Overview

Information on National Exams

Possible scenarios for National Examinations

Type	Arrangement
Confirmed case of COVID-19 infection	Not allowed to sit for examinations.
Stay-Home-Notice (SHN)^	Not allowed to sit for examinations.
Quarantine Order (QO) Including candidates pending issuance of QO.	Allowed* if entry PCR test and self-swab ART before each examination paper are negative.
Approved Absence (AA) Due to MOH’s mandatory testing or Health Risk Warning.	Allowed if entry PCR test is negative and to self-swab ART at regular intervals, in compliance with MOH’s testing regime.
Leave of Absence (LOA) (Confirmed) For candidates who had close contact with confirmed case(s) and are not pending issuance of QO.	Allowed if supervised ART is negative and to test at regular intervals.
LOA (QO) For candidates who are staying in the same household as individuals serving QO.	Allowed if supervised ART is negative and to test at regular intervals.
LOA (SHN) For candidates who are staying in the same household as individuals serving SHN at home.	Allowed if supervised ART is negative and to test at regular intervals.
AA For candidates with household members (aged 6 and above) who have flu-like symptoms and have yet to have received a PCR- swab.	Allowed if a one-time self-swab ART is negative.
MC due to ARI	Allowed if recovered and PCR test is negative.
MC due to Fever (non-ARI)	Allowed if recovered and one-time self-swab ART is negative.

*Only for the national year-end examinations

^ Candidates on SHN due to travelling overseas to attend a funeral or visit a critically ill next-of-kin, can sit for the examinations under special arrangements. These candidates will take the examinations in schools. They must also take their own private vehicles or pre-book taxis to the exam venue as they are not allowed to take public transport.

Private candidates will be subjected to the same arrangements as candidates from mainstream schools.

Information on Special Consideration

In view of the rising COVID-19 cases, the Ministry of Education (MOE) and the Singapore Examinations and Assessment Board (SEAB) have put in place arrangements for the coming National Examinations for those who may be affected by COVID-19.

These include special consideration for those who miss any papers, as well as special arrangements to allow candidates to take their National Examinations while on Quarantine Order (QO), Leave of Absence (LOA) or Approved Absence (AA) in a safe manner.

Who can apply for Special Consideration?

Candidates who miss the National Examinations due to valid reasons (including COVID-19, medical leave or compassionate reasons) can apply for special consideration.

How can candidates apply for Special Consideration?

School candidates can submit relevant documents (for example, medical certificates) to support their Special Consideration application to SEAB through their school, or directly to SEAB if they are private candidates. All Special Consideration applications are to be submitted within three days after the last day of the examination.

All special consideration applications, for both school and private candidates, will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

For more information, visit the MOE FAQ on COVID-19 related matters.