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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 should you use all of your permitted rest break time.

This means your actual finish time will 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 and you cannot do any work.

  • You are allowed up to 15 minutes of rest break per hour of exam time, based on the validated exam duration.

  • Rest breaks cannot be saved if you do not use them. 

Why your exam may finish earlier than your timetable says

The finish time on your timetable reflects the longest your exam could run, based on your full rest break allowance. You will finish earlier if rest breaks are not used.

If your exam timetable shows your exam is 1 hour 45 mins:

  • You will receive 15 minutes reading time at the start of the exam

  • You have 1 hour of working time, plus 15 minutes of inclusive extra time that is built into the exam

  • You are allowed up to 15 minutes of rest breaks

  • If you do not take any rest breaks, you would finish after 1 hour 30 mins, not 1 hours 45 mins. 

If your exam timetable shows your exam is 3 hours 15 mins:

  • You will receive 15 minutes reading time at the start of the exam

  • You have 2 hours of working time, plus 30 minutes of inclusive extra time that is built into the exam

  • You are allowed up to 30 minutes of rest breaks

  • If you do not take any rest breaks, you would finish after 2 hour 45 mins, not 3 hours 15 mins. 

If your exam timetable shows your exam is 4 hours 45 mins:

  • You will receive 15 minutes reading time at the start of the exam

  • You have 3 hours of working time, plus 45 minutes of inclusive extra time that is built into the exam

  • You are allowed up to 45 minutes of rest breaks

  • If you do not take any rest breaks, you would finish after 4 hours, not 4 hours 45 mins.  

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 Quick Query appointment.

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