Supporting you through exams

Exam preparation can be daunting, and knowing what services are available can be a minefield! So, we’ve pulled together some of the different services the CII offer to help combat any potential challenges, to ensure you make the best possible use of what’s available to you.

Make the most of remarks.

One of our friends over at Para-Sols, had a great experience getting his exam re-marked by the CII. He failed his AF7 exam last year by just one mark, and upon speaking to the CII about the exam facilities not being the best, he appealed to get his exam mark reviewed, and he was marked up to a pass a day later.

You can read more about his experience here. The service he used was specifically for written exams, but there are numerous ways the CII can help if you think your exam experience had unfair conditions. If you’re unsure if your exam was marked fairly, visit the CII’s Post-results services page.

Do you qualify for extra time?

We often find many of our students aren’t aware that they may qualify for additional exam time. If you have any specific learning needs, or any other listed condition that may affect your exam performance, you are eligible to apply for extra time. Examples may include:

•    Dyslexia
•    Arthritis
•    Diabetes
•    Vision impairments

To apply for extra time you need to apply in writing, enclosing evidence from the relevant person e.g. your doctor, psychologist or other. Where possible, your application should accompany details of your exam entry in order to allow sufficient time for the CII to make the necessary arrangements.

Access arrangements.

The CII will also consider alternative access arrangements for people with special requirements such as mobility requests or religious preferences. Some examples include:

•    Agreeing on access to a Prayer Room for those who need it.
•    Arranging a private space for a candidate needing to breastfeed during an exam.
•    Ensuring a female invigilator is present to identify a candidate who wears a veil.

Again, where possible, your application should accompany details of your exam entry in order to allow sufficient time for the CII to make the necessary arrangements.

Special Considerations.

It is possible to apply for special consideration after an examination if you experienced certain circumstances that could have affected your performance. The grounds acceptable for special consideration include:

•    An illness or special need at the time of the examination.
•    An irregularity relating to the examination environment (e.g. excessive noise or disruption).

You should try to speak to your invigilator immediately on-site and complete an incident report form, but failing this, you need to apply for special consideration via customer services at customer.serv@cii.co.uk, within 5 working days of your exam.

You can read more about all of the above services on the CII’s Exam Policies page.