A disabled woman learning using the laptop
A disabled woman learning using the laptop ©

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The British Council aims to ensure that every candidate is treated fairly and objectively and that they are given optimum conditions to take their exams. We can make arrangements to accommodate special circumstances or requirements to enable test takers to attend a test centre, to understand questions and to give their exam answers.

The British Council Botswana, in co-operation with its exam body partners, provides special arrangements for candidates with hearing, speech, visual and kinetic difficulties, as well as for candidates with learning difficulties such as dyslexia. We also make special arrangements for candidates who have sustained accident-related injuries, such as a broken arm, prior to the day of the exam. Please note, no documents regarding special arrangements will be accepted after registration has closed.

To apply for special arrangements you must:

  • produce a medical certificate stating in detail the nature of the candidate’s disability
  • arrange to meet with the British Council Botswana exams team in order to complete the application form for special arrangements.

Please note that candidates with dyslexia and other learning difficulties should provide a medical certificate issued within the last two years and a sample of their written work, i.e. two to three essays or letters, depending on the candidate's level of English and the exam they have registered for.

You are advised to register within the following timelines for the following exams:

  1. For IELTS, applications for modified material must be made at least three months in advance of the test date; and for administrative arrangements (i.e. extra time) at least six weeks before the registration deadline
  2. For Cambridge exams, the request has to be made at least six weeks before the registration deadline.

The exact procedure for each exam will differ according to the nature and degree of the candidate’s disability or injury. 

For further information, please contact us.

Cambridge IGCSE, O-level, A- and AS level and school exams

Centres entering candidates who have permanent disabilities or who suffer from medical conditions which affect performance at the time of the examination can apply in advance to the Cambridge examination board for a Special Arrangement to be made to allow the candidate gain equal opportunity during the examination.

The Special Arrangements for candidates include:

  • An extra time allowance
  • The provision of specially adapted question papers
  • Assistance with reading and writing

You are required to submit request for Special Arrangements by the following dates:

  • May/June exams - 20 February (20 January for Braille/Modified papers)
  • October/November exams - 15 August (2 May for Braille/Modified papers)

Professional exams

The Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM)

CIM is committed to providing equal opportunities for all studying members. They can provide services such as additional time, use of technology or a reader/scribe to studying members sitting exams with conditions including (without limitation):

  • Dyslexia
  • Injury to writing hand
  • Pregnancy
  • Arthritis
  • Tendonitis
  • Tenosynovitis
  • Repetitive Strain Injury
  • Back Condition
  • Head Injury
  • Visual Impairment/Blind

Each condition is treated on an individual basis and medical evidence will be required. If you have any condition that is not stated above or require further advice, please contact us.

We are able to assist in arrangements for special needs requirements for The Chartered Institute of Marketing’s assessments. Please include with your application details of your special needs requirements, supported by medical evidence where appropriate.

The Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply (CIPS)

CIPS has a responsibility to ensure all candidates have equal opportunities to reach their full potential. In some instances, candidates may require adjustments to the assessment process to give them an equal opportunity.

Applications for Reasonable Adjustments should be made at least eight weeks prior to the date of the examination or assessment.

Candidates may apply for Special Consideration in instances that could not possibly be predicted. Such applications must be made within 14 days of the date of the examination or assessment. This also applies to candidates wishing to report any incident which may have affected their examination or assessment performance.

Before applying for Reasonable Adjustment or Special Consideration, please download and read the related policy document:

Reasonable adjustments and special consideration policy

Reasonable adjustments guidance and application form for candidates

In most cases you will need to contact your examining board or university directly for a special need request. The examining board will contact the British Council about the arrangements and will inform you about the approval of your request. For example, if it will require we set up venue where you do not have to climb a stir case.

University exams

You will need to contact your university for special need request and exemptions.

Once agreed with your university, please notify us in advance if you have any special needs that you will want us to give attention to. This will inform us as to what special treatment(s) should be given. 

Equal Opportunity and Diversity

The British Council is committed to equal opportunities and diversity and as part of our exams work. Thus, you shall not in any way be discriminated either directly or indirectly on such grounds as sex, race, marital status, colour, creed, ethnic origin, sexual orientation or disability. 
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