Examination Period

the period during which examinations are taken at higher or specialized secondary educational institutions operating under the course or subject-course system of instruction. Daytime and evening departments or divisions generally have two examination periods each academic year: in the winter and spring. Correspondence schools have one examination period, encompassing laboratory and other examinations.

The correspondence-school examination period is usually conducted in several stages and at different times, in cooperation with the enterprise, institution, or organization where the student is employed. During the examination period review and orientation lectures are given, laboratory reports are presented, seminars and consultations are held, and tests and examinations are taken.

The number of examinations given during any one period is determined by the curriculum. At higher educational institutions, five or fewer examinations are generally taken, and at specialized secondary institutions, four or fewer.

Students are admitted to examinations if they have passed all the tests scheduled in the curriculum for a given semester and have successfully completed graphic calculations and other practical assignments required by the curriculum. At specialized secondary institutions, students with favorable grades are admitted to examinations. Those who have fulfilled the curriculum and passed the examinations are promoted to the next level.

In the socialist countries, students who are employed full time are granted supplementary paid leaves during the examination periods.