The HKEAA provides Special Examination Arrangements (SEAs) for candidates with special needs and disabilities. Applications for SEAs are processed and considered by the Committee on Special Needs Candidates (CSNC) and the Committee on Candidates with Specific Learning Disabilities (CSLD) in accordance with the guidelines laid down by the Public Examinations Board. The HKEAA will ensure that candidates with special needs are equitably assessed under suitable conditions without having an unfair advantage over other candidates.

All applications should be supported by up-to-date medical/assessment report(s), valid throughout the examination period, issued by the Hospital Authority, Department of Health, Education Bureau, a registered medical practitioner or a professional (e.g. audiologist, speech therapist, or psychologist) in accordance with the requirements stated in the Application Guide.

Private candidates should take note of the below arrangements when applying for SEAs:

• Private candidates should submit SEA applications during the specified period (normally in September) in the year preceding the examination via the ‘SEA Online Services’ on HKDSE Online Services. They also need to register for the HKDSE.
• If candidates were given SEAs/exemption from component(s)/part(s) of an examination in a previous examination and wish to have special arrangements in the current examination, they have to submit a fresh application. The same arrangements/exemption will normally be granted when they repeat the examination, provided that the candidates’ condition of disabilities remains unchanged.
• Applications submitted after the application deadline will normally NOT be accepted. If accidents or urgent medical conditions warranting SEAs for the candidate arise after the application deadline, such request and relevant documentary evidence should be submitted to the HKEAA at least 10 working days before the examination date concerned.

• If candidates are allowed to use ancillary aids/equipment, such as Braillers, magnifiers, hearing aids, screen reader, Speech-to-text software (built-in function of MacBook Air or MacBook Pro), etc., in the examination, the candidates should provide their own equipment and computer software that meet the requirements of the HKEAA. Candidates should be familiar with the operation of the relevant equipment or software before the examinations.

For details of SEAs, the relevant application guide, leaflets and other information, please visit the webpage concerned.

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