New guidance explains what candidates can expect when assessment delivery is disrupted
New guidance has been issued setting out what SQE candidates can expect if their assessment is disrupted and they cannot proceed as planned.
While the majority of assessments run without incident, the assessment provider has acknowledged that disruptions can sometimes occur. These situations are formally classified as Assessment Delivery Disruptions, known as ADDs, and apply when an issue prevents an assessment day from starting or being completed.
An ADD may be declared where problems arise that cannot be resolved promptly. These include technical failures such as server or hardware malfunctions, infrastructure failures including loss of electricity, water or broadband at a test centre, or external events such as extreme weather forcing a centre to close.
When a disruption occurs on the day of an assessment, the immediate priority is to resolve the issue so the assessment can continue. Candidates may be asked to wait for up to 90 minutes while investigations take place and attempts are made to fix the problem.
If the issue cannot be resolved within that timeframe, the assessment is likely to be cancelled for the day. Test centre staff will advise candidates to leave, and affected candidates should expect to receive an email within two hours outlining the next steps.
Where an ADD is declared, the priority is to reschedule the assessment as quickly as possible. A new date is usually confirmed within 24 hours, with the aim of resitting within two to three days of the original date, subject to existing bookings. Same-day rescheduling may be possible in some cases, depending on test centre availability.
Candidates are advised to keep the days immediately following their assessment window free in case rescheduling becomes necessary. Those unable to attend the new date are encouraged to contact the Candidate Services Team, although alternative arrangements depend on availability.
The options available to candidates depend on whether they have started the assessment. Where no part of the assessment was attempted, candidates may either sit the rescheduled assessment or decline it. Declining results in the attempt being discounted and a full refund issued.
For SQE1 candidates, additional split options apply. If FLK1 cannot start, candidates may resit or accept a refund and proceed to FLK2. If FLK2 cannot start, candidates may resit or accept a refund for FLK2 while retaining their FLK1 result.
Where an assessment has already begun before disruption, candidates retain the same options and may also, where permitted, choose to have the completed assessment marked. If the candidate passes, the result stands. If they fail, the attempt is discounted and a full refund is provided. Whether marking is possible depends on the circumstances and is confirmed individually.
Candidates should note that SQE2 is treated as a single assessment and cannot be split. SQE2 results typically take between 14 and 16 weeks to be issued.