Rest Breaks in Exams – How They Work
This information applies if your Learning Contract recommends rest breaks in exams.
Your exam timetable finish time
Your exam timetable shows the latest possible finish time for your exam.
This includes the maximum rest break time you are allowed to take.
This means your actual finish time may be earlier if you choose not to use all of your rest breaks.
How rest breaks work during the exam
You can take a rest break at any point during your exam.
You must tell an invigilator when you want to take a rest break.
While you are on a rest break, your exam time stops.
You are normally allowed up to 15 minutes of rest break per hour of exam time.
Rest breaks cannot be saved if you do not use them.
Why your exam may finish earlier than your timetable says
Your timetable includes your maximum possible rest break allowance. You may finish earlier if breaks are not used.
For example:
If your exam is 2 hours working time.
You may be allowed up to 30 minutes of rest breaks.
Your timetable will show a 2 hours 30 minutes exam slot
If you do not take any rest breaks, you would finish after 2 hours, not 2 hours 30 minutes.
Do you have to take rest breaks?
No. Rest breaks are available for you to use if you need them. You do not have to use them. If you don’t, your finish time will be earlier than that on your exam timetable.
When might rest breaks help?
Students sometimes use rest breaks to:
Reduce fatigue or pain.
Manage concentration or anxiety.
Take medication or regulate sensory overload.
Rest without losing working exam time.
If you are still unsure how your rest breaks will work in your exams, please contact Hallam Help to arrange a Disabled Student Support appointment.