionaries (when 5
deduct marks or award no marks for a prohibited), mobile phones or other electronic
component devices)
disqualify candidates from the subject bringing into the examination room notes in
in which the malpractice took place (in the wrong format (when notes are permitted),
serious cases the disqualification may or incorrectly annotated texts (in open-book
extend to all subjects taken in a series) examinations)
ban a candidate from entering Cambridge obtaining, receiving, exchanging or passing

examinations for up to five years on information which could be examination- 66
related (or attempting to) by any means

5 Exam day 69
impersonation; pretending to be someone assisting candidates in the production of

else, or arranging for another person to take coursework, beyond that permitted by the
ones place in an examination regulations
the inclusion of inappropriate, offensive or allowing candidates unsupervised access to

obscene material in scripts or coursework coursework exemplar material, whether this is
the work of former learners or that provided by
copying from another candidate (including the Cambridge
misuse of ICT to do so)
failure to keep learner computer files secure
collusion; working collaboratively with other
candidates assisting or prompting candidates with the
production of answers.
plagiarism; the failure to acknowledge sources
properly and/or the submission of another 5.8.5 Suspected malpractice
persons work as if it were the candidates own discovered by a Centre
theft of anothers work (a) If suspected malpractice is discovered the
Centre must complete and submit Exam
the deliberate destruction of anothers work
day Form 9 to Cambridge at the earliest
the alteration of any results document, opportunity.
including certificates
(b) If the conduct of a candidate is such that their
failure to abide by the instructions of an continued presence in the examination room
invigilator would cause disruption to other candidates
the Centre may remove the candidate from
failure to abide by the conditions of the examination room. Centres must report to
supervision designed to maintain the security Cambridge all cases of disruptive behaviour,
of the examinations whether or not the candidate was removed
from the examination room.
any attempt to remove or reveal the content of
the examination outside the examination room (c) Reports of cases of malpractice in written
in contravention of the 24-hour security rule. examinations, identified by the Centre, must
include:
5.8.4 Suspected Centre
maladministration statements from the Head of Centre (a
detailed account of the circumstances
The following are examples of malpractice by surrounding the suspected malpractice
Centre staff. The list is not exhaustive and including, in the case of disruptive
Cambridge may consider other instances of behaviour, an indication as to whether the
malpractice at its discretion: behaviour continued after warnings were
moving the time or date of a fixed examination given, and a report of any investigation
(outside the window ) without notifying carried out by the Centre)
Cambridge and obtaining permission. statements from the invigilator(s) and
failure to maintain Full Centre Supervision other staff concerned
in relation to the Key Time for Cambridge
IGCSE, Cambridge O Level and Cambridge
International AS and A Level
failure to keep examination papers secure
before the examination Forms available from the Exams Officers
obtaining unauthorised access to examination
material before an examination
Malpractice: Exam day Form 9

70 5 Exam day
Preparation
handwritten statements from the (c) Cambridge will consider any statement of
candidates concerned mitigating circumstances provided by the
Centre as well as any recommendation about
any unauthorised material found in a the penalty the Centre considers appropriate.
1
candidates possession Cambridge will make all final decisions

seating plans (if appropriate) concerning a case.
details of the procedures followed by the 5.8.7 Malpractice in Centre-based

Centre for advising staff and candidates of assessments
Cambridge regulations for the conduct of
(a) If malpractice in Centre-based assessments
its examinations
Entries
is discovered before the date for final entry,
details of any investigation carried out the Centre should resolve the matter internally
2
by the Centre. and may exercise discretion as to whether or
not to enter the candidate(s) concerned. If the
(d) Cambridge will consider any statement of Centre subsequently enters such candidate(s),
mitigating circumstances provided by the it must not give credit for any work submitted
Centre as well as any recommendation about which is not the candidates own. Centres are
Teacher assessment
the penalty the Centre considers appropriate. reminded that the teacher must authenticate
Cambridge will make all final decisions all work.
concerning the case.
(b) If malpractice is discovered during the marking
5.8.6 Suspected malpractice of coursework at the Centre, the Centre
discovered by Cambridge must report details to Cambridge. If the 3
Centre cannot authenticate the work of any

(a) If Cambridge becomes aware of suspected candidate(s) because of suspected malpractice
malpractice they will send a report with full then they should give a mark of zero for the
details of the alleged malpractice to the Centre piece of coursework concerned. If suspected
concerned. Cambridge will ask the Head of
Before the exams

malpractice is identified by Cambridge, the
Centre to conduct a full investigation into the matter will be referred to the Centre for
alleged malpractice and to submit a written investigation.
report.
(c) Reports of cases of malpractice in Centre-
(b) Reports from the Head of Centre following the based assessments must include: 4
investigation of suspected malpractice cases
must include: written statements that the candidate(s)
involved have been notified of the report
written statements that the candidate(s) and that they are aware of its content
involved have been notified of the report
and that they are aware of the content of a detailed account of the investigation
the report carried out by the Centre
Exam day
a detailed account of the investigation written statements from staff concerned

carried out by the Centre
handwritten statements from candidates 5
written statements from the invigilators concerned

and other staff concerned
seating plans (if appropriate)
handwritten statements from the

candidates concerned details of the procedures followed by the
Centre for advising staff and candidates of
seating plans (if appropriate) Cambridge regulations for the production
of assessments.
details of the procedures followed by the
Centre for advising staff and candidates of (d) Cambridge will consider any statement of
66
Cambridge regulations for the conduct of mitigating circumstances provided by the
its examinations.

5 Exam day 71
Centre and any recommendation about the ban the Centre from entering Cambridge
penalty the Centre considers appropriate. examinations
Cambridge will make all final decisions
concerning a case. inform other awarding bodies of the
details of the case and the action taken
5.8.8 Malpractice and
inform the police and other relevant
maladministration by Centre authorities.
staff
(g) Cambridge will endeavour to make sure
(a) Cambridge will deem any non-compliance that candidates are neither advantaged
with the guidelines for the conduct of the nor disadvantaged as a consequence of
examinations, or any action by a member of malpractice or maladministration by staff.
staff to contravene Cambridge regulations, However, it may be necessary to withhold
as maladministration or malpractice by the results until the Committee has fully
Centre. considered the case.
(b) Centres must immediately report actual or
5.8.9 Procedures for investigating
suspected cases of maladministration or
malpractice by staff to Cambridge. They
alleged malpractice
must also complete and submit Exam day Cambridge will seek to establish the full facts
Form 9. and circumstances of any alleged malpractice
and, where appropriate, information about the
(c) The Head of Centre must carry out the
individuals conduct in other examinations. In
initial investigation into any cases of alleged
certain circumstances, for example, when a
malpractice or maladministration by a member
candidates account of events is at variance
of Centre staff. Cambridge will notify the Head
with that of the Centres, Cambridge may deal
of Centre of any subsequent investigation
directly with the candidate or the candidates
required by Cambridge and the nature of the
representative.
report they must submit.
(d) The Centre must make any member of staff 5.8.10 Sanctions and penalties applied
accused of malpractice or maladministration against candidates
fully aware (preferably in writing), at the
(a) Cambridge, at its discretion, may impose
earliest opportunity, of the nature of the
sanctions and penalties against candidates
alleged malpractice and the possible
found to have broken the regulations.
consequences should malpractice be proved.
Any member of staff accused of malpractice or (b) Heads of Centres retain sole discretion to take
maladministration must have the opportunity any further action that they deem appropriate
to respond (preferably in writing) to the in cases of candidate irregularity.
allegations made.
(c) Cambridge will apply sanctions in order to
(e) On the basis of evidence received, the reflect the particular circumstances of each
Cambridge Malpractice Committee will case and any mitigating factors.
consider each case and decide on the action to
take. (d) As Cambridge makes no assumptions on
intended actions. Penalties are only based on
(f) The Cambridge Malpractice Committee may the evidence presented.
take the following actions:
issue a warning about future conduct to

