General qualifications admin overview

Whether you're new to OCR, or already offer our qualifications, you might find our admin overview useful. This outlines the main administration processes for our general qualifications (GCSE, AS/A Level, Entry Level Certificate, FSMQ, Level 2 Award, Level 3 Certificate, Principal Learning & Projects and Level 1/2 Certificate), and will guide you to the relevant, detailed information on our website.

As most of these processes have to be completed by certain dates, we've produced a list of key dates to help with your planning and preparation.

1. Get approved

The first step to offering our general qualifications, including GCSEs and AS/A Level qualifications, is to become an approved centre.
Once you're approved, you can offer any of our general qualifications without having to seek approval individually.
2. Apply for access arrangements

Your Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator (SENCO) may need to apply for access arrangements.

These are made before an exam series to enable candidates with particular requirements to demonstrate attainment.

See the access arrangements page for more information.

3. Make estimated entries

We collect estimated entries for some subjects in the June series so we can send you early pre-release materials.

We no longer collect preliminary entries.
4. Make final entries

You need to make final entries, which provide us with detailed data for each candidate, showing each assessment to be taken.

The entry codes booklet contains all the codes and rules of combination. You’ll also need to check final entry and resit rules and the key dates and deadlines.

You can make your final entries via A2C using basedata, or via our secure extranet, Interchange.

There's detailed information in our entries section.

5. Carry out internal assessment

Internal assessment, which includes coursework, controlled assessment and non-exam assessment, measures subject-specific skills which can’t always be tested by written exam papers.

Assessment takes place within the centre and then marks are submitted to OCR.

The OCR moderator selects a sample which then must be sent either by post or the OCR Repository (depending on your original entry).

Detailed information is provided in the internal assessment section.
6. Conduct the exams

Examination arrangements are governed by the JCQ Instructions for conducting examinations.

We'll send question papers and stationery on the basis of final entries – our despatch schedule shows what you will receive, and when.

When sending scripts to us for marking, make sure you follow our six simple steps to ensure they reach us safely.

You may also need information on special consideration or what to do if you suspect malpractice.

7. Receive results

We will issue results automatically on the published day. See our results section for what's available when.

The results are sent via A2C and are also available on Interchange, together with a number of results reports.

Grade boundaries are also published on our website at the same time as the results are issued to centres.
8. Query results

If one or more of your candidates don’t have a result, or if you have questions about, or are unhappy with a candidate’s result, then you may wish to use one of our post-results services.

If you’re still unhappy with the post-results decision then you may be able to appeal.

Please check the fees and deadlines for each service.

9. Receive certificates

A candidate’s final results are recorded on an OCR certificate, issued about 8 weeks after results are published.

There's more information in our certificates section, including how to deal with lost or damaged items, amendments and how to obtain replacement certificates or certifying statements of results.
10. Need support and training?

We’re here to support you throughout the exams cycle and we produce a range of tools and additional guidance material you may find useful.

Find your local Customer Support Manager, and your local exams officer or teacher network.

Keep up to date with our monthly exams officer update and subject information updates, plus our regular blog posts.

You can also find out more details about Interchange.

1. Get approved

2. Apply for access arrangements

3. Make estimated entries

4. Make final entries

5. Carry out internal assessment

6. Conduct the exams

7. Receive results

8. Query results

9. Receive certificates

10. Need support and training?