Cambridge Technicals (2016 suite) admin overview

Whether you're new to OCR, or already offer our qualifications, you might find our admin overview useful. This outlines the main administration processes for our Cambridge Technical (2016 suite) qualifications, and will guide you to the relevant, detailed information on our website.

1. Get approved

The first step to offering Cambridge Technicals is to become an approved centre. For this, you'll need to complete the vocational centre approval form.

You need approval for each suite of qualifications (e.g. IT or Media) and you can only enter candidates for the qualifications you are approved to offer.

If you’re already approved to offer external examinations through JCQ (or from a previous OCR inspection) and are currently approved for a subject in the 2012 suite, you'll receive approval within five working days.
2. Apply for access arrangements

Your Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator (SENCO) may need to apply for access arrangements.

These are made before an exam series to enable candidates with particular requirements to demonstrate attainment.

See the access arrangements page for more information.

3. Make qualification entries

For Cambridge Technicals you need to register your candidates by making qualification entries.

More information is available within the entry codes booklet and on the Entry rules pages.

You make qualification entries via Interchange or A2C using basedata.

You also need to make test unit entries for the exams.
4. Make test unit entries for exams

Once you've made qualification entries, you must make test unit entries for timetabled exams (including on-screen tests) by the test entry deadline for the series.

Test unit entries can be made via Interchange or A2C using basedata.

Late entry fees apply to test unit entries made after the deadline.

The main qualification entry must be made and processed before you can make a test unit entry.

See the entry codes booklet.

5. Arrange moderation and make claims

Candidate work is assessed and standardised by centre staff and then externally moderated by an OCR visiting moderator – this can take place at any time.

The moderator will contact you to agree mutually convenient dates for moderation.

Two free moderations per subject, per academic year are available. If you're delivering both 2012 and 2016 suites, your two free visits will cover both suites.

To receive results in time for university entrance (or to coincide with the GCSE/A Level results release), book your final visit by 1 June so the visit is completed by 30 June.

When you're ready to submit candidates’ work, make a claim for each candidate via Interchange.

Make claims at least two weeks before the scheduled moderation.

See the visiting moderation page for more details.
6. Conduct exams

Exam arrangements are governed by the JCQ Instructions for conducting examinations and take place in January and June series (see the timetables).

Paper-based exams (Level 3 only):
- Question papers are sent on the basis of test unit entries.
- Online attendance lists must be submitted via Interchange after the exam.
- Papers must be returned via the DfE Yellow Label Service.
See the external assessment page for more details.

On-screen tests (Levels 2 and 3): We will transfer candidate details to Surpass (our on-screen testing system) if the on-screen test unit entry option is chosen.

See the on-screen tests page for more details.

7. Receive results

For centre-assessed units, once moderation has taken place and the OCR moderator has confirmed your candidates’ claims, we issue electronic results and a hard copy report.

A moderation report is completed by the OCR moderator and emailed to you within 48 hours of the moderation.

Results for externally assessed units are issued by the standard results days for January (early March) and June (A Level results day in August).

Candidate unit achievement reports will be available to view via Interchange.
8. Receive certificates

Once a candidate has achieved the required number of units/guided learning hours, the overall certificate will be automatically issued.

For a different size qualification to be issued, you need to make a top up/move down entry to trigger the certificate.

Unit certificates are not issued automatically but can be provided on request and are free of charge for the first 2 years following a qualification entry.

9. Query results

If you have questions about results, including missing results, use one of our post-results services.

If you're still unhappy with the post-results decision then you may be able to appeal.

Check the fees for each service.
10. Need training?

We are running Live Online Training Events (LOTES) for Cambridge Technicals (2016 suite).

The sessions provide live, interactive training opportunities each focused on a specific admin topic or area.

Just log in to the OCR CPD Hub or email cpdhub@ocr.org.uk to find out more.

1. Get approved

2. Apply for access arrangements

3. Make qualification entries

4. Make test unit entries for exams

5. Arrange moderation and make claims

6. Conduct exams

7. Receive results

8. Receive certificates

9. Query results

10. Need training?