the Centre or staff involved Administrative forms
ban members of staff from any Forms available from the Exams Officers
involvement in the administration of section of the Cambridge website
Cambridge examinations for a specified www.cie.org.uk/examsofficers
period of time
Malpractice: Exam day Form 9

72 5 Exam day
Preparation
(e) All penalties must be justifiable, reasonable in the individual could lose a university place
their scale and consistent in their application.
the individual regrets his/her actions.
(f) Penalties will only apply to the series in which 1
the offence has been committed and possible When making an appeal, Centres must provide
future series. (If evidence comes to light some Cambridge with any extra information or evidence
considerable time after the offence, Cambridge they would like the Appeals Committee to consider.
may still apply a penalty to the series in which Once a Centre has submitted an appeal, all
the offence was committed and to a later communication relating to the case must be in
series.) writing.
Entries
5.8.11 Cambridge Primary Checkpoint Cambridge will not enter into any communication
and Cambridge Checkpoint about an appeal with candidates or their parents.
2
For Cambridge Checkpoint and Cambridge Cambridge will inform the Centre of the outcome
Primary Checkpoint, Cambridge reserves the right of their appeal within 28 days of the date of the
to withhold results while any related malpractice appeal.
investigations take place. Depending on the
Teacher assessment
outcome of the investigation we may either release 5.8.14.1 Malpractice appeal process
or permanently withhold the results. Stage 1
5.8.12 Communicating decisions to (a) At stage 1 the evidence is reviewed by
members of staff and candidates senior staff within the Compliance Unit. All
previous evidence is considered alongside any 3
Cambridge will inform Heads of Centres in writing
new evidence or mitigating circumstances
as soon as possible after decisions are made.
highlighted by the Centre.
It is the responsibility of the Head of Centre to
communicate the decision to the individuals (b) The Centre will be notified in writing of any
concerned, and to pass on warnings in cases decision made.
Before the exams

where this is indicated.
Stage 2
5.8.13 Exchange of information with
If the Centre is not satisfied by the outcome of the
other awarding bodies and
stage 1 appeal, they can request to go to stage 2.
authorities 4
(a) At stage 2 the Cambridge Appeals Committee

The majority of cases of malpractice are
will consider the appeals against the decisions
confidential between the individual Centre
made.
and Cambridge. However, in cases of serious
malpractice, in order to preserve the integrity (b) The Cambridge Appeals Committee consists
of the examination, it may be necessary for of a Cambridge director or assistant director
Cambridge to exchange information with other who will act as chair, the regulations officer
Exam day
parties, for example, other awarding bodies. who will minute the meeting and at least two
independent panel members. Other subject,
5.8.14 Appeals against decisions of assessment or specialist staff may be invited 5
the Cambridge Malpractice to give extra information as required. The
Committee Appeals Committee will review the evidence
and decide what action, if any, should be
The Head of Centre must send any appeal in

taken. The Committee will consider each case
writing within 28 days from the date of notification
of the decision. The following reasons, in
information available.
isolation, are not enough to merit an appeal:
the individual did not intend to cheat
the individual has a good academic record correspondence. 66

5 Exam day 73
Special instructions for particular examinations
Centres must pass on enquiries about the

5.9 Special instructions for confidential instructions to Cambridge or, in the
particular examinations case of local arrangements, to the Cambridge
Associate. Under no circumstances should Centres
5.9.1 Practical examinations in science
open any question paper packets before the
syllabuses examination.
The effective delivery of a science curriculum 5.9.1.2 Materials
requires an emphasis on practical work, whatever
the level and type of assessment the Centre offers. In addition to apparatus and materials obtained
from local sources, Cambridge may supply
The Centre must satisfy Cambridge that it is some materials or, by special arrangements
adequately equipped to teach the practical aspects with Cambridge, Centres may obtain them from
of a subject as set out in the syllabus, and that particular firms. Materials supplied by Cambridge
it can keep to any requirements for practical will be clearly labelled and Cambridge will give
assessment, before it can enter candidates for an directions for their issue in syllabus-specific
examination in that syllabus. confidential instructions. Centres must check
If Cambridge is not satisfied that the Centre materials and specimens provided by Cambridge
is adequately equipped, for whatever reason, against the list provided as soon as they arrive.
Cambridge may prevent the Centre offering the Centres must report any discrepancies to
relevant Cambridge Science syllabus examinations Cambridge immediately.
because they are unable to prepare candidates Centres must open the packets containing
properly. perishable specimens (for example, enzymes for
Centres can order Cambridges Planning Science biological practical experiments) as soon as they
in Secondary Schools from the Publications arrive and keep them in a refrigerator that is not
department. This publication provides guidance accessible to unauthorised people.
for Heads of Centres, Cambridge Associates and The Head of Centre, along with the supervisor, is
science specialists involved in the design and responsible for the safe and secure confidential
commissioning of new, or refurbishing of existing, handling of all materials until they are used in the
Science accommodation and equipment. It examination. No information about these materials
contains sections on: planning the accommodation; must reach candidates.
the laboratory; the preparation room and apparatus;
and resources (by subject and level). After the examination, Centres must return all
microscope slides to Cambridge, unless otherwise
5.9.1.1 Confidential instructions stated. In some cases Cambridge may allow
Requirements for practical examinations are Centres to keep material and pay replacement
given in syllabus-specific confidential instructions. costs, using the form enclosed with the material.
Cambridge sends these instructions to Centres Unless stated otherwise in the confidential
several weeks before examinations begin. Centres instructions to supervisors, Cambridge may charge
must regard them as confidential and they are Centres for the cost of materials not returned in
intended only to enable the member of staff in good condition.
charge of the laboratory, the supervisor, to carry 5.9.1.3 Large numbers of candidates
out proper preparations before the examination
session. Under no circumstances must any If more candidates are entered for a practical test
information in the instructions reach candidates. at any Centre than can be accommodated at one
time, the Centre may divide candidates into two
Centres must keep confidential instructions groups or more if necessary. Both groups must
under secure conditions at all times and it is the take the test on the same day, with the minimum
responsibility of the Head of Centre to make possible delay between sessions. The Centre must
sure that the contents remain confidential. Under make careful arrangements to keep the groups
no circumstances must Centres discuss the apart until all candidates have taken the test, and
instructions with any other Centre. must maintain the security of the examination at all
times. Centres must notify Cambridge in advance
of any such arrangement.

