Cambridge Handbook 2026 sections 4 and 5 (abridged) - For exams officers

Oct 23, 2026

Uploaded by Aurelia

Abridged reference for exams officers covering the key regulations in Cambridge Handbook 2026 sections 4 and 5. Explains where to print and place copies in main and other exam rooms for March, June, and November 2026, while clarifying it does not replace the full Handbook. Describes pre-exam processes such as continuation booklets, supplementary answer booklets, and additional exam materials guidance, including calculator rules and storage requirements for confidential materials, including when unopened packets may be opened and handled.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages16

Reading Time40 min

AccessFree to download

For exams officers

What is this document?

How and where should I use this document?

Why do I need to print this document and place a copy in each exam room?

Section 4: Before the exams

4.2 Pre-exam and question paper despatches

Continuation booklets

4.2.2 Additional exam materials list

4.4 Storing confidential materials

Confidential materials opening rules

For exams officers Cambridge Handbook 2026 sections 4 and 5 (abridged) What is this document? This document is an abridged (shortened) version of sections 4 and 5 of the Cambridge Handbook 2026. It contains the key regulations that must be followed when conducting exams. How and where should I use this document? You must print and place a copy of this document in your main exam room, and any other exam rooms in the March, June and November 2026 exam series. This does not replace the main Cambridge Handbook and you must make sure you understand and follow our full regulations. This abridged version of sections 4 and 5 is for reference purposes only, to be used by the exams officer and invigilators in the exam room. The section numbers and headings in this document match those in the full Cambridge Handbook. However, because this is an abridged version of sections 4 and 5, section numbers and headings are not sequential. There is a ‘key to icons’ in the main Cambridge Handbook. This explains what each icon means. We have used the same icons in this document. Why do I need to print this document and place a copy in each exam room? The full Cambridge Handbook is now available in digital form only; we no longer send you a printed copy. However, you must still have a copy of sections 4 and 5, and the ‘Key Times and Full Centre Supervision’ section, of the Cambridge Handbook in each exam room. (You no longer need to have a copy of the full handbook in the main exam room.) We have moved to a digital-only Cambridge Handbook as part of our commitment to sustainability. This allows us to reduce the use of paper and ink and removes the environmental impact of sending thousands of copies to our centres worldwide. We want to make sure that printing this document is as easy and sustainable as possible. Therefore, we have removed some guidance and other extra information, and just kept our key regulations. We have also removed most of the images and diagrams, and we have compressed the text to make the document as short as possible for you to print. We recommend printing double-sided, to further save paper. Section 4: Before the exams 4.2 Pre-exam and question paper despatches Continuation booklets We send continuation booklets in your pre-exam despatch for candidates who run out of space in the answer booklets. You can print Supplementary answer booklet: Exam day – Form 13, available from [www.cambridgeinternational.org/forms](www.cambridgeinternational.org/forms), for any candidates who run out of space in the continuation booklet. 4.2.2 Additional exam materials list For any exam where candidates need extra materials, use our additional exam materials list ([www.cambridgeinternational.org/database](www.cambridgeinternational.org/database)) to find out: • which extra materials you need to provide • which exam materials we provide • whether candidates should answer directly on the question paper, on multiple-choice answer sheets or in an answer booklet we provide as an insert in the question paper. The list also contains information about using dictionaries, and the standard materials candidates need for every exam. The ‘Additional materials’ section on the front covers of question papers says: ‘You will need:’. This lists what the candidates need, and includes items we provide, such as an answer booklet, an insert or a map. It also includes the extra exam materials you need to provide, to candidates as well as the standard materials that candidates need. Calculators are no longer listed as extra exam materials for mathematics components. See section [5.1.7.1](5.1.7.1) for guidance on using calculators and the types of calculator candidates can use. [cambridgeinternational.org/examsofficers](cambridgeinternational.org/examsofficers Continued)[ Continued](cambridgeinternational.org/examsofficers Continued) Cambridge Handbook 2026 2 sections 4 and 5 (abridged) continued 4.4 Storing confident

FAQs

What is the purpose of this abridged Cambridge Handbook document for exams officers?

It provides key regulations from sections 4 and 5 of the Cambridge Handbook 2026 for reference in exam rooms. It does not replace the full Cambridge Handbook.

Where and when must exams officers place printed copies of this abridged document?

Print and place a copy in the main exam room and any other exam rooms for the March, June, and November 2026 exam series. You no longer need a copy of the full Handbook in the main exam room, but you do need sections 4 and 5 (and the Key Times and Full Centre Supervision section) in each exam room.

How should confidential exam materials be stored and when can they be opened?

Question paper packets and other confidential materials must remain unopened in secure storage until the time set for the relevant exam. Specific confidential materials may be opened in listed cases, and two members of staff must check they have the correct materials before opening.

Oct 23, 2026

Uploaded by Aurelia