Exams office

Welcome to the Exams Office: your central source for the most essential JCQ documents and guidance to support examination officers, SENCOs, senior leaders, and staff across schools, colleges, and educational centres.

Exams office

This area provides quick access to authoritative information and practical tools needed throughout the exam cycle, helping you confidently manage and administer assessments in line with the highest standards. This section also includes information to be provided to students to prepare them for their exams and to ensure they understand the rules. There is also information for students when completing non-examination assessments. 

Whether you need guidance documents, up-to-date information, exam room posters, details about access arrangements, or assistance with malpractice, this page brings together all the key resources to support effective and secure exam administration. Each link below takes you directly to guidance and tools related to a specific part of the exam process, making it easy to find exactly what you need. 

Explore exam guidance and useful resources…

Use the sections below to find clear, practical guidance for each stage of the exam cycle.

Whether you’re preparing for an exam series, managing exams on the day, or completing post-exam processes, each section links directly to the guidance and resources you need for that part of the process. The areas broadly follow the exam cycle, from planning and preparation through to results and certification.


The JCQ Instructions for Conducting Examinations (ICE)

This guidance outlines the rules and steps that centres need to follow to run exams securely and consistently for JCQ member awarding organisations.

The guidance covers what to do before, during, and after exams. It gives heads of centre, exams officers, invigilators, and support staff clear instructions, checklists, and useful resources to help exams go smoothly and fairly.


Newsletter archive

Find and read current and past JCQ newsletters containing essential administrative updates and guidance for your centre.




Key dates and timetables

Access all the important deadlines, exam schedules, and key administrative dates you need to manage the academic year.