74 5 Exam day
Preparation
Centres must make sure that no prior knowledge room to another.
of the test is gained by candidates waiting to
take the tests, either from other candidates, the One invigilator must be present for every
supervisor, invigilators or other Centre staff, or by 15 candidates and at least two invigilators must be 1
electronic or external means from contact outside present in each laboratory where an examination
the Centre, such as candidates from other Centres is being conducted. The supervisor who set up the
who have taken the test. examination must be present in the examination
room at the start of the examination and should
Centres must supervise all candidates at the Key also be available throughout the practical
Time on the timetable. Candidates may be taking examination to deal with technical difficulties
the examination or they may be under Full Centre that may arise, including matters of safety, and
Entries
Supervision, before or after taking the examination. to assist with invigilation. Ideally one of the
If the Centre has divided the candidates into two invigilators should be a specialist in the subject
2
groups they can schedule the examination so that being examined; this may be the supervisor
one group finishes at (or close to) the Key Time, who was responsible for setting up the practical
and the other group starts at (or close to) the Key examination.
Time. This will ensure that the amount of time
candidates spend under supervision is kept to a Where the supervisor is expected to perform
Teacher assessment
minimum. the experiments from the question paper, they
should do this in a separate room or in an area
In some countries, scheduling the two groups of the laboratory at a suitable distance from the
in this way may cause a morning practical candidates. The Centre must provide adequate
examination to overlap with the afternoon invigilation while the supervisor carries out the
3
examination session. In such cases Centres experiments.
should:
If the supervisor has been involved in preparing any
arrange the groups of candidates so that the of the candidates for the examination then another
sittings do not overlap invigilator must be present at all times. Centres
Before the exams

must carry out all invigilation in accordance with
timetable the practical examination so that the the regulations in this handbook.
changeover between the two groups is earlier
than the Key Time (the Centre will need to Where the practical examination requires a
supervise the first group of candidates after changeover of candidates between one set of
their practical examination) apparatus and another, the supervisor must reset 4
the equipment back to its original state each time,
delay the start of the written examination unless directed otherwise by the confidential
(provided that all candidates are under Full instructions. The time it takes to make this
Centre Supervision at the Key Time). changeover is in addition to the time given for
The invigilator, in consultation with the supervisor, the examination. Invigilators must make sure that
may make arrangements for some candidates to candidates do not communicate with each other Exam day
begin their work with one question and some with during the changeover period.
another, if this would facilitate the use of apparatus The supervisor and any invigilators should consult
and materials available. the syllabus-specific instructions and must include 5
If there are more candidates than can be with the answer scripts any information required by
accommodated in two groups, the Centre should Cambridge, for example, the report form, attached
contact Cambridge well before the examination to to the question paper or instructions.
discuss arrangements. If the supervisor experiences any issues during

5.9.1.4 Invigilation the practical that disadvantage the candidates,
for example, the equipment is faulty, they should
In all practical examinations, invigilators must take record it in their Supervisors Report and talk to
special care to prevent communication between the exams officer about submitting an application
candidates, especially where the arrangements for special consideration if they feel the candidates 66
require candidates to move, from time to time, were disadvantaged.
from one part of the laboratory or examination

5 Exam day 75
A brief guide to invigilating Science practical (c) When conducting the above checks Centres
examinations is available on CIE Direct. It is should not listen to the test material in full
intended only as a reminder for invigilators and or remove it from the Centre. After each
must be used along with the regulations in this check Centres must return the material to the
handbook. examination question paper store.
5.9.2 Special instructions for 5.9.3.2 Conduct of a listening test

Cambridge IGCSE speaking tests Ideally, a member of staff who speaks the
Four working days before the first day of speaking language of the listening test should be present to
tests at the Centre, the Head of Centre should deal with any technical difficulties. If this teacher
make available the confidential teachers notes prepared the candidates for the examination they
to the head of department or teacher/examiner. must not be the sole invigilator.
The teacher/examiner must allow enough time Once started, the invigilator must not stop the
to familiarise themselves with the materials and test, except in the case of a serious emergency.
procedures, but must not remove materials from Noise from outside the examination room does
the Centre. Centres must store materials according not constitute a serious emergency. The invigilator
to the regulations in this handbook. should warn candidates of this before the test
begins.
5.9.3 Special instructions for
Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge If the test is stopped because of an emergency,
O Level, Cambridge International the invigilator should restart it at exactly the same
AS and A Level listening tests place once they have dealt with the emergency.
The invigilator must include a report with the
Cambridge will supply Centres with the recorded candidates scripts, indicating at which point in the
material for the listening tests, which they may test the interruption took place, the nature of the
keep after the examination. Centres are strongly incident and the length of the interruption. If there
advised to hold the listening test in a room that is good reason to doubt whether all candidates
is suitable for up to 30 candidates. If a Centre heard certain items, the invigilator must identify
has equipment that is very powerful, it may these items in the report and give the reason for
accommodate more candidates without special doubt.
permission, but Cambridge will not consider
applications for special consideration on the Centres must contact Cambridge if equipment fails
grounds of inaudibility. Centres may use language during the examination, in order to make alternative
laboratories, but they must take care to provide arrangements for the listening test.
adequate supervision.
5.9.3.3 Large numbers of candidates
Certain papers require candidates to have personal
If more candidates are entered for a listening test
listening facilities, for example, CD players with
at any Centre than can be accommodated at one
headphones.
time, the Centre may divide the candidates into
5.9.3.1 Checking recorded material for two groups. Both groups must take the test on
listening tests the same day, with the minimum possible delay
between the sessions. The Centre must make
(a) Centres must spot-check listening test careful arrangements to keep the groups apart
material for sound quality as soon as received. until all candidates have finished the test, and must
(b) In order to check the acoustics (that is, the maintain security at all times. Centres must notify
loudspeakers and sound quality) Centres must Cambridge in advance of any such arrangements.
spot-check the test material at the appropriate All candidates must be under supervision at the
volume in the examination room one working Key Time on the timetable. Candidates may be
day before the examination. This check must taking the examination or they may be under
not affect the security of the examination. Full Centre Supervision, before or after taking
the examination. If the Centre has divided the
candidates into two groups it may be desirable

