GCSEs and A-levels may face significant disruption again next year, a Stormont committee has heard.
There will be no summer examinations this year due to the Covid-19 lockdown.
Pupils will instead receive predicted grades.
Schools are due to return on a phased basis from the end of August, with those in "key cohorts" coming back first.
It has been guided that this could include those about to start working towards A-levels and GCSEs - Years 11 and 13.
This would mean those going into their examination years returning later and potentially missing more classroom time.
Head teachers have already said consideration must be given to tailoring or even cancelling exams for a second year in recognition of the disruption caused to teaching and learning.
They warned that it may not be possible to cover all exam content in the normal way.
The assembly education committee yesterday received a briefing from Department of Education officials on how schools might operate upon their return.
Members were told there would be `blended' learning - although it is still not exactly clear what this will involve.
Concerns were raised about exams in 2021.
Department official Faustina Graham said schools were working now on calculated grades for pupils that needed to be submitted by June.
The committee was told that the department was also in the process of commissioning the CCEA exams board to look at qualifications issues in the longer term.
Ms Graham also addressed the distribution of IT devices to children to help with home learning.
Minister Peter Weir has agreed a process to lend digital devices including laptops and tablets to those children who would benefit most.
Up to 24,000 devices could be provided, first to those who will, in the incoming year, be studying for GCSEs, A-levels and children going into P7.
Priority will be given to pupils who are considered vulnerable and in disadvantaged groups including those entitled to a free school meal and newcomer children.
Committee deputy chair and Sinn Féin MLA Karen Mullan said many people were worried and struggling to support learning at home.
She said there remained concerns about inconsistencies in remote learning.
"If we are still in this situation come September, everything needs to be in place. The guidance needs to be clear coming from the department," she said.
"Parents accept that these weeks are lost and they are anxious about September. If this goes on any longer, they are worried about how they will cope."
SDLP MLA Daniel McCrossan said it was "a matter of great concern" that limited numbers appeared to be engaging with online learning.
DUP member Maurice Bradley said he had been told that some A-level pupils were effectively "educating themselves".
