Missing an Exam Because You're Sick: What to Do
You woke up on exam day with a 39°C fever, or you're vomiting, or you're in the middle of a migraine. You can't write the exam. Here's exactly what to do — step by step.
Immediate Steps (Do These NOW)
Step 1: Notify your institution BEFORE the exam starts (if possible)
- Email your professor/instructor
- Contact your registrar's office or program coordinator
- Many universities have online absence reporting systems — use them
- If you can't email, have someone do it for you
Step 2: Get medical documentation
- See a physician on the day of illness (or as close to it as possible)
- If you're too sick to leave home, use an online physician service
- The note must cover the date of the exam
Step 3: Submit documentation within the deadline
- Most institutions: 24-48 hours after the exam, or within 2-5 business days
- Check your specific institution's policy — deadlines are strict
- Submit to the correct office (registrar, faculty office, or program coordinator)
Step 4: Apply for a deferred exam
- Fill out the deferral application form (usually available online)
- Attach your medical documentation
- Submit before the deadline
Timeline for Action
| When | What to Do |
|---|---|
| Exam day (before exam time) | Notify professor + registrar |
| Exam day (as soon as able) | Get medical documentation |
| Within 24-48 hours | Submit documentation |
| Within deadline (varies) | Apply for deferred exam |
| 2-4 weeks later | Write deferred exam |
What Your Documentation Needs to Say
For an exam deferral, your medical note should include:
- Date you were assessed
- That you were unable to attend and perform academic duties on the exam date
- The specific date(s) of incapacity
- Physician's name, signature, and registration number
It does NOT need to include your diagnosis.
What Happens After You Apply
1. Your application is reviewed — by the registrar or academic committee
2. If approved — you'll be assigned a deferred exam date (usually 2-4 weeks later)
3. If denied — you can usually appeal (provide additional documentation if needed)
4. The deferred exam — may be the same exam, a different version, or an alternative assessment
Common Mistakes That Get Deferrals Denied
1. Missing the submission deadline — Even by one day. Deadlines are usually firm.
2. No documentation at all — "I was sick" without proof isn't sufficient for most institutions
3. Documentation doesn't cover the exam date — A note from 3 days later saying you were sick "last week" is weak
4. Not notifying before the exam — Some institutions require advance notification
5. Pattern of missed exams without documentation — Raises red flags with academic integrity
What If You Were Too Sick to Get a Note on Exam Day?
This is common — especially with conditions like severe migraine, gastroenteritis, or high fever where leaving the house is impossible.
Options:
- Get a retroactive assessment from an online physician service (available 24/7)
- See a doctor as soon as you're able and explain you were too ill to attend earlier
- Some universities accept self-declaration for the initial notification, followed by documentation within a longer window
Frequently Asked Questions
What if my exam is worth 50% of my grade?
The process is the same regardless of exam weight. However, for high-stakes exams (finals, comprehensive exams), institutions are often more thorough in reviewing documentation.
Can I defer more than one exam in the same period?
Yes, if you were ill during multiple exams. One medical note covering the entire period of illness can support multiple deferrals.
What if my deferral is denied?
Most institutions have an appeal process. Provide additional documentation or context. If the denial seems unfair, contact your student ombudsperson.
Will a deferred exam affect my GPA?
No — a deferred exam is graded the same as the original. There's no penalty for writing a deferred exam.
Can I choose when to write the deferred exam?
Usually no. The institution sets the deferred exam date. You'll be notified of the date and time.
Sources
- Canadian university academic calendars and regulations
- Provincial post-secondary education standards
- Student ombudsperson guidelines