76 5 Exam day
Preparation
to schedule the examination so that one group 5.9.4 Cambridge IGCSE syllabuses:
finishes the examination at (or close to) the Key
Open book Literature
Time, and the other group starts the examination
at (or close to) the Key Time. This will keep the
components 1
amount of time that candidates spend under Full 0486 (English) Paper 1
Centre Supervision to a minimum.
0488 (Spanish) Paper 1
In some countries, scheduling the two groups
in this way may cause a morning examination to Candidates should take their set texts into the
overlap with the afternoon examination session. In examination room for the syllabuses listed above.
such cases Centres may use one or more of the Invigilators must check to ensure candidates use
Entries
following measures to make sure that no candidate original published books only, not photocopies from
needs to be in two examinations at the same time: books, unless the Centre has received agreement
from Cambridges Compliance Unit. Invigilators 2
arrange the two groups of candidates so that must also make sure that candidates texts do not
those who also have an afternoon examination contain notes, underlining, highlighting or any other
take the practical examination first annotations or additions made by the candidate.
Invigilators must report all breaches of this
Teacher assessment
arrange the time of the examination so that
regulation to Cambridge. (Note: Cambridge IGCSE
the changeover between the two groups is
English Literature Paper 4 and Paper 5 are closed
earlier than the Key Time (which will require
book components, for which texts are not allowed
the Centre to supervise the first group of
in the examination room.)
candidates after their practical examination)
delay the start of the afternoon examination 5.9.5 Special instructions for 3
(provided that all of the candidates are under Cambridge IGCSE ICT and
Full Centre Supervision at the Key Time). Cambridge International AS and
A Level Applied ICT practical
In other countries, scheduling the two groups in
tests
Before the exams

this way may cause an afternoon examination to
overlap with the morning examination session. In 5.9.5.1 Supervisor
such cases, Centres may use one or more of the
following measures to ensure that no candidate A suitably experienced supervisor, who may be the
needs to be in two examinations at the same time: candidates tutor, is responsible for administering
4
the practical tests according to these instructions
arrange the two groups of candidates so that and the fuller Procedures for Conducting Practical
those who also have a morning examination Tests issued on CIE Direct. Please use them
take the examination last alongside the regulations outlined in this handbook.
The supervisor is responsible for the preparation of
arrange the time of the examination so that the hardware and software for the test.
the changeover between the two groups is
5.9.5.2 Invigilation
Exam day
later than the Key Time (which will require

the Centre to supervise the second group of
At least two invigilators must be present for the
candidates before their examination)
test. It is essential that a suitably experienced 5
make the start of the morning examination invigilator, preferably the supervisor, is present in
earlier (provided that all of the candidates are the test room to deal with any technical difficulties
under Full Centre Supervision at the Key Time). that may arise. If the supervisor has been involved
in the preparation of any of the candidates for

If the number of candidates is larger than can the test, then a further (third) invigilator must
be accommodated in two groups, the Centre be present at all times. It is up to the Centre to
should contact Cambridge well in advance of the appoint suitable personnel, but the availability of
examination to discuss the arrangements. an extra technician in addition to the invigilators is
encouraged. Centres must carry out all invigilation
in accordance with the regulations detailed in 3.1.4 66
in this handbook. The supervisor and invigilators

5 Exam day 77
must consult the syllabus-specific Procedures Wherever possible, candidates from the Centre
for Conducting Practical Tests and the Supervisor should sit their assessment at the same
Instructions for Practical Tests. time. If more than one session is needed to
accommodate all candidates, these sessions
The document Brief Guide to Invigilating ICT should follow on from each other. However,
Practical Tests is given in the Procedures for Centres do not need to keep candidates under
Conducting Practical Tests issued on CIE Direct supervision until all candidates have taken the test.
before the examination. Invigilators must use the
guide alongside the regulations in this handbook. When arranging examination dates, Centres should
consider the time needed to set up the system and
Candidates must not have access during the should allow contingency planning (for example,
test to their own electronic files or personal to reschedule examination times due to possible
notes, pre-prepared templates or other files. hardware failure) wherever possible.
Candidates are not allowed to refer to textbooks
or Centre-prepared manuals. During the practical 5.9.5.4 Preparation for practical tests
test candidates can use English or simple
Before candidates take a practical test, the
translation dictionaries, spell-checkers, software
supervisor must work through a past/specimen
help facilities and manufacturer manuals on the
paper, using the hardware and software candidates
software packages. Candidates may use software
will be using.
wizards provided by the original software supplier.
Supervisors/invigilators must not give any other Centres must make sure that the hardware
help to the candidates during the test, unless there and software candidates will be using is in full
is an equipment failure. The supervisor must record working order and will allow them to meet all the
any assistance given to an individual beyond that performance criteria as specified in the syllabus.
given to the group as a whole and must submit Cambridge will not take into consideration errors
their report to Cambridge with the candidates resulting from faulty software or hardware when
work. marking candidates work.
Candidates must not communicate with each Data files will be available to Centres one day
other in any way (including the use of email, via the before the examination window so they can be
internet or intranet) and Centres must make sure downloaded.
candidates files are secure. Centres are strongly
advised to consider setting up passwords to Centres must make sure that a spare computer/
control login procedures and to make sure that only printer is available in case of equipment failure.
authorised access to files is possible. Candidates If failure occurs, the invigilator should allow
must not have access to portable storage media the candidate to move to another machine if
for example, memory sticks. Invigilators must be necessary, making sure that the candidate does
vigilant throughout the test. not have access to other candidates work (for
example, by using secure areas on all machines or
5.9.5.3 Timetabling changing the default settings).
The Cambridge IGCSE and Cambridge International 5.9.5.5 Security issues
AS and A Level timetable will specify periods
within which candidates must take the two The practical tests are a test of skills, not of
practical tests for each syllabus. Within this period, knowledge or understanding. The performance
Centres may conduct the practical tests at any criteria (that is, the skills included in the test)
convenient time or times. Candidates must finish are published in the syllabus and are available
each practical test in a single session. to candidates. The majority of the performance
criteria are assessed in each examination.
Candidates can therefore gain no advantage by
speaking to candidates who have already taken
Important information the tests: they already know what skills they need
to demonstrate. The security issues associated
Any system errors or issues must be reported
with the practical tests are therefore different from
on the Supervisors Report Form (SRF).
those for conventional written papers.

78 5 Exam day
Preparation
There are important security issues, for example, the equipment or the candidate. If equipment
candidates must not gain enough knowledge failure occurs with an individual computer, the
of the tests to enable them to rote-learn the invigilator should permit the candidate to move to
1
sequences of keystrokes or commands which form another machine if necessary. Invigilators should
the answers. Centres must treat all assessment check that candidates do not have access to other
material as confidential and must only issue it at candidates work (for example, by using secure
the time of the test. areas on all machines or changing default settings).
Centres must keep secure all work stored on a If equipment can be restored, the invigilator may
network or hard disk. give extra time to the candidates to make up for
time lost, as long as the Centre can guarantee the
Entries
Centres must make sure that: integrity of the test. If equipment failure makes
candidates do not have access to test material, it impossible to continue the test, (for example,
2
except during their test power is lost indefinitely or all the candidates work
has been lost or corrupted), all the candidates work
at the end of each session the invigilator must be destroyed and the Centre should allow
collects all assessment material (including the candidate a second attempt at the test on a
candidate-dated practical test papers and different day. This must be a last resort.
Teacher assessment
candidates completed work)
If there is an equipment failure, the supervisor
they destroy all draft copies and rough work must submit a detailed report to Cambridge with
which is not submitted the candidates work. The report must state the
nature of the problem, the candidates affected, and
spare copies of the test paper are kept under the actions taken.
3
secure conditions until the specified date.
5.9.5.8 Printing
Candidates must not keep any printouts produced
during the test, or any electronic files that form Centres must make sure that there is enough
part of the test or have been produced during the toner and paper to print out all candidates work.
Before the exams

