Following feedback from teachers, we have updated our specification and sample assessment material for the Level 1/Level 2 Cambridge National in IT (J836). See below for details.

As part of these changes, for the January/June 2027 set assignment, students can now use either an augmented reality (AR) software development kit (SDK) or alternative software to create the AR model prototype in Task 2. Alternative software may include presentation tools such as PowerPoint, Google Slides or Canva.

Updated specification

The specification amendments we've made include the following:

• For Unit R070: Using Augmented Reality to present information:
  • changes to the aim of the unit
  • amended exemplification for topic area 3.1
  • revised teaching content in topic areas 3.2, 3.4 and 4.1
  • revised assessment guidance
• confirmation the unit recording sheets (URS) and set assignment feedback forms are now only available on Teach Cambridge
• clarification that on candidate results day we publish the raw mark to UMS converter on our website for the relevant series
• new details about our online training module
• a new section added on Informing students of their marks
• renamed and updated the content of Appendix C
• updated guidance on:
  • centre approval
  • plagiarism, including the use of AI
  • resubmitting moderated work
  • access to scripts.

We have listed all the amendments and corresponding section numbers at the front of the updated specification.

You can view and download the updated specification (version 7) from the IT qualification page on our website and Teach Cambridge.

Please make sure you use the new version of the specification with your students from 1 June 2026.

Unit R070: Updated sample assessment material

To reflect the specification and changes made to Unit R070, we have also updated the sample assessment material as follows:

• revised information for teachers
• amended the structure and wording of the scenario to mirror the live R070 set assignment
• improved the quality of the assets supplied
• revised student advice
• updated instructions and advice in Task 1, 2 and 3.

You can view and download the sample assessment material from the Assessment > Sample assessment materials section of the IT qualification page on our website and Teach Cambridge.

Please make sure you review the updated advice, assessment guidance and task instructions when using the 2027 Cambridge OCR-set assignment, available from 1 June 2026 on Teach Cambridge.  

We would like to thank teachers for providing us with feedback and we hope the changes we’ve made to the specification help to support the teaching of this Cambridge National qualification.

If you have any queries about this update, please call our Customer Support Centre on 01223 553998 or email support@ocr.org.uk.

Qualification

• IT Level 1/Level 2 – J836