Contingency planning for the sudden illness of candidates and invigilators
Updated
This page provides general instructions on preparing for the sudden illness of candidates and invigilators.
You can go directly to the relevant section on the page via the links below:
- The general upper secondary school’s preparedness for the matriculation examination
- If a candidate falls ill
- If the general upper secondary school has difficulties arranging the test
- Instructions for a candidate who cannot attend the test due to illness or another reason
The general upper secondary school’s preparedness for the matriculation examination
According to legislation and guidelines, the principal has decision-making authority over the practical arrangements of the examination, including, for example, the allocation of candidates to different rooms. During the examination, a large proportion of the premises are used for the examination and teachers serve as invigilators; this must be taken into account in preparedness planning.
The general upper secondary school should consider at least the following questions:
- How should situations be handled if a candidate or several candidates fall ill before the test? How should situations be handled if a candidate falls ill during the test?
- What should be done if some invigilators are unavailable? Can additional invigilators be obtained?
- What should be done if the principal or another key person for organising the examination is unavailable?
- What should be done if some premises are unavailable? Can alternative premises be obtained?
- How can operations be reorganised if necessary? Can candidates be allocated differently?
- Is it possible, if necessary, to transfer candidates to other general upper secondary schools in the area? How can the school, if necessary, admit candidates from other schools?
If problems arise in arranging the tests, the general upper secondary school must contact the Board. The Board has several means at its disposal to support the organisation of the tests both before the examination day and during the examination day.
If a candidate falls ill
Candidates taking the matriculation examination can reduce their exposure to infectious diseases by maintaining good hygiene and limiting contacts before the tests.
If necessary, the principal may seek input from healthcare services or the student welfare services of the general upper secondary school, such as the school nurse or doctor, to assess the situation of a candidate who has fallen ill. General upper secondary schools have very limited possibilities to provide different types of accommodations.
If it is not possible to sit the test, the principal will clarify the situation to the candidate and instruct them to apply for the cancellation of their enrolment or to consider other possible options.
If a candidate falls ill during the test, their test may be suspended while the situation is assessed. If the candidate cannot continue the test, they will end their test or, if necessary, the invigilator will ensure that the test is ended. If the candidate continues the test after the interruption, the time lost due to the interruption will be compensated.
If a general upper secondary school has difficulties arranging the test
If problems arise in the arrangements for the tests, the school must contact the Board as soon as possible. The Board has several means at its disposal to support the organisation of the tests both before the examination day and during the examination day.
For compelling reasons, the general upper secondary school may appoint disqualified teachers or a disqualified principal as invigilators, as well as reliable persons who do not have experience of the digital test. The number of invigilators may also be temporarily reduced, provided that additional invigilators can be easily called in if needed. The compelling reason, the deviation made, and the safeguards used to ensure the quality of invigilation, the confidentiality of the test, and the prevention of cheating must be recorded in the test record. Situations caused by compelling reasons must be reported to the examination helpline.
The use of recording cameras in test supervision is described in subchapter 2.3.5 of the General Regulations. The decision on camera surveillance is made by the principal of the general upper secondary school.
Questions and answers
What should I do if I suddenly fall ill or am unable to attend a test for another reason?
Inform the general upper secondary school where you are taking the tests as soon as possible. If you are unsure what to do, it is advisable to discuss your options with the principal or a study counsellor to minimise any impact on when you complete the Matriculation Examination. Any applications can be submitted after the test date.
Options for a candidate who is absent from a test:
- A failed grade if you miss the test and do not apply to have your enrolment cancelled.
- An application for the cancellation of your enrolment and a refund of the examination fee for the test concerned.
What are the grounds for cancelling an enrolment?
The cancellation of an enrolment requires exceptionally compelling grounds. For applications based on a sudden illness (such as a cold or a stomach bug), no medical certificate or other healthcare documentation is required. A candidate who falls ill suddenly must contact their general upper secondary school by telephone or email on the morning of the test day. In other cases, a medical certificate or another expert statement concerning the candidate’s situation must be provided.
Cancellation of enrolment on the grounds of a sudden illness or another exceptionally compelling reason. The following must be attached to the application:
- an account of the candidate’s situation and its impact on their ability to complete the tests;
- confirmation from the general upper secondary school of the candidate’s account (for example, a note that the candidate contacted the school by telephone or email on the test day);
- in cases other than sudden illness, supporting documentation such as a previously issued medical certificate or a self-printed extract from the Kanta register.
What if I am absent from all tests during my first examination round?
If you do not attend a test, you will receive a failed grade. A failed test may be retaken three times during the next three examination rounds. You may also apply to have your enrolment cancelled (see the grounds above).
If all enrolments for your first examination round are cancelled, your Matriculation Examination is not considered to have begun.
Do I have to apply to have my enrolment cancelled?
No. If you do not submit an application, you will receive a failed grade for the test you were absent from. A failed test may be retaken in the next examination round, provided that you still have retake opportunities remaining. A failed test may be retaken three times during the three examination rounds following the failed grade.
How do I apply to cancel my enrolment?
Submit the required information to your general upper secondary school within two weeks of the test date, unless, for example, an illness prevents you from doing so.
Please provide:
- your name;
- your contact details (postal address, email address and telephone number);
- the test to which the application relates;
- the required supporting documents; and
- a bank account number for a possible refund of the examination fee for the test concerned.
The general upper secondary school must submit applications to the Matriculation Examination Board through the electronic application service (hakemukset.ylioppilastutkinto.fi) after the test dates.
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