Exceptional circumstances

The Examination Exceptional Circumstances Consideration Service supports learners who are:

• unable to attend the exam or prevented from completing the exam due to a personal circumstance outwith their control (such as a medical issue) or
• affected during the exam by a disruption, or other exam circumstance, reported by the chief invigilator

Submitting requests

This service:

• Is free of charge
• Opens on 26 April 2022 and closes 10 working days after the exam for which the request is being made
• Can only be requested by schools, colleges and training providers

Note for learners: We are unable to accept requests from learners or parents/carers. If you believe you are eligible for this service, please contact your school, college or training provider.

Who is eligible for this service?

Learners are eligible for consideration if:

• they have experienced a valid exam exceptional circumstance
• they have completed all the compulsory non-question paper components
• an estimate has been submitted for them
• alternative evidence is available

The service is not available to learners who complete the exam, even if they feel they have underperformed due to a personal circumstance beyond their control. Learners who received an exam result lower than their estimate will be eligible for the 2022 appeals service.

Appointees looking at the request will not be made aware of the reason for the request. Awards will be based on evidence of attainment only.

Results

Results will be issued on results day, Tuesday 9 August 2022.

Further information

We have produced general information about the Examination Exceptional Circumstances Consideration Service for 2022 (302 KB).

SQA has produced an Equalities Impact Assessment and a Child Rights and Wellbeing Impact Assessment that summarise the evidence SQA considered during the development of the Examination Exceptional Circumstances Consideration Service.

• Equalities impact assessment
• Child Rights and Wellbeing Impact Assessment

Frequently asked questions

View answers to frequently asked questions on exceptional circumstances and appeals.