Reasonable Adjustments and Special Considerations

Reasonable adjustments apply to both permanent or long-term disabilities and learning difficulties, and to temporary disabilities, illness and indispositions. A person entering a candidate for an examination should choose the examination – or the option(s) within a qualification – which is most appropriate for the candidate with a known long-term or permanent disability or learning difficulty.

Applications for reasonable adjustments for graded examinations must be submitted to the Graded Qualifications Alliance at least 12 weeks before the intended date of the examination.

A candidate who is fully prepared for assessment will be eligible for Special Consideration if:

  • Performance in a component is affected by circumstances beyond the control of the candidate, e.g.accident, bereavement
  • reasonable adjustments which were made in respect of a permanent or long-term disability proved inappropriate or inadequate.

The centre is responsible for discussing the possible need for special consideration with the examiner/assessor before the examination starts. The examiner/assessor and centre must be satisfied beyond all reasonable doubt that the case of an individual candidate is genuine. The examiner/assessor will notify GQAL (if possible before the examination starts) the examiner/assessor will send GQAL a confidential written report about the circumstances. The centre must submit a letter requesting special consideration to GQAL as soon as possible after the examination and not later than 2 days after the date of the examination. This letter must provide medical or other appropriate evidence to support the request.

For full details of the policy and application process please download the document below.

Download Reasonable Adjustments and Special Considerations Policy and Procedures