Exams

Regulations governing examination arrangements are contained in the Instructions for conducting examinations (published by the JCQ on behalf of the awarding bodies) and within the admin guides.

All centres must have an examination contingency plan/examinations policy on file for inspection. The Joint contingency plan in the event of widespread disruption to the examination system in England, Wales and Northern Ireland is a good starting point.

OCR exam timetables are available on our timetables page. For guidance on how to manage timetable clashes, please refer to the JCQ Instructions for conducting examinations.

Many variations can be managed by centres providing that appropriate supervision is maintained and all guidelines are followed. For unplanned situations or circumstances not outlined in the JCQ Instructions, a separate application form must be completed for each timetable variation:

Read our malpractice page for more information on making an allegation and whistleblowing. You can also find more information and guidance on malpractice on the JCQ website.

Please use the JCQ Centre Admin Portal (CAP) Alternative site form to let the JCQ Centre Inspection Service team know if you will be conducting exams at a different site. To access the form, log into Interchange, hover over ‘Access arrangements’ and then click on ‘Access arrangements’ in the left-hand menu.

You can find details about invigilation arrangements in schools and colleges in the JCQ Instructions for conducting examinations.

Please use the JCQ Centre Admin Portal (CAP) Very late arrival form to report a candidate admitted very late to the examination room. To access the form, log into Interchange, hover over ‘Access arrangements’ and then click on ‘Access arrangements’ in the left-hand menu. More information about very late arrivals is available in the JCQ Instructions for conducting examinations.