28 November 2025
We want to share an important update about the IFoA exam system delays experienced by some candidates sitting CS2 A and CP1/1 papers on Monday 8 September, and how we have taken these into consideration during the marking process.
On Monday 8 September 2025, the examination platform did not perform to the expected standard for candidates sitting CS2 A and CP1/1 papers.
While some candidates were able to access their exam papers promptly at 9:00 AM BST, we are aware that many experienced delays, which subsequently affected their exam start times. Although this was a widespread issue, we understand that its impact varied across candidates and locations.
Since the incident, we have worked closely with our exam centres and the Board of Examiners to understand how the situation was managed, what mitigation was provided on the day, and what else can be done to ensure a fair and equitable outcome for all candidates.
Whilst we are satisfied that all centres implemented time mitigation measures, we do recognise that the approach varied between centres, and some candidates may not have received their full exam time allocation. We also appreciate that, despite best efforts, the overall exam environment was challenging for both candidates and invigilators. We further acknowledge that candidates sitting exams via remote invigilation were unable to receive mitigation on the day, and some may not have received their full exam time allocation as a result.
Based on data from our exam system and reports from exam centres, we have reasonably established the exam duration for each candidate, including those using remote invigilation, and taken the following actions:
1. Our Chief Examiners and the Chair of the Board of Examiners agreed that borderline fail candidates who did not receive their full exam time be further reviewed by the Chief Examiner. This review will be over and above the standard marking practices and subject to the degree of the time disadvantage and the proximity of the candidate’s final mark to a pass.
a. Where there is sufficient evidence that the candidate has shown the required skills despite their time disadvantage, their mark will be upgraded to a pass.
2. In a small number of venues, we know that additional delays occurred, making it difficult for invigilators to determine the exact time mitigation required for each candidate.
a. While this may have resulted in some candidates receiving additional time, a detailed review of these candidates’ performance was conducted by the Chief Examiner, including scrutiny of both exam papers, to assure and confirm that no undue advantage was gained.
With all standard and additional reviews and actions now completed:
Please accept our apologies for the disruption and concern caused. We appreciate your continued support and understanding as we seek to ensure fairness and uphold the integrity of IFoA examination processes for all.