Sick or something goes wrong during WACE ATAR exams: sickness/misadventure explained (2026)

Getting sick during exams is miserable, and it happens to real students every year. In WA, SCSA's process for it is called sickness/misadventure. The key things to get right are the evidence at the time and the deadline.

A note on how we checked this page: SCSA's website blocks automated downloads, so we confirmed these details through searches of SCSA's own site, including its 2026 sickness/misadventure overview. Your school and SCSA's special provisions page are the final word.

Who can apply?

SCSA says sickness/misadventure is for candidates who suffer from:

• a temporary sickness;
• a non-permanent disability; or
• an unforeseen event

close to or during the ATAR course exams, which they believe may have caused performance below expectations or non-attendance in particular exams.

Ongoing conditions are handled differently, through special provisions (equitable access adjustments) applied for in advance. Sickness/misadventure isn't available to non-school candidates.

Step 1: get evidence at the time

SCSA says it's your responsibility to get supporting medical evidence about the illness, or relevant independent evidence about a misadventure, at the time of the exam. Don't wait until the end of exams to see a doctor. SCSA's sickness/misadventure application form says independent medical evidence must not be provided by a relative.

If you miss an exam because of illness, the application needs the medical section completed by a medical practitioner.

Step 2: tell your school

Your school principal (or delegate) is part of the application, so let your school know what's happened as soon as you can. They can also help with the form.

Step 3: apply after the exams, before the deadline

• Applications are made after the exams.
• Written exams: due 24 November 2026.
• Practical exams: due 29 October 2026.
• SCSA says no late applications can be accepted.

What happens if it's approved?

SCSA says that if your application is approved, it calculates an examination mark using your school assessment mark. SCSA's sickness/misadventure material explains that you receive whichever is higher: that estimated mark or your actual exam mark.

Look after yourself

SCSA's page for parents on managing stress talks about eating well, drinking water, sleeping well, exercising and balancing study with rest. Our exam-week stress guide has quick things that help in the moment and who to talk to, including Kids Helpline (1800 55 1800, free and 24/7). If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 000.