The IFoA has recently published the update on COVID19 (Coronavirus) for April 2020 exams. The following are the guidelines issued by IFoA. This update is released today as on 19th March 2020.
Students booked onto April 2020 exams
At present, the IFoA does not intend to cancel any examinations.
However, the IFoA is currently putting in place measures to ensure we continue to deliver the best possible examination experience throughout this period of Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.
The IFoA is currently keeping its examinations under review and we can confirm that a further communication on the April examination sitting is imminent.
Our response will be guided by the best current advice on protecting the wellbeing of our 15,000 candidates in countries across the globe and feedback from our members.
Our goal is to minimize disruption to candidates whilst prioritising their wellbeing.
Therefore the IFoA is currently putting in place measures to ensure we continue to deliver the best possible examination experience throughout this period of Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak; which remain under review.
You can find a summary of examination-related measures below:
How we will operate our exam centres to reduce the risk of spreading COVID19
Please note – Candidates will be asked to sign a declaration before entering the exam hall confirming that they are eligible to attend the centre in accordance with local government policy and that they agree to abide by the measures below:
- Candidates should arrive at exam centres early to ensure time for these formalities to be completed in a timely fashion. It is possible that start times may be slightly delayed, in which case additional time will be added at the end to compensate.
- Candidates may be refused entry if they have visited anywhere requiring quarantine or other restrictions imposed by government in the 14 days before sitting your exam, in line with the IFoA’s Coronavirus Policy.
- Although we will do our best to supply tissues and hand sanitizer candidates are advised to bring their own in case sufficient supplies are not available locally.
- Students may provide their own surgical masks but will be required to remove them during registration, ID checks and after any toilet breaks.
- Any candidates that have COVID-19 symptoms or feel unwell should not attend the examinations.
- Candidates’ details will be shared with local public health authorities if any of them becomes ill with a suspected infectious disease.
- In case a candidate becomes ill with symptoms of COVID-19 (dry cough, fever, malaise) we will:
Identify a room or area where someone who is feeling unwell or has symptoms can be safely isolated.Have a plan for how they can be safely transferred from there to a health facility.- Ask the candidate to leave the exam immediately, go home and follow the health advice applying to them locally.
- Any candidate who subsequently becomes unwell and tests positive for COVID-19 should let us know at first opportunity so that we can take appropriate action as required.
Action the IFoA will take if a candidate tests positive for COVID19 after sitting exams
- If a candidate at the exam is isolated as a suspected COVID-19 case, we will let all students who sat the exam in that centre know this. They should monitor themselves for symptoms for 14 days and take their temperature twice a day.
- If they develop even a mild cough or low-grade fever (i.e. a temperature of 37.3 C or more) they should stay at home and self-isolate. This means avoiding close contact (1 meter or nearer) with other people, including family members. They should also telephone their healthcare provider or the local public health department, giving them details of their recent travel and symptoms.
Examination cancellations
- In the event of an April 2020 examination cancellation, the IFoA will endeavour to contact any affected students at least 48 hours before the exam is due to be taken, but circumstances may require shorter notice periods. Where possible, and taking into account any travel restrictions that may be in place locally, the IFoA will try and find an alternative exam centre for the candidate.
- If a suitable alternative location cannot be found then the IFoA will arrange for candidates to sit the same exam, if at all possible, once restrictions are lifted.
- The IFoA will not be responsible for any additional travel or accommodation costs incurred owing to the relocation of the candidates’ exam/s.
The IFoA is closely monitoring the situation and will take action as advised by national healthcare authorities.
We will endeavour to email examination candidates if any of the information above changes; our goal is to give you the most complete information available as quickly as possible.
For more information about the IFoA’s response to the COVID-19 outbreak please visit www.actuaries.org.uk/coronavirus-policy
If you find any issues with the article, mail to us at theactuarialclub@gmail.com