This page explains what to do if something unexpected and outside your control seriously affects your ability to sit an exam and how to apply for Special Consideration.
Special Consideration for exams
If something unexpected and outside your control seriously affects your ability to attend your exam or perform at your best on exam day, you may be able to apply for Special Consideration.
If on your exam day you have an injury, illness, trauma, bereavement of a close family member, or an exceptional circumstance beyond your control that occur close to or on exam day you can apply for Special Consideration. Evidence is required.
Being stressed, under‑prepared, or having prior or competing commitments does not normally qualify as grounds for Special Consideration.
When to apply and what you need to provide (evidence)
Apply for Special Consideration as soon as possible after the exam, or after the circumstances affecting your exam have occurred. Your application must relate specifically to the exam you were unable to sit or were significantly affected while sitting.
Your application must include supporting evidence that:
- relates to the exam period
- explains the nature of the circumstances (private details are not required), and
- shows how and when those circumstances affected your exam.
Applications without appropriate supporting information may not be approved.
Apply for special consideration
If you’re unsure whether Special Consideration applies to your situation, or you need support during exams, contact us as soon as possible so we can outline your options by emailing resultsandexams@openpolytechnic.ac.nz
Related information
Exam reconsiderations, resits and the return of exam papers