COVID-19 Confirmed Patients to Take Health and Medical National Exam... Practical Test Date Adjusted

The Korea Health Personnel Licensing Examination Institute in Gwangjin-gu, Seoul, during the practical test of the 85th Medical Licensing Examination last September. Photo by Moon Honam munonam@

[Asia Economy Reporter Choi Dae-yeol] The Korea Health Personnel Licensing Examination Institute (KHPLEI) announced on the 14th that individuals confirmed with COVID-19 or those in self-quarantine due to contact with patients are now allowed to take exams. Measures for infection prevention, such as setting up separate test sites, must be implemented.

Originally, COVID-19 patients were not allowed to take the teacher certification exam until last year. However, after the Constitutional Court ruled that the restriction was improper, the government issued new quarantine guidelines related to exams. Accordingly, COVID-19 patients or quarantined individuals can now take exams such as the College Scholastic Ability Test (CSAT), bar exam, and the upcoming certification exams this month. Restrictions on health personnel licensing exams were maintained until the day before, but were changed due to fairness concerns.

Starting immediately, COVID-19 patients or quarantined individuals can take the dental, Korean medicine doctor, and midwife exams scheduled for the 15th. To take the exam, confirmed patients must obtain confirmation from their primary physician that they are eligible to take the exam according to health authorities’ guidelines. They must contact KHPLEI at least three days before the exam date to apply in advance, so arrangements can be made with medical institutions or residential treatment centers. Self-quarantined individuals must obtain prior approval for temporary release from the local public health center and also apply in advance. Exams will be conducted at separately designated test sites in each region.

KHPLEI stated that even if applicants contact them after the application deadline, they will review the possibility of taking the exam and provide the opportunity as much as possible. Previously, self-quarantined individuals were required to submit a negative COVID-19 test result on the exam day, but this will no longer be necessary.

Additionally, an internal policy has been established to allow practical exam candidates who become confirmed or quarantined after applying to reschedule their exam dates. This takes into account that the medical practical exam involves direct face-to-face examination of virtual patients, making it impossible to take the exam while confirmed positive.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.