by Q Radio News
The Northern Ireland exams body CCEA (The Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment) is working on plans to manage the potential disruption to upcoming tests due to Coronavirus.
GCSE and A-Level examinations are due to begin in May.
CCEA says its working closely with other examination regulators, government departments and awarding organisations to consider any emerging risks amid the COVID-19 outbreak.
Issues include schools closing for an extended period or if students are unable to sit tests due to illness.
However, for now, students, schools and colleges are advised to prepare for the summer exams as normal.
At the moment, one person is being treated for coronavirus in Northern Ireland.
Meanwhile, a school in the Republic of Ireland is closed for 14 days after one of its students tested positive for the infection after returning from northern Italy.
A spokesperson for CCEA has issued the following statement:
"We are working closely with Examination Regulators, Government Departments and other Awarding Organisations to consider how to manage any emerging risks to the smooth running of examinations and assessments.
"We already have a broad range of contingencies to ensure the smooth operation of examinations.
"We will update existing guidance to reflect any specific arrangements schools and colleges should put in place, if required.
"In the meantime, students, schools and colleges should continue to prepare for the summer examinations and assessments as usual."
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