FAQs
