Fit to Sit Policy

Last updated: July 2023

• A Fit to Sit Policy operates for all SQE assessments. It is the responsibility of every candidate to ensure that they sit the assessment only if they are fit to do so. Being ‘Fit to Sit’ means that the candidate knows of no reason why their performance would be adversely affected during the assessment or why they may subsequently bring a claim for mitigating circumstances. Examples of situations this would cover are:
  
  
  • illness of a candidate
  • illness of a close relative
  • bereavement
• The fit to sit requirement is contained in the SQE Assessment Regulations and applies to all SQE assessments. Every candidate is required to sign a declaration or confirm electronically that they are fit to sit the assessment. This declaration is reproduced below. Candidates will not be allowed to commence the assessment unless they have signed a Fit to Sit Declaration.
• If a candidate believes they are not fit to sit an SQE assessment and withdraws before the start of the assessment they must refer to the SQE Assessment Terms and Conditions. A partial refund may be provided conditional on production of appropriate evidence within the time specified.
• A candidate who is taken ill during an assessment or experiences other unexpected or unforeseeable personal circumstances beyond their reasonable control, and which are having or are likely to have a material and adverse effect on their performance,  should decide whether to submit a claim for mitigating circumstances. In any event, the candidate must report the illness or other unexpected or unforeseen personal circumstances to the Invigilator as soon as possible and at the latest before leaving the assessment venue. Marks will not be adjusted because of illness or other unexpected or unforeseen personal circumstances. Full details are given in the SQE Assessment Regulations and the Mitigating Circumstances Policy.
• A mitigating circumstances claim made in respect of circumstances existing before the assessment will not usually be accepted or considered, unless a candidate is able to clearly evidence why they attempted the assessment and signed the ‘fit to sit’ declaration.

Fit to Sit declaration

I confirm that I have read the Fit to Sit Policy and I know of no reason why my performance might be adversely affected during the ……….(insert as appropriate) assessment or why I might subsequently submit a claim for mitigating circumstances relating to today’s assessment.

I confirm that in the event that I am taken ill during this assessment or experience other unexpected or unforeseeable personal circumstances beyond my control I will report this to the invigilator as soon as possible and at the latest before leaving the assessment venue.

SQE Fit to Sit Policy applicable for assessments taken up to May 2023 (PDF 150KB)