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HSE Examination Leave (HR108e): Paid Time Off for Exams

Last verified 23 Jul 2026· Published 23 Jul 2026

Sitting exams for a course you’re pursuing alongside your HSE job? Examination leave is the provision that covers the exam days themselves — separate from study leave, which covers preparation time.

How it works

  • Examination leave applies to exams connected with an approved course of study — typically one relevant to your role or professional development, approved in advance by your manager/service.
  • It normally covers the day(s) of the examination; the exact allowance and whether it is paid depends on your service’s policy and the course approval, so confirm with your manager before relying on it.
  • It is distinct from annual leave — approved exam leave doesn’t come out of your holiday allowance.

How to apply

Get the course/exam approved with your line manager first, then submit form HR108e from the official HSE HR forms page with the exam details. See our guide to every HSE HR form, and the full leave entitlements guide for everything else.

Examination leave is policy-based rather than a fixed statutory entitlement — the approval and extent rest with your service. Always confirm locally.

Frequently asked questions

Does the HSE give time off for exams?
Yes — examination leave covers the day(s) of exams connected to an approved course of study, applied for on form HR108e. The exact allowance depends on your service''s policy and the course approval, so confirm with your manager.
Is exam leave the same as study leave?
No — examination leave covers the exam days themselves (HR108e); study leave (HR108p) covers preparation or course-attendance time. They are applied for separately.

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