A2C
The A2C Data Exchange Project is designed to bring significant improvement to the way operational data is shared between awarding bodies and all schools, colleges, and other examination centres using what is currently known as Electronic Data Interchange (EDI). Note that awarding bodies will still continue to offer extranet services.
Who is involved?
A2C is led by the Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ) awarding bodies in England and Wales, of which OCR is one. The JCQ is working closely with partners across the industry, including management information system (MIS) suppliers to synchronise developments and ensure solutions are fit for purpose.
Benefits
The aim is to bring the exchange of exam information into the 21st century. For the first time, centres will be able to use one standard for all qualifications, both general and vocational, across all JCQ awarding bodies. There is also the potential for FAB awarding bodies to come on board in the future as the standard will be designed to be open. Streamlining the way data is transferred and improving the content of data itself will give users greater flexibility and transparency, and lead to cost savings as the current carrier system for transferring data will no longer be needed.
Timeline
The new standard will be fully in place by the end of December 2014.
A2C is a two step project and action on the first step will be needed by centres from September 2011.
Step 1
Between September 2011 and August 2012, A2C will be in touch with centres inviting them to download a free interim migration tool. Following the successful download of the migration tool, contracts with carriers should not be renewed.
Step 2
Meanwhile MIS suppliers will be working on redeveloping their systems to incorporate the modern data file types and processes, as specified by the JCQ, which are more relevant to the sophisticated needs of exam centres. Between August 2012 and December 2014, MIS suppliers will help you to switch over to the new system.
Information
There is a dedicated website - http://a2c.jcq.org.uk - providing detailed information about the project for exams officers, teachers, senior managers and MIS suppliers.
Advice on downloading the migration tool will be available from IT developers AVCO who are designing the new tool on behalf of the JCQ. Centres will also receive regular A2C updates from the JCQ by email explaining the latest developments.
OCR's Customer Contact Centre is available to answer queries on 01223 553998 or general.qualifications@ocr.org.uk.
FAQs
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Is this change compulsory?
If you want to continue to use EDI (or its A2C replacement) rather than the awarding body extranets for the transfer of information, then yes you will need to change. However, the JCQ awarding bodies will continue to offer extranet services to centres as an alternative.
Who is paying for this?
The JCQ awarding bodies will cover all of the costs associated with their development work and will not pass any of this onto centres. We will not charge centres to use the JCQ migration tool. Speak to your MIS supplier to discuss their charges.
Will I still be able to use awarding body extranets?
Yes. JCQ awarding bodies will continue to offer extranet services to centres.
Is the change to the new system going to be difficult?
No. The JCQ will be in touch well before you have to do anything and will, alongside AVCO (one of the current carriers, who will be developing the JCQ migration tool on behalf of the JCQ awarding bodies) and the MIS suppliers, give you all the guidance and support you need.
My centre has a home-grown MIS - how will the impact of the A2C project differ for us?
We are aware that the changes resulting from the project may impact you in a different way to those centres using a commercial MIS, as you will either need to develop your systems to cope with the new A2C way of working or you may wish to consider purchasing a commercial MIS system suitable for your sector. You should have received a notice from the A2C project identifying you as a centre with a home-grown MIS. If not, please contact us at A2Cenquiries@jcq.org.uk.