test. Candidates must date their test paper before Candidates work will take the form of printouts.
submitting it with the rest of their work. Centres must not submit work in other forms (for
example, CD-ROM). Each printout must include the
5.9.5.6 Submission of candidates work candidates name, number and Centre number (this
The submission to Cambridge should include: information must not be hand written). Candidates 4
must enter this information before their work is
for each candidate, the candidates printed. Cambridge will not mark printouts with
Assessment Record Folder (ARF), containing either hand-written details or no candidate details.
a copy of the candidates work and dated test If candidates produce extra rough printouts, these
paper; must be neatly crossed through to show that they
are not the copy to be marked.
the Supervisor Report Folder (SRF), including
Exam day
details of any problems encountered, the Candidates must send all work to the printer
candidates affected and the actions taken as during the duration of the test. Only if a printer
well as details of the software that candidates breaks down may the Centre use its discretion 5
used to take the test. to go beyond the time specified for the test.
The supervisor must record this to go beyond their
5.9.5.7 Equipment failure
report. Printouts may be collated after the test time
If there is a system crash, software failure, power specified, under supervised conditions.
cut or damage to equipment during the test, the
It is essential that an invigilator gives printouts to
Centre must take action to guarantee the integrity
candidates and that candidates do not collect them
of the test.
from the printer themselves. Invigilators must
If a candidate appears to be having problems make sure that candidates are given only their own
with faulty equipment, the invigilator must tell the printouts. 66
supervisor, who must decide if the fault lies with

5 Exam day 79
5.9.5.9 Content of question papers
Two practical papers (A and B) cover the

assessment objectives set out in the syllabus. The
paper content will not be the same each time.
The syllabus aims to give Centres the flexibility to

cope with a variety of resources and ever-changing
technology. The practical sections of a course can
be accomplished using any software packages that
allow candidates to demonstrate all skills listed in
the relevant sections of the syllabus.
5.9.6 Special instructions for

Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge
International AS and A Level Art
and Design
Centres should refer to A Guide to Administering
Art and Design Practical Examinations, within the
relevant Art and Design syllabus.

80 5 Exam day
Preparation
6.1 Provisional examination results
Centres are able to view and download their results from the
1
CIE Direct website (https://direct.cie.org.uk) on the date given in
the >Cambridge Administrative Guide. Centres can release results
to candidates on the date given in the >Cambridge Administrative
Guide.
Cambridge will send printed statements of results to Centres

on dates published in the >Cambridge Administrative Guide.
Cambridge will not email results to Centres or any other parties.
Entries
It is the responsibility of the Centre to distribute statements of
results to all candidates. The name of the Centre will not appear 2
In this section on either the statement of results or the certificates for private
candidates.
81 6.1 Provisional examination
results Cambridge does not usually provide candidates with their results
Teacher assessment
81 6.2 Examination grades directly. However, Cambridge reserves the right to inform
candidates of their results in extreme circumstances, upon proof of
82 6.3 Certificates identity.
83 6.4 Enquiries about results The statement of results is not a certificate, Cambridge reserves
services
the right to amend the information given on statements of results, 3
which are then confirmed by the candidates certificate. The
statement of results is and remains the property of Cambridge and
is issued on the following conditions:
any alteration to or defacement of a statement of results
Before the exams

renders it invalid
Centres must return a statement of results to Cambridge if

asked to do so.
Centres must notify Cambridge immediately of any errors in 4
candidates names on statements of results so that they can be

corrected before certificates are issued. A fee is charged for any
amendment requested after the issue of certificates.
Cambridge will issue a certifying statement of provisional results

on the same day results are published, if the Centre the candidate
is entered through completes Results and Certificates Form 7.
Exam day
(The authorisation must be on Centre headed paper and signed by

the Head of Centre.) Authorisation from the Centre is not required
if the statement is to be directly provided to a school or university. 5
Administrative Cambridge will despatch these statements on the date provisional
forms results are published. Authorisations from Centres are no longer
required after Cambridge has published the provisional results.
Forms available from the

Exams Officers section of the
Cambridge website
6.2 Examination grades
For information about the different grades for Cambridge
Certifying Statement
qualifications and the way they are shown on statements of results
Application: Results and
see the >Cambridge Administrative Guide. 66
Certificates Form 7

6 Results and certificates 81
Certificates
6.3 Certificates 6.3.2 Damaged certificates

A Cambridge certificate will record a candidates At its absolute discretion Cambridge reserves
final results. A certificate is and remains the the right to issue replacement certificates to
property of Cambridge and is issued on the candidates, based on satisfactory proof of identity.
following conditions: This service is available only within 18 months
of the date of issue of the original certificate.
any alteration to or defacement of a certificate After that period Cambridge will issue a certifying
makes it invalid statement to candidates. The candidate must
return the damaged certificate to Cambridge before
Centres must return a certificate to Cambridge
it can provide any replacement certificate. A fee is
if asked to do so.
charged for a replacement certificate.
Centres must check certificates carefully on
receipt. It is the responsibility of the Centre 6.3.3 Name changes
to distribute certificates to candidates as soon Cambridge issues certificates in the name of
as possible. Where certificates are not handed the candidate at the time the award is made.
to candidates personally, Centres must obtain Cambridge will not provide replacement certificates
acknowledgement of receipt. to accommodate a later change of name.
Centres must keep certificates in a safe place
6.3.4 Incorrect candidate and/or
until they are distributed to candidates. The Centre
Centre details
must keep unclaimed certificates under secure
conditions for a minimum of 12 months from Centres must check Centre and candidate details,
the date of issue. After that time, the Centre including the spelling of names and dates of birth,
may return unclaimed certificates to Cambridge, when Cambridge issues statements of results.
enclosing a list of those certificates they are A Centre must report to Cambridge immediately
returning. The Centre must keep a copy of this list. any inaccuracies before the issue of certificates.
Under no circumstances must Centres destroy Cambridge charges a fee for issuing a replacement
unclaimed certificates. certificate or statement of results due to incorrect
candidate and/or Centre details. This service
6.3.1 Lost certificates and certifying is available only within 18 months of the date
statements of issue of the original certificate or statement
A candidate who has lost a Cambridge certificate of results, and the candidate must return the
may apply for a certifying statement of results, original certificate before Cambridge will issue a
using Results and Certificates Form 7. Centres replacement.
may apply to Cambridge for a certifying statement
6.3.5 Combining grades from
of results at any time.
examination series on single
A certifying statement is an official document certificates
issued by Cambridge which will reflect the
certificate rather than the statement of results. Cambridge cannot combine grades obtained in
The certifying statement is fully endorsed by the different examination series onto one certificate.
Vice Chancellor of the University of Cambridge. For example, it cannot record on a single certificate
Cambridge can also issue a certifying statement to
an educational institution or employer as proof of
the applicants results. Administrative forms
Cambridge charges a fee for issuing certifying Forms available from the Exams Officers
statements. section of the Cambridge website
Certifying Statement Application: Results and

