We wish all coursework students the best of luck as you head into your exams! We’ve got you covered with all the information you need for the exam period.
Bring the right ID into your exam
What to do if you’re sick during exam period
If you’re sick before your exam starts
If you start to feel unwell before your exam starts, it’s important see an AHPRA-certified medical practitioner (such as a GP or psychologist) and get a signed Professional Practitioner’s Certificate (PPC) straight away. Make sure the PPC covers the date of the exam. Then, apply for special consideration.
Keep in mind that the University’s ‘fit to sit’ rule means that if you enter the exam room, you are considered well enough to take your exam. If you feel unwell, it’s usually best to seek documentation and apply for special consideration before the exam starts, and to not sit the exam.
If your special consideration application is approved, a replacement exam will be scheduled for you. Make sure you monitor your University email over the semester break, so you don’t miss out on information about your replacement exam. You may need to alter travel plans so that you can be in Sydney for the exam, if practical.
If you need help, contact our casework service.
If you become unwell during your exam
If you start to feel sick unexpectedly after the exam begins, you should let an exam invigilator know. You should get a Professional Practitioner Certificate from a doctor immediately after your exam. You can still apply for special consideration, but you will need to state that you did not know that you were sick before the exam began.
Special consideration applications must be submitted within 3 working days of your exam. If you need help, contact our casework service.
Too unwell to sit a replacement exam?
If you’re still unwell when it is time for your replacement exam, you will need to apply for special consideration again with a new Professional Practitioner Certificate dated for the date of the replacement exam. Make sure your medical documents state the last day of your ‘affected period’ as the date your doctor expects you will be well enough to return to studying.
What not to bring into your exam
There are strict rules about what can be taken into your exam. Make sure to carefully check your exam instructions and bring only authorised items into your exam. If the exam instructions are unclear to you, or you can’t find them, ask your unit coordinator.
Take care with permitted materials. Permitted devices need to be the right type and brand and will be carefully checked for hidden notes. If you are allowed to bring notes into the exam, follow the instructions carefully – if your notes are in the wrong text size, or have too many pages, it may be considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy.
Make sure to carefully check your pockets before the exam starts. If you realise that you have accidentally brought prohibited items into the exam room after the exam has begun, raise your hand and let the exam invigilator know. It’s much better to notify the invigilator yourself than to be caught out!
Don’t cheat – it’s not worth it!
Every year, students are caught cheating in exams. Remember that the University is on high alert for all forms of exam cheating, including bringing in unapproved or concealed devices (such as Google lenses or earpieces). There are very heavy penalties for cheating in exams, including suspension or even expulsion from the University.
If you’ve been unable to study due to circumstances beyond your control, you may be eligible for special consideration. It’s much better to ask for help than to risk your enrolment through cheating.
Exam adjustments for students with a registered disability
If you’re registered with Inclusion and Disability Services and have adjustments for exams included in your academic plan (like extended exam time or extra toilet breaks) make sure you notify the exam invigilator about your adjustments before the start of the exam.
If you’re affected by events overseas
If you or your family are impacted by genocide, war, or natural disaster overseas, you are eligible for support from the University, including special consideration for your exams. Before you apply for special consideration, we encourage you to contact our casework service for advice and support.
You can access counselling and other support services through Student Wellbeing.
What to do if you receive a blue slip
If an invigilator believes you may have broken exam rules, you may receive a ‘blue slip’ – a piece of paper documenting what occurred.
If this happens, it’s best to try to stay calm and focus on the remainder of your exam. Rest assured that you will have the opportunity to tell your side of the story.
If you receive a blue slip, contact our casework service for advice and support.
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