Examination Complaints and Appeals Policy

We define ‘appeal’ as a submission to review a decision made by or on behalf of an Examining Board relating to a candidate (or in exceptional circumstances, a group of candidates).  

A candidate must have submitted a complaint within the timeframe stipulated before an appeal can be submitted. The College and Faculties will not normally receive appeals where there has been no complaint submitted. 

1. A candidate who has attempted any part or component of an examination may, in the circumstances set out below, have the right to appeal. The only grounds for appeal are where:  

   a) There is evidence of procedural irregularity in the conduct or delivery of the examination (including administrative error) which has adversely affected a candidate’s performance. Examples include incorrect or missing examination materials, insufficient time allowed, a diversion from a published process for the delivery of an exam. Candidates who believe that their performance was affected by a procedural error should contact the RCoA Examinations Department immediately by email (even if they have informed organisers, examiners, proctors, or invigilators at the time).  

   b) Other exceptional circumstances, for which documentary evidence must be provided that adversely affected a candidate’s performance in the examination in addition to the complaint submission. The College and Faculties reserve the right to determine the applicability of the term “exceptional circumstances” on a case-by-case basis. 

2. Appeals will not be accepted on any other grounds, for example, that a candidate:  

   • Considers their efforts to have been under-marked.  

   • Failed the examination by a narrow margin.  

   • Did not understand or was unaware of the Examination Regulations.  

   • Seeks to question the professional or academic judgement of the examiners.  

   • Arrived late for an examination, not allowing for the exam to start on time.  

3. Candidates should note that the Examination Regulations make a provision for a right of withdrawal from any examination up to a candidate’s scheduled date to sit an exam due to exceptional circumstances. Candidates who sit an examination are deemed to be certifying themselves fit and healthy to do so. The RCoA, FICM or FPM will not accept appeals from candidates who were aware of exceptional or extenuating circumstances before the examination and despite this knowledge, subsequently chose to sit it.