Certificates Form 7

82 6 Results and certificates
Enquiries about results services
Preparation
grades obtained in both a June series and a
November series. Cambridge issues separate
6.4 Enquiries about results
certificates for each examination series. services
1
Cambridge will not delete selected grades from a Cambridge carries out extensive quality checks
certificate issued for an examination series. before issuing results. However, an enquiry about
results service is available to Centres in case they
6.3.6 Concerns about results feel that investigation into the result of one or more
candidates is appropriate.
Cambridge will acknowledge any enquiry a
Centre submits expressing general concern with 6.4.1 Explanation of No Result or
its results in a particular examination. However, Pending
Entries
it will not carry out an investigation. If a Centre
requires such an investigation it must use one of Cambridge will provide, without charge, if asked by 2
the results enquiry services. See the >Cambridge the Head of Centre, an explanation of any report of
Administrative Guide for information on our results No Result (Grade X) or Pending (Grade Q).
enquiries services.
Cambridge will ask the Centre to submit
any documentary evidence to suggest that
Teacher assessment
6.3.7 Amendments to results and
certificates Cambridges records are inaccurate, for example,
an attendance register or coursework mark.
Cambridge carries out ongoing internal quality
assurance procedures and also makes available Cambridge may confirm that it is unable to issue a
facilities for enquiries about results and appeals result for the candidate for the syllabus, in which
3
by a Centre. As a result of appeals Cambridge case its explanation will consist of one of the
may need to issue amended statements of results following:
or certificates. Although Cambridge will amend a confirmation of the component(s) for which
statements of results and certificates only in Cambridge had no mark
exceptional circumstances, it reserves the right to
Before the exams

do this, at any time and without liability, to Centres a confirmation of a previous notification to the
or candidates. Centre of the reason why Cambridge cannot
award a result, for example, that Cambridge
6.3.8 University entrance did not receive documents, coursework marks
or information to confirm that the candidate 4
Universities and other institutions issue details
did or did not sit a particular examination.
of the conditions that apply to Cambridge
examinations for university entrance. Centres must 6.4.2 Submission of enquiries
address admissions enquiries to the institution
concerned and not to Cambridge. Apart from an explanation of a Grade X or a
Grade Q, Cambridge provides a number of
6.3.9 Verification of results other result enquiry services. Please see the
Exam day
A candidate or institution requiring verification

>Cambridge Administrative Guide for more
information.
of results issued by Cambridge may apply by
completing Results and Certificates Form 8. 5
Candidates or Centres can apply to Cambridge

for verification of results at any time. Cambridge
charges a fee for this service.
If a Centre or institution has any concerns about
the authenticity of a certificate, Cambridge should Forms available from the Exams Officers
be contacted immediately. Cambridge can give section of the Cambridge website
advice about initial authentication of the certificate www.cie.org.uk/examsofficers
at no cost. For more information see the
Results Verification Application: Results and
>Cambridge Administrative Guide. Certificates Form 8
66

(a) For enquiries about results: 6.4.3 Enquiry services

(i) Centres must submit such a request on Please refer to the >Cambridge Administrative
Results and Certificates Form 1, which Guide for the services that are available.
Cambridge will normally despatch with the
statement of results. Cambridge will provide the services described
in the >Cambridge Administrative Guide for
(ii) the Head of Centre responsible for the Cambridge examinations in response to enquiries
candidates entry must submit the enquiry. about examination results.
(iii) the deadline given in the >Cambridge
6.4.4 Multiple enquiries
Administrative Guide is the latest date for
submission. Cambridge will allow only one enquiry about
results for each candidates result in the
Centres must submit enquiries as soon as
externally-assessed components of a syllabus.
possible after Cambridge has issued the
Centres may also ask for service 5 (re-moderation
results.
of coursework and report) in that syllabus.
(b) Cambridge will not consider:
Centres may request different services for different
(i) any telephone requests for enquiries about candidates results in a syllabus.
results, except for No Result or Pending
Centres may make requests for the same
(ii) any requests for enquiries about results candidate for the same or different services in
involving any syllabus component(s) for other syllabuses.
which malpractice has been confirmed
When making an enquiry by component Centres
(iii) any requests for enquiries about results must submit all enquiries for the same candidate/
from individual candidates or their parents/ syllabus together. Cambridge cannot accept further
guardians. component enquiries for the same candidate/
syllabus at a later date.
(c) It is in their best interests that Centres submit
at the same time all enquiries concerning a 6.4.5 Time taken to deal with
particular syllabus. enquiries about examination
results
(d) Cambridge will invoice the Centre at the end
of the examination series for all candidates Cambridge will deal with enquiries in the order
where they have submitted a result enquiry. in which they are received. Cambridge cannot
In cases where a grade change has resulted guarantee a date by which it will complete the
from the enquiry, Cambridge will not charge an work but it will make every effort to report the
enquiry fee. outcome of the review of the marking or re-
moderation as quickly as possible. Wherever
possible, Cambridge will report within 30 days of
enquiry.
Important information Administrative forms

The process of destroying candidate scripts Forms available from the Exams Officers
begins in early November for the June series section of the Cambridge website
and in early May for the November series. If www.cie.org.uk/examsofficers
Cambridge later receives an enquiry it will not
be possible to process it as the scripts will Enquiries about Exam Results (International
have been destroyed. Centres: Results and Certificates Form 1

84 6 Results and certificates
Preparation
Once Cambridge processes the application it (iii) notify UCAS (the UK organisation through
will send an acknowledgement letter to the which applications are processed for
Centre confirming the enquiry requested. If the entry to higher education), and any other
1
Centre does not receive an acknowledgement it universities that have requested a similar
could mean that the application has not arrived arrangement
at Cambridge. Therefore, it is essential that the
Centre contacts Cambridge if it does not receive (iv) provide formal written confirmation of any
an acknowledgement within two weeks. grade change to any other university or
other institution at the request of the Head
6.4.6 Charging for post-results of Centre
services
Entries
(v) issue a revised certificate (on return of the
Cambridge charges for its post-results services. original certificate if Cambridge has already
The charge for each service is stated on the issued it) 2
application form. Cambridge will invoice the

