Sick or something goes wrong during TASC exams: derived exam ratings explained (2026)

Nobody plans to get sick in exam fortnight, but it happens every year. TASC's answer is the derived exam rating. The window is short and there are two steps, so it's worth knowing how it works before you need it. Everything here comes from TASC's illness and emergency pages (linked at the bottom).

First: exams can't be moved

TASC says exams cannot be rescheduled due to illness or other circumstances. If you can't sit, or something serious affected you, a derived exam rating is the route.

If you're sick before an exam

TASC says to tell your school as soon as possible, and to see a doctor, preferably on the day of the exam.

If you feel unwell during an exam

Immediately tell the exam supervisor. They record your name, the time and what happened on the supervision report. TASC warns that if you don't tell the supervisor when you become unwell, it may be unable to verify what happened and may refuse your application.

If you finish the exam, TASC says a derived exam rating is only considered where there's evidence a significant illness or medical incident materially affected your performance during it. Students who complete an exam are generally expected to accept that result.

How to apply (illness)

Complete both steps:

1. Fill in the online Derived Exam Rating Application and Consent Form (for students).
2. See a registered GP, paediatrician or hospital doctor (in person or by telehealth), who completes a TASC Medical Certificate. General "unfit for duties" certificates are not accepted. The doctor sends it straight to TASC within 3 days of your appointment.

The window: it opens 7 days before the exam and closes 2 business days after it. Both your medical appointment and your online form must fall inside that window. For the 2026 written exams, TASC says applications can be submitted no earlier than 2 November and no later than 24 November, depending on the exam date.

The dates of illness on the medical certificate must match the exam dates you list. If you don't get an email within a week of your appointment, contact the doctor or TASC. TASC tells you the outcome by email.

Emergencies and other reasons

For an emergency or another exceptional circumstance that isn't an illness (for example, a bereavement), write to TASC's Deputy Director at deputydirector@tasc.tas.gov.au on the day of your exam, or no more than two business days after. Evidence can be a signed letter or email from a medical practitioner or allied health professional (such as a GP, psychologist or social worker), or your school principal.

What's covered, and what isn't

Derived exam ratings are only for unfortunate and unplanned circumstances, such as significant illness, an emergency or other exceptional unexpected circumstances, that affect your ability to attend or complete an external assessment. They can apply to written exams, practical or performance assessments and presentations.

TASC says these are not normally grounds:

• minor non-infectious illnesses or routine ailments;
• exam stress, or worry about how you performed;
• a family holiday or travel.

A derived exam rating also isn't a backup option or a way to improve a result after you've sat the exam.

How is a derived exam rating worked out?

TASC bases it on your internal assessments during the year, then "derives" it using the exam performance of other students in your course who performed at a similar level to you internally. It won't necessarily be the same as your internal ratings. Your Statement of Results doesn't say that a result came from a derived exam rating.

Look after yourself

TASC's own Managing Exam Stress page says it's normal to feel stressed before exams, but if it's too much you should seek help. It lists services including Kids Helpline (1800 55 1800), Beyond Blue (1300 22 4636) and headspace (1800 650 890). Our exam-week stress guide has quick things that help in the moment. If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 000.