FAQs

The unique candidate identifier (UCI) is a 13-character code which is used as a unique attribute in addition to a candidate's name, gender and date of birth. Centres are required to supply the first 12 digits and OCR will allocate the 13th (check) digit. The UCI is used to link candidates' unit results across series for all of their entries (starting from the January 2001 series) so that they can be certificated.

It also links carrying-forward coursework marks for re-sitting candidates. For these reasons, candidates must not be issued multiple UCIs. A candidate's UCI should remain with them even if they move to a different centre or progress to higher qualifications. Any entries submitted without a UCI will be rejected and you will be requested to supply them.

Centres entering candidates must enter the candidate as either a school candidate or a private candidate. However, candidates entered at different centres may have different statuses.

Once OCR has downloaded your entry or amendment file, you will receive an acknowledgement in your EDI inbox. OCR downloads files at least three times each working day and acknowledgements are sent at the beginning of each working day. An acknowledgement does not mean that the file has been successfully loaded to our system as, at this point, no validation checks have been performed.

Check that the UCI allocated to the candidate is the same as in the previous series. If this differs, an entry amendment will be required to update the new UCI to match the previous UCI. Additional entries may need to be made for the missing units or the certification code may need to be withdrawn if the candidate is not expecting to complete the course in this series.

Withdrawals received up to one month after the entry closing date will be refunded automatically. Withdrawals received more than one month after the entry deadline will not be eligible for a refund. The only exceptions to this are candidates withdrawn on medical grounds or following bereavement. Entry withdrawals must be received no later than two weeks before hard copy results are issued; any withdrawals received later than this will not be processed.

These cases must be supported by a medical certificate or, in the case of a bereaved or deceased candidate, a letter on centre-headed paper. To claim a refund, please forward the supporting documentation together with a copy of the invoice to:

Details of the despatch dates of question papers can be found on the key dates pages.

Yes. Candidates may retake full qualifications as many times as they wish; however, you should check the Entry Codes to see whether there are any re-sit rules. You may find our guide to terminal and re-sit rules for new GCSEs useful; this is available on the Entries page.

Details of the despatch dates of question papers can be found on the key dates pages.

Yes. The candidate may be entered for the examination the following year, using the same company number.

Yes, all centres will need to seek centre approval to deliver the new qualifications. Centre approval forms can be found on the Centre approval page.

Centre approval is free of charge. However, where a centre is not already an approved OCR examination centre, it may be necessary to implement a centre inspection visit for which there is a fee.

The number of exams is identified within the Tutor's Handbook, but centres should always refer to the vendor web site for clarification and exact details. An example would be the CompTIA A+ exam which requires two exams and therefore two vouchers to be purchased.

It is not possible to withdraw an entry – even if it has been made in error. We do not allow withdrawals or transfers. However, for OCR Nationals only, if you have not claimed against the entry, you can make some changes (for example, if you have made the entry for the wrong unit or you wish to change the qualification entered for). Any entry amendments may affect the fees charged and you may incur additional costs as a result.