Introduction
The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has recently issued new guidelines on mitigating circumstances for the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE). These guidelines come as a necessary tool to assist candidates in understanding and navigating the process of claiming mitigating circumstances during their examination period.
Understanding Mitigating Circumstances in SQE Examinations
According to the SRA, mitigating circumstances refer to issues that might have adversely affected a candidate’s performance in the examination. These could include administrative mistakes, evidence of bias during the exam, a sudden flare-up in illness, or dramatic changes in an examinee’s personal life.
Guidelines on Claiming Mitigating Circumstances
In their guidance, the SRA provided clear instructions on how candidates can claim for mitigating circumstances. They include:
- Providing evidence to support their claim such as a death certificate for bereavement.
- Submitting their claim within five days of the examination.
What Doesn’t Count as Mitigating Circumstances?
Notably, the SRA has clarified that certain situations will not be considered as mitigating circumstances. These include:
- Transport issues
- Holidays and family events
- Employment disruptions
- Disruptions to study
- Misreading the assessment timetable
Outcomes of Accepted Claims
If a claim for mitigating circumstances is accepted, the exam attempt is discounted, meaning it does not count towards the allotted three attempt limit and the candidate should receive a refund. However, it is important to note that marks are not adjusted in light of accepted claims.
What about Technical Issues?
Technical or environmental issues during the assessment are not likely to count as mitigating circumstances. These are expected to be resolved by invigilators on the exam day. However, if a candidate’s computer freezes, the timer will stop and the affected students might get an extra five minutes to make up for the loss of concentration.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the SRA’s new guidelines provide a clear framework for SQE candidates to follow when claiming mitigating circumstances. It is crucial for candidates to be aware of these guidelines to ensure they handle any potential issues appropriately and timely during their exams.
