Paper-based tests

This section provides guidance on the Cambridge Technicals (2016 suite) examined assessments, which take place on timetabled OCR-set dates (see exam timetables).

It should be read in conjunction with the centre handbooks and the JCQ Instructions for conducting examinations.

See the entry rules page for details about entry and resit arrangements.

For the Cambridge Technicals (2016) subjects listed below, pre-release material is published on Teach Cambridge before the timetabled examinations or assessment windows. The pre-releases contain research topics or tasks that need to be completed before the examination. You can give the pre-release to your teachers as soon as it is published.

Please note, from the January 2024 series, we're no longer publishing pre-release material on Interchange.

The following table shows the pre-release materials publishing timescales. The weeks are term-time weeks: where Easter or Christmas fall within the release window, this is accounted for in the release date. The specific release dates for the latest series are available in our key dates spreadsheet.  

*These units use our on-screen test system, Surpass.

Once you have made your examined unit entries, we will send you question papers along with an admin pack, consisting of return address labels, attendance lists and return bags approximately ten days before the first examination. NB For Performing Arts units 1, 3 and 33, you will just receive labels as pre-release materials are used instead of question papers.

Please check the quantities on the packing note against your entries. If there are any discrepancies, please email us. 

You will receive a small number of extra question papers, which can be used for any additional candidates.

Once checked, please make sure your examination papers are stored in your safe. 

You must not open the sealed question paper packets until the day of the exam and as per the JCQ instructions.

Centres must ensure candidates have or are provided with any equipment required to take the test, as well as for taking all reasonable steps to prevent candidates from having access to any unauthorised equipment or resources. 

Candidates should only have access to items specified on the front page of the test paper, and must not have access to anything that could compromise the integrity of the test.

Candidates must be prepared and examinations must be conducted according to the JCQ Instructions for conducting examinations.

Invigilators must know what equipment is permitted in each examination and that candidates take into the examination room only that which is allowed. 

Centres must verify the identity of candidates taking the examination and must be satisfied the candidate taking the examination is the one whose name will be submitted to OCR.

Unless you have any candidates without entries or have hardcopy attendance lists for selected units (see below), you must submit the Cambridge Technicals attendance list online via Interchange on the same day you return the completed question papers (scripts).

1. Log into Interchange, hover over ‘Cambridge Technicals’ and click ‘Attendance lists’ in the left-hand menu.
2. Select the series, qualification and assessment and click ‘Search’. A list of candidates who have entries for this selection will be displayed.
3. Click ‘Update’ to add the date the test was attended, or to record a candidate as absent. Right-click the ‘Date attended’ box to add a test date. Left-click to ‘tick’ the absent box.
4. Once you've added all the date attended/absent details, click ‘Submit’ (you can click ‘Save’ at any time to return to it later).
5. You will see a warning message; click ‘OK’ to submit or ‘Cancel’ to go back.
6. Once you've selected ‘OK’, you will see a confirmation page.

Please print a copy of the attendance list to include with the completed question papers:

1. Log into Interchange, hover over ‘Cambridge Technicals’ then click ‘Attendance lists’ in the left-hand menu. The attendance list(s) you have submitted will be displayed.
   
2. Select the ‘Ref Number’ to display the details of a specific attendance list then select print.

If you have any candidates without entries, do not complete the attendance list. In this case: 

1. Return all your scripts as below.
2. Do not edit the attendance list.
   
3. Make a unit test entry (via Interchange or EDI).
4. Wait until the candidate appears on the attendance list – allow 24 hours.
5. Edit and submit the attendance list online. 

Pack your completed question papers or scripts in the same order as the attendance list and seal them securely in OCR script return envelopes.

Do not overfill the envelopes – each should contain a maximum of 20 scripts. Using the labels provided, attach one label per packet, making sure the qualification details match the scripts enclosed. 

Scripts for different exams must not be despatched in the same envelope, even if the address on the label is the same. 

Cambridge Technicals is part of the DfE yellow label service. For yellow label packets, fill in a despatch log sheet with one line for each packet you're sending. DfE’s despatch of exam scripts page has a blank despatch log. Make sure the Parcelforce driver signs a printed copy of the despatch log to confirm collection of the number of packets listed and the date and time of the collection. 

Responsibility for the candidates’ work remains with the centre until it is received by the examiner.