Policies and procedures

The NCTJ is a professional awarding organisation recognised by Ofqual, Qualifications Wales and CCEA (Northern Ireland). We adhere to the statutory regulations of external qualifications set by these organisations and comply with a range of criteria to ensure our qualifications are valid, fair, consistent and transparent.

The documents published in this section relate to the quality assurance processes and procedures required to deliver NCTJ qualifications to a professional standard.

Results service information

The NCTJ aims to issue confirmed results to approved exam centres within four weeks of scheduled exams. This allows time for marking and moderation to take place. Approved exam centres are provided with a schedule of exams and result dates for each academic year. Results may take up to six weeks if further moderation is required, or due to public holidays etc.

Candidates not studying on an accredited course or at an approved exam centre will only be eligible to sit NCTJ exams on national exam dates. The appropriate results date for these exams will be provided in the reporting instructions issued to candidates who apply through the NCTJ.

Read our policies below:

Adverse Weather Conditions and Periods of Disruption Policy

Conflict of Interest Policy and Procedures

Endorsement arrangements

Invigilation and Chaperoning Policy

Security of Assessments

Safeguarding Policy

Re-sits policy

Data retention policy

Complaints Policy and Procedure

Customer Service Monitoring Arrangements

Appeals Policy

Equal Opportunities and Diversity Policy

Malpractice and Maladministration Policy and Procedures

Malpractice and Maladministration Guidance for Centres

Report of Suspected Malpractice form

Sanctions Policy and Procedures

Pricing, fees and invoicing policy

Welsh medium qualifications policy

Withdrawal of qualifications plan

Whistleblowing Policy

AI use in NCTJ assessment

Table of potential conflict of interest scenarios

Reasonable adjustments and special considerations

The NCTJ welcomes and is sensitive to candidates with particular needs, and encourages them to take NCTJ qualifications and end-point assessments. The needs of candidates are addressed on a case-by-case basis. Our reasonable adjustments and special considerations policy outlines our arrangements for making reasonable adjustments and special considerations in relation to our qualifications and end-point assessments; and how candidates qualify and apply for reasonable adjustments and special considerations.

To request either a reasonable adjustment or a special consideration in relation to an NCTJ qualification or end-point assessment, please complete the relevant request form below and return to Nikki Akinola, senior diversity and inclusion co-ordinator.

Reasonable Adjustments and Special Consideration Policy

Reasonable Adjustment Request Form

Special Consideration-Deferral Request Form

Exemptions, equivalences and recognition of prior learning: policy statement

The NCTJ does not accept exemptions, equivalences or recognised prior learning for any part of our qualifications. This is to ensure vocational and employer requirements are met, to ensure assessments are fair across all candidates, to maintain the integrity of NCTJ qualifications, and to uphold the industry standard in relation to current journalism practice.