Exam Safety Notice for Candidates

English Language House - Exam Safety Notice - Advice for Candidates

In light of the ongoing COVID-19 concerns we have put together the following guidelines which will be implemented during our exam sessions.

Safety measures - general

• Exam staff will wear face coverings and gloves when handling exam documents and moving around the exam rooms and the building.
  
• A distance of 2m will be kept between candidates whenever possible
  
• Candidates will be seated with a distance of 2m between them in both written and speaking exams.
  
• Hand sanitiser will be available in all exam rooms and around the building.
  
• When candidates arrive for their exams they should wait in the reception area of the church. You will be collected by a member of staff.
  
• Candidates are requested to wear face coverings when moving around the building.
  

Written exams

• Candidates will be asked to turn off all electronic equipment before the start of the exams. These will be handed to a member of staff and will be securely kept during the exams. Candidates may not access these items until the end of the listening tests.
  
• Candidates should bring the rest of their personal belongings into the exam room and store them safely under their desks. You may not access these during the exams, but you will have access to them in between each component.
  
• Candidates will be asked to remain in the examination room during breaks. Should you need to leave the room (to use the bathroom or to smoke, for example) you will be accompanied by a member of staff.
  
• Make sure you bring everything you need for the day of the exam such as food, drinks and stationary. We will not be able to lend you any equipment on the day.
  
• Candidates are asked to ensure that a distance of 2m is kept between each person throughout the day wherever possible.
  
• You may wear a face covering during the written exams should you choose to do so, although this is not compulsory. You will be asked to briefly remove this when our staff need to check your ID.
  
• The exam room will be disinfected in between the morning and afternoon sessions.
  

Test day photos

• These are currently only compulsory for CAE candidates. Your photo will be taken at the beginning of the session by a member of staff who will then upload it to the Cambridge system. This will take place before the start of the first component. You will have to remove your face covering while this happens, although our staff will be wearing a face covering during this procedure.
  

Speaking exams

• Candidates will be given their allocated time slots before the day of the exam.
  
• Candidates should arrive 30 minutes before their slot and wait in reception where they will be collected by a member of staff.
  
• Candidates should leave their electronic equipment (turned off) in a secure holding area during their exam. All other belongings should be kept with you.
  
• Candidates will be asked to remove their face coverings while we check their ID.
  
• Candidates and examiners will be seated 2m apart during the exam.
  
• A member of staff will hand your mark sheet to the examiner. You should not touch any exam materials unless asked to do so.
  
• It is not compulsory to wear a face covering in the examination room unless you wish to do so.
  
• Once you have finished your exam you should collect any electronic items and leave immediately.
  
• The examination room will be disinfected between each examination.
  

Please be assured that your safety is our first concern. Our staff will be on hand to guide and help you and to make your experience as comfortable and stress-free as possible.

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