HIGH numbers of students self-isolating has prompted further education colleges to call off vocational qualifications.
BTEC external exams at FE colleges this month have have been postponed.
The UK government decided to plough ahead with BTECs and other vocational exams despite the lockdown.
However, Economy Minister Diane Dodds said it would be for colleges, schools and training providers to determine themselves whether to continue.
Ken Webb, chairman of the College Principals' Group, said they would be postponed for several reasons.
He said many factors had contributed to the high level of anxiety within the student population.
These included the lockdown that had continued for most of the academic year causing considerable disruption to planned curriculum delivery.
The new variant of Covid-19 was creating a marked increase in the transmission of the virus, he added, and students felt they were at greater risk in taking public transport to colleges to sit exams.
"A substantial number of students are self-isolating and would not be able to sit scheduled examinations. Students have also highlighted their serious concerns, anxiety and mental anguish to their tutors and college senior managers in writing," Mr Webb said.
"There still remains significant uncertainty with respect to the alternative arrangements to be organised by the awarding organisation and the NI Vocational Qualifications Exams Regulator CCEA, which in turn is causing serious anxiety and uncertainty for tutors and curriculum managers in colleges. Options may include rescheduling of examinations to a later date. The intention remains of ensuring that qualifications are completed by the end of June 2021.
"In light of these considerable problems and to ensure equality of opportunity for all students, the colleges have taken the decision to postpone all BTEC external examinations for January for the well-being of students' mental health and to create clarity in the midst of so much uncertainty."
Mrs Dodds said no learner would be disadvantaged.
"These decisions were taken in the best interests of learners and staff and in light of the ongoing impact of the pandemic on public health and subsequent disruption to teaching and learning. The colleges, schools and training organisations understand the needs and personal circumstances of their learners better than anyone and I fully support their decisions," she said.
She added that work would begin to establish the most appropriate alternative approach, whether that be sitting exams at a later date or using evidence of learning to inform a teacher/tutor based assessment of grade.
Unions have supported the decision in Britain to proceed.
The National Education Union said it was right on balance as BTEC exam conditions were "not like classroom conditions" and could be "managed in a socially distanced way".
