Preparing for examinations at Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) requires more than studying your notes. Students must understand examination regulations, assessment formats, admission requirements, result codes and the procedures for checking marks or requesting a review.
This CPUT 2027 Examinations Guide is designed for undergraduate and postgraduate students studying at Bellville, District Six, Mowbray, Granger Bay, Wellington and other CPUT teaching locations.
Whether you are preparing for semester examinations, practical assessments or end-of-year papers, this guide explains the essential procedures to know before entering an examination venue and after results are released.
Important: Examination dates, venue instructions, application deadlines and result-code definitions can vary according to the applicable regulations and qualification. Always consult CPUT’s official examination information and your faculty for the current rules.
1. Understanding CPUT Examination Rules for 2027
CPUT administers examinations and related academic processes through its examination administration structures, including the Assessment and Graduation Centre (AGC), in collaboration with faculties and academic departments.
Students are responsible for knowing the examination timetable, meeting the requirements for admission to examinations and following all instructions issued for their particular assessment.
Essential Examination Venue Rules
Before attending an examination, familiarise yourself with the following requirements.
Bring your student identification card.
Carry your valid CPUT student card and display it when instructed. Examination staff may need to verify your identity before allowing you to write. If your card is lost or unavailable, contact the relevant university office in advance to establish the accepted identification procedure.
Follow the rules on mobile phones and electronic devices.
Do not assume that switching off your phone makes it permissible inside an examination venue. Follow the official instructions concerning phones, smartwatches, earbuds, calculators and other electronic devices.
Unauthorised possession or use of a device may be treated as an examination irregularity. Keep prohibited devices out of the examination venue as directed by the invigilator.
Read your timetable carefully.
Check the examination date, starting time, module code, paper number and venue. Some modules have multiple papers, groups or assessment arrangements.
Never rely solely on a timetable from a previous semester or academic year. Check for revised schedules and announcements before every examination.
Arrive early.
Allow enough time for transport, locating your venue and completing any identification checks. Follow the invigilator’s instructions about seating, permitted materials, entry times and when you may leave.
Maintain examination integrity.
Unauthorised notes, communication with other candidates, copying and prohibited assistance can result in disciplinary action. Ask the invigilator if you are uncertain whether an item or action is allowed.
2. Types of Examinations and Assessment Formats at CPUT
CPUT qualifications include different assessment methods. Your programme may use written examinations, practical demonstrations, coursework, computer-based tests or research evaluations.
The format depends on the module and its learning outcomes.
Standard Written Examination Papers
Written examinations assess knowledge, understanding and the ability to apply concepts under controlled conditions.
Depending on the subject, a paper may include:
- Multiple-choice questions.
- Short-answer questions.
- Long-form or essay questions.
- Calculations and problem-solving exercises.
- Case studies and applied scenarios.
- A combination of question types.
Read the instructions on the paper carefully, including the duration, compulsory questions, mark allocation and any permitted reference materials.
Computer-Based Testing (CBT)
Some modules may use computers or university-approved digital platforms for assessment.
Computer-based tests may include multiple-choice questions, short responses, numerical calculations or other question formats supported by the relevant system.
Students should check whether they need to bring identification, use a university computer or complete any technical preparation before the test.
Practical and Laboratory Examinations
Practical examinations assess the ability to apply knowledge in a laboratory, workshop, studio, clinical setting or other practical environment.
Depending on the qualification, students may be assessed on:
- Correct procedures and techniques.
- Equipment handling and safety.
- Accurate observations and measurements.
- Practical problem-solving.
- Interpretation of results.
- Professional conduct and record-keeping.
Always follow the safety rules and assessment instructions specific to your laboratory, workshop or placement.
Continuous and Summative Assessments
Not every assessment takes the form of a traditional examination paper. Modules may include assignments, tests, presentations, projects and other forms of coursework.
Continuous assessment allows lecturers to evaluate progress throughout a module. Summative assessment evaluates learning at defined points, such as the end of a teaching period.
The weighting of coursework and final examinations varies by module. Consult your module guide to understand how your final mark is calculated and whether a separate examination subminimum applies.
Projects, Research Reports and Theses
Some qualifications assess students through projects, portfolios, research reports, dissertations or theses.
These assessments may require written submissions, demonstrations, presentations, oral examinations or a combination of methods.
Postgraduate students should confirm submission deadlines, formatting requirements, supervision arrangements and any examination or examination-board procedures applicable to their qualification.
3. Special, Sick and Supplementary Examinations
Students who cannot complete an examination or who do not achieve the required result should establish which formal procedure applies to their circumstances.
Special or Sick Examinations
A special or sick examination may be available under specified circumstances, subject to CPUT’s applicable rules.
Students who are ill or experience an emergency should notify the appropriate university office as soon as possible and ask what evidence and application documents are required.
Depending on the applicable policy, supporting medical documentation or other evidence may be necessary.
Do not assume that a medical certificate automatically guarantees permission to write a special examination. Eligibility, application deadlines and approval procedures must be confirmed with CPUT.
Supplementary Examinations and Re-examinations
A supplementary or re-examination provides an additional assessment opportunity where the relevant university rules permit it.
Availability depends on the module, qualification, result and applicable examination regulations. It should not be assumed that every student who fails a module will automatically receive another examination opportunity.
Contact your faculty to establish whether you qualify, which assessment you must complete and when it will take place.
Understanding Subminimum Requirements
Some modules require students to achieve a minimum mark in a particular examination component, regardless of their overall combined mark.
For example, a student might obtain a strong coursework mark but fail to meet a compulsory examination subminimum. Depending on the module rules, this can prevent the student from passing the module.
Always check the module guide for the required examination mark, coursework contribution and final pass conditions.
