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On test day - FAQs

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What happens if I unavoidably miss part of an exam?

If something which you can't prevent happens and it stops you from taking one or more part(s) of an exam, contact your centre as soon as you can. If you miss the Speaking test, it may be possible for you to take the test at another time. If you miss one part of an exam and it is not possible for you to take it later, it may be possible for Cambridge ESOL to award a grade. If you miss more than one part of the exam you will not receive a grade.

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If I cannot take the exam, do I get my money back?

If you have to withdraw from the exam on medical grounds or if you miss the exam because of illness, you will have to contact your centre to check if a refund can be made.

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If I was unable to take the exam, can I retake it?

Unfortunately it is not possible to transfer the exam fee to a later session, as all preparations have been made for you to sit the exam at that session. You must contact your local centre to arrange to sit the exam in the next session.

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What if something happened during the exam which might influence my performance?

If you feel that you were affected by intolerable circumstances immediately before or during your examination, you will need to report the issue to the examination centre. As stated in the Summary Regulations for Candidates:

‘If you have a problem which you think might affect your performance during the exam you must tell your centre on the day of the exam. The centre will check the problem and if appropriate will report it to Cambridge ESOL for consideration when deciding your results.’

Read Summary Regulations for Candidates

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I was sick for part of my exam, what can I do now?

We can give Special Consideration to candidates affected by adverse circumstances such as illness and bereavement immediately before or during their examination.  All applications for Special Consideration must be made through the local centre as soon as possible after the examination affected.