Testing

To be allowed to participate in the regular test, you must comply with the conditions stated in the course handbook on Blackboard.

If you have fulfilled all obligations to perform to the best of your ability during the course, and if you are nonetheless awarded a failing mark of at least 4.0 (without rounding up), you will be given a once-only possibility to sit an additional test. You will be automatically enrolled for this. You don’t qualify for an additional test if you have been awarded a pass.

In the case of a “failed” final score after the regular test and the additional test, you will have to retake the entire course the following academic year. Grades obtained for midterm tests expire at the end of the academic year, on 31 August.

If an illness or an other circumstance prevent you from participating in the regular test or additional test, you can submit a request for an extra test.

How does it work?

• Before the start of the test, use the deregistration form and submit it to the department.
• Each year you will have the opportunity to request for an extra test if done so in time. Any second requests will be declined unless you can provide valid reasons. These reasons, or extraordinary circumstances surrounding your absence, are to be provided in the deregistration form.
• The department which organises the course will evaluate your second and subsequent requests for an extra test. The director of the programme ultimately decides on an individual basis whether or not you are eligible for an extra test. Possible valid reasons for your request are detailed in the Frequently Asked Questions below.
• Within ten working days of the test date, the department will inform you about the outcome of your request. Following approval of your request, you will be enrolled for the extra test.
• You can take a maximum of two tests. If you have already taken the same test twice, you will not be granted another opportunity for the remainder of the academic year.

For more information, please consult the following overview of frequently asked questions.

Does the extra test scheme apply to all students?

Yes, all students at the Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences can submit a request for an extra test.

Can you give an example of a valid reason? How does the department decide whether I am eligible for an extra test?

• Illness. The department assumes that a student may fall ill once each academic year. If you deregister a second time due to illness during the same academic year, a critical examination will be made of the situation. If there are no additional reasons, your request will be denied. That is why you should always clearly describe your situation. Please note: if you report ill twice within five working days this is seen as a single illness.
• Funeral. Attending a funeral or cremation during the test could be a valid reason.
• Mourning period. A mourning period can have such an impact that you will be eligible for an extra test. Indicate the circumstances when submitting your request. The department can insist on a meeting with your tutor. It may also be advisable to call in the services of a study advisor.
• Chronic illness or disability. Indicate accordingly in your request if you have a chronic illness, a functional impairment or a disability. The circumstances must be made known to the department and discussed with the study advisor. The department assumes the schedule is realistic. In the event of repeated deregistration, the department may reject the request and advise you to draw up a schedule that fits the circumstances better.
• Professional sport. If you play a professional sport in addition to your studies, you must report this in advance to the department and prepare a realistic schedule in consultation with your study advisor. In the event of repeated deregistration, the request can be rejected and you may be advised to prepare a schedule that better suits your situation.

Please note that every request is assessed individually. No fixed framework for approval can be provided in advance.

How can I submit a request for an extra test without sharing my personal circumstances?

For all the above-mentioned cases, you can also discuss your circumstances with a study advisor if you prefer not to share the reasons via the application form. You will however deregister using the form and indicate that the circumstances are known to the study advisor. The department will then request advice from the study advisor.

What happens when I fall ill for the second time?

As a starting point, a second request for an extra test will not be granted. If you deregister a second time due to illness during the same academic year, a critical examination will be made of the situation. If there are no additional reasons, your request will be denied. That is why you should always clearly describe your situation. Please note: if you report ill twice within 5 working days this is seen as a single illness.

What do I do if my request for an extra test provision is rejected and I want to appeal against the decision?

Contact the Student Disputes Advisory Committee. More information is available on the Complains, objections and appeals page.

Does the procedure for extra tests also apply to midterm tests?

Yes. The scheme applies to all written, scheduled tests, including the midterm tests.

When is the extra test held?

The study programme department determines the date of the extra test. This date is never adapted to an individual case. If you cannot attend on the established date, there is unfortunately no possibility of setting an alternative date.

I was awarded an extra test for the regular test and I now have a final grade for my additional test of between 4 and 5.5. Can I submit a request for an extra test?

There are two testing opportunities. In this case, the extra test was your first test. Therefore you are eligible to apply for an additional test. Submit your request within a maximum of ten days after registration in OSIRIS, by using the application form.

I have almost finished my programme but I am missing just one course. Am I eligible for an extra test so I don’t have to be registered as a student for a whole new academic year just to finish that last course?

The extra test is strictly reserved for missed tests due to the reasons mentioned above. If you still need a maximum of one component of 7.5 credits, you may, on request, be eligible for a so-called “individual examination provision” (depending on the circumstances and following assessment by the study programme). Contact the appropriate department for more information.

IMPORTANT: Did you fail a regular test opportunity in block 1, 2 or 3, but do you expect to graduate this academic year? Do not wait until the end of the academic year but immediately request an individual examination provision! Your request for an individual examination provision must be submitted within ten days after the regular test (from the moment you are sure that you have one course to complete before finishing your programme).

Who should I contact to request an extra test for a course I am taking from a study programme other than where I am registered (elective or minor subject)?

For courses in the Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences, submit your request for the extra test with the study programme organising the course.

The department responsible for the course assesses your request, taking into account previous deregistrations in the Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences.

If your course is not organised by the Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences but by another faculty, it is recommended to contact that faculty directly for more information. Please consult the other faculty’s website or the course handbook.

I have selected two courses in the same timeslot and I am now unable to take part in one of the tests. Am I eligible for an extra test?

If you take two courses in the same timeslot, look at the schedule - and therefore also the testing schedule - well in advance.

If it concerns a compulsory course within your curriculum, you can submit a request to see if there is a possibility of taking part in both tests. In principle, the department will coordinate the timeslots for compulsory courses.

If two elective courses are involved, your choice to attend two courses in the same timeslot was at your own risk and we offer no alternative options.

I have obligations at work and cannot take part in the regular or additional tests. Am I eligible for an extra test?

No, we assume that you will always plan your work around your study.

What is the difference between an extra test and “special facilities during tests”?

An extra test is a test where you had a valid reason for not taking part in one of the regular or additional tests.

A special facility during tests is a facility during your exam because of a functional impairment. For example, you may need extra time. More information about special facilities during tests can be found at the bottom of this page.

Students who have been granted facilities via the study advisor on the grounds of a disability/chronic illness are listed in Osiris Student.

You do not have to re-register for these facilities, but we do ask you to check in Osiris Student whether your facilities are indeed registered. If this is not the case, please contact the study advisors: studieadviseurs.fsw@uu.nl.

Arranging facilities takes time and effort. If you no longer need a certain facility, please let the study advisors know. If you do not need facilities for a specific test only, please let this be known as soon as possible via master.yes@uu.nl.