(vi) waive all or part of the fee.
Centre for the service provided. Cambridge
will waive the charge if a grade is changed as a 6.4.9 Appeals against the outcome
result of the enquiry. In the case of services 5,
Teacher assessment
of enquiries about examination
4 and 8 Cambridge will waive the whole fee or a
results
proportion, as appropriate, if a grade change for
one or more candidates has resulted from the (a) If, having received the result of any enquiry, a
enquiry. Head of Centre wants to appeal against that
outcome, they may submit an appeal to the
6.4.7 Candidate consent Cambridge Appeals Committee. Centres must
3
Centres do not need candidate consent for the follow the appeals procedures set out in the
submission of enquiries about examination results. >Cambridge Administrative Guide.
(b) It is the responsibility of the Head of Centre
6.4.8 Outcome of results services
Before the exams

to forward the outcome of an appeal to
(a) If an enquiry leads to a change in the candidates and parents/carers as soon as it is
candidates mark, the candidates syllabus received. The Head of Centre must also notify
grade will either remain the same or go up. the candidates and parents/carers that this
outcome is regarded as final. 4
(b) Where an enquiry does not lead to a change
in a candidates syllabus grade Cambridge
will not re-issue a statement of results
or certificate based upon a change to a
candidates component grade.
(c) Where an enquiry leads to a reduction in a Exam day
candidates mark and that mark is carried

forward to a subsequent series, it will be
the reduced mark that Cambridge uses to
5
calculate the candidates grade in that series.
(d) Where an enquiry leads to a change to

a candidates overall grade in a syllabus,
Cambridge will:
(i) notify the Head of Centre in writing

immediately
(ii) issue a revised statement of results

66

Index
A Candidates
communicating about
disqualification of
2.1.4
5.8.2
Access arrangements 1.2
Centre-delegated 1.2.6 eligibility 2.1.1
definition of 1.2.1 large numbers in practical

examinations 5.9.1.3 and
principles governing 1.2.2
5.9.3.3
Accreditation of coursework assessors 3.1.1
malpractice by 5.8.3
Additional Materials List 5.1.5 and
private 2.1.2
5.1.6
supervision of 5.2.1
Answer scripts
transferred 2.1.3
collecting 5.4.2
with hearing impairment 1.2.5.3
despatching 5.5
with contagious diseases 4.3.6
packing 5.5.2
with learning disabilities 1.2.5.4
Appeals
with physical disabilities 1.2.5.1
against the outcome of applications
for access arrangements 1.2.24 with visual impairment 1.2.5.2
against the outcome of applications Carrying forward of coursework marks 2.5

for special consideration 5.7.11 and 3.1.16
against decisions of the Cambridge Centre responsibilities A

Malpractice Committee 5.8.14 Certificates 6.3
against the outcome of enquiries damaged 6.3.2
about examination results 6.4.9 incorrect candidate/Centre details 6.3.4
Applications for lost 6.3.1
access arrangements 1.2 Certifying statements 6.3.1
special consideration 5.7 Change of contact details A4
timetable deviations 1.1 Checking recorded material 5.9.3.1
Assessed material, ownership of N Clock 4.3.4
At the beginning of the examination 5.1 Collection of answer scripts 5.4.2
At the end of the examination 5.4 Collection of question papers 5.4.3
Attendance registers 5.1.3 Colour blindness 1.2.22
Authenticating coursework 3.1.4 Communicating about candidates 2.1.4
AZ of useful terms pages 56 Communication with Cambridge H
Computers, word processors and
B electronic typewriters, regulations

governing the use of
Conduct of listening test
1.2.17
5.9.3.2
Bar-coded labels 5.5.1
Conduct of examinations 4 and 5
C
Copyright K and M
Correcting fluid/correcting pens, use of
5.1.7 (ii)
Calculators, use of 5.2.3
Cambridge identity P
Cambridge software and online services J
Candidate numbering 2.3.1
Candidate numbers 5.1.2

86 Index
Index
Coursework 3 Examination
authenticating coursework 3.1.4 at the beginning of the examination 5.1
dealing with unsatisfactory at the end of the examination 5.4
practice 3.1.14 during the examination 5.2
definition of 3.1 preparing the exam room 4.3
failure to complete coursework 3.1.9 seating arrangements 4.3.6
incomplete or extra coursework 3.1.8 starting the examination 5.1.7
lost or damaged 5.7.9 Examination grades 6.2
malpractice in 3.1.18 Examination material 4.1
marking of 3.1.7 receipt of 4.1.1
presentation of 3.1.6 storing 4.2
retaining evidence 3.2.18 Examination results 6
return of 3.1.15 enquiries about 6.4
re-use of 3.1.17 Examination room 4.3
shortfall in 5.7.8 Examination venue 4.3.1
submitting for more than one Extra coursework 3.1.8
syllabus 3.1.2
F
supervising coursework 3.1.5
Coursework marks carrying forward 3.1.16
Criteria for selecting samples of
Failure to complete coursework 3.1.9
coursework 3.1.13
Final entries 2.3
D
Finishing the examination 5.4.1
Full Centre Supervision
definition page 5
Damaged certificates 6.3.2
H
Damaged coursework 5.7.9
Despatch of answer scripts 5.5
Dictionaries, use of 5.2.5
Highlighters, use of 5.1.7 (iii)
Display material 4.3.3
I
Disqualification of candidates 5.8.2
E ICT Practical tests

equipment failure
5.9.5
5.9.5.7
Eligibility for special consideration 5.7
invigilation 5.9.5.2
Emergencies 5.6.5
timetabling 5.9.5.3
Enquiries about examination results 6.4
Identifying candidates 5.1.1
Entries 2
Incomplete coursework 3.1.8
confirming entries 2.3.2
Information to display in the examination
closing dates 2.3 (d)
room 4.3.5
eligibility 2.1.1
Internally-assessed coursework,
estimating entries 2.2 submission of marks for 3.1.12
fees 2.4 Internally-assessed oral examinations,
late entries 2.4 submission of marks for 3.2.13
making final entries 2.3

Index 87
Index
Inspections B Moderation
Invigilation submission of sample for
arrangements for 4.4 moderation 3.1.13
ICT practical tests 5.9.5.2
of practical examinations in Science
syllabuses 5.9.1.4 N
Irregular conduct 5.6.4 Name changes 6.3.3
No result, explanation of 6.4.1
K Notice to candidates 4.3.5
Key Time, definition page 6

See also 4.4.1 O
Online services J
L Open books literature components 5.9.4

Oral examinations, submission of marks for
Large numbers of candidates in practical internally-assessed examinations 3.2.13
examinations 5.9.1.3 and Outline proposal form 3.1.3
5.9.3.3
Overnight supervision of candidates 1.1.5 (c)
Late arrival of candidates 5.6.1
P
Leaving the examination room 5.3
Listening tests 5.9.3
conduct of 5.9.3.2
Packing of answer scripts 5.5.2
checking CDs 5.9.3.1
Pens 5.1.6
special instructions 5.9.2 and 5.9.3
Pending result, explanation of 6.4.1
Lost certificates 6.3.1
Perishable specimens 5.9.1.2
Lost coursework 5.7.9
Physical disabilities, guidance on 1.2.5.1
M
Practical assistants, regulations
governing the use of 1.2.20
Practical examinations 5.2.2
Malpractice and maladministration 5.8 Practical examinations in science
by candidates 5.8.3 syllabuses 5.9.1
by Centre staff 5.8.8 invigilation of 5.9.1.4
cases identified by the Centre 5.8.5 large numbers of candidates 5.9.1.3
cases identified by Cambridge 5.8.6 materials to be used in 5.9.1.2
Cambridge procedures 5.8.9 Preparation for the examination 4
in coursework 3.1.18 Preparing the exam room 4.3
in Centre-based assessments 5.8.7 Presentation of coursework 3.1.6
in non-coursework speaking tests 3.2.6 Private candidates 2.1.2
Marking coursework 3.1.7 Prompters, regulations governing
Materials for practical examinations in the use of 1.2.9
science syllabuses 5.1.6.1 Provisional examination results 6.1
Mathematical tables, use of 5.2.4

88 Index
Index
Q Scribe/writer, regulations governing

the use of
Scripts
1.2.19
Question papers
collecting 5.4.2
24-hour security rule 5.4.3
despatching 5.5
collection of 5.4.3
Seating arrangements for the
ownership of L
examination 4.3.6
receipt of 4.1.1
Seating plan 5.1.4
storing 4.2
Security, 24-hour rule 5.4.3
R
Security of question papers and
examination materials 4.2
Shortfall in coursework 5.7.8
Readers, regulations governing the use of Software
1.2.18 use of Cambridge software J
Receipt of question papers and Speaking tests, coursework 5.9.2
examination material 4.1.1
Speaking tests, non-coursework 3.2
Refunding fees 2.4.2
absent candidates 3.2.9
Responsibilities
appointment of examiner 3.2.2
of Associate Centre G
deadlines for submission of marks
of the Centre A and samples 3.2.13
of Cambridge Associate E dealing with unsatisfactory practice
Result enquiries 6 3.2.19
appeals against the outcome of 6.4.9 definition of a non-coursework
applications for 6.4.2 speaking test 3.2.1
outcome of 6.4.8 estimated entries 3.2.4
services available 6.4.3 failure to complete 3.2.10
Results instructions for the submission of
provisional examination results 6.1 speaking test materials 3.2.16
verification of 6.3.9 malpractice 3.2.6
viewing on secure website 6.1 marking 3.2.8
Results and certificates, amendments to 6.3.7 recording of sample for moderation

3.2.14
Retaining coursework evidence 3.2.18
requests for special consideration 3.2.11
Retaking examinations 2.5
retaining non-coursework speaking
Return of artwork N2 and N3
test evidence 3.2.18
Return of coursework 3.1.15
return of speaking tests 3.2.20
Re-use of coursework 3.1.17
selection of samples 3.2.15
Rough work during examinations 5.1.7
special instructions for Cambridge
IGCSE speaking tests 3.2.5
S standardising marking within

Centres 3.2.12
Science accommodation and equipment 5.9.1 timetabling 3.2.7
Science syllabuses, special instructions training and accreditation of
for practical examinations 5.9.1 teacher/examiners 3.2.3
Science syllabuses, use of calculators 5.1.6.1

Index 89
Index
Special consideration 5.7 supervision arrangements for 1.1.5
definition of 5.7.1 unacceptable reasons for 1.1.3
how to apply for 5.7.4 Transcript, regulations governing
the production of 1.2.8
principles governing 5.7.2
Transferred candidates 2.1.3
Specimens for science syllabuses 5.9.1.2
Twenty-four hour security rule 5.4.3
Staged assessment 2.5.1
U
Standardising marking within Centres 3.1.11
Starting the examination 5.1.7
Statements of entry 2.3.2
Statements of results 6.1 Unauthorised materials in
an examination 5.1.5
Stationery 5.1.6
University entrance 6.3.8
unused 5.4.5
V
and materials for science papers 5.1.6.1
Submission of
applications for timetable
deviations 1.1.1 Verification of results 6.3.9
coursework, sample instructions Visual impairment, guidance on 1.2.5.2
for 3.1.13
coursework, sample for
moderation 3.1.13
enquiries about examination results 6.4
marks for internally-assessed coursework
3.1.12
marks and samples for non-coursework
speaking tests 3.2.13
Submitting coursework for more than
one syllabus 3.1.2
Supervision arrangements for
a timetable deviation 1.1.5
Supervising coursework 3.1.5
Supervision of candidates during
the examination 5.2.1
Supervision of candidates overnight
for timetable deviations 1.1.5 (c)
T
Teachers
accreditation of coursework
assessors 3.1.1
Telephone communication I
Timetable deviations 1.1
introduction 1.1
reasons which may be considered 1.1.2
submission of application for 1.1.1

90 Index
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Exams Officers and Principals

Valid for examinations in 2012

Centre and Cambridge Associate responsibilities 7

Timetable clashes and deviations 16

At the beginning of the examination 56

6 Results and certificates

Provisional examination results 81

Cambridge Handbook 2012 (International)

Updated Important dates

Reference CIE Direct > Reference Cambridge

Cambridge Handbook 2012 (International)

4 Before the exams

6 Results and certificates

Cambridge Handbook 2012 (International)

registered with Cambridge as a Centre. Cambridge

The contract between a Centre or Cambridge CIE Direct

Before the exams

Centres through an agreement with Cambridge.

Centre communicate in any way with anyone who

Cambridge Handbook 2012 (International)

Head of Centre Sub, Attached or Affiliated Centres

Invigilator/Supervisor A location where written examinations or

Cambridge Handbook 2012 (International)

A The regulations and procedures detailed in this handbook apply 1

to the assessments and qualifications provided by University of

B Under the terms of the agreement with Cambridge (the

9 Cambridge Associate D All services provided to the Centre by Cambridge are

extra administrative or procedural documents or 3

instructions for the conduct of specific examinations (for

Such documents also form part of the Agreement.

Before the exams

A2 The Centre must not offer courses leading to Cambridge

Cambridge Handbook 2012 (International)

A5 Cambridge accepts notification of changes via B Inspections

C5.1 the work in every candidates

Cambridge Handbook 2012 (International)

D Examination administration D7.1 report any established, suspected

D1.2 marks for internally-assessed D7.3 assist in any investigation into

Before the exams

D4.5 check that the correct versions of refuse such applications.

Cambridge Handbook 2012 (International)

E11.1 Cambridges examination fees Administrative forms

Cambridge Handbook 2012 (International)

Before the exams

with the Centre or terminating the Agreement.

Cambridge Handbook 2012 (International)

K Copyright in examination material K5.5 digital media

K1 Copyright and any other intellectual property K5.6 photographs

Cambridge Handbook 2012 (International)

N5 If Cambridge decides to keep original

N6 For other qualifications, Cambridge will not

Before the exams

to Cambridge as the University of Cambridge P3 Cambridge also has a number of trademarks,

Assessment group. Cambridge Assessment University of Cambridge Local Examinations

O3 When translating University of Cambridge

International Examinations into another Administrative forms

Returning Cambridge IGCSE Art and Design 66

Cambridge Handbook 2012 (International)

Q5 The Centre must: R Approval for the use of the

Q5.3 not use parts of the Cambridge identity

Q5.4 not use the Cambridge identity or

Cambridge Handbook 2012 (International)

S2 There is a policy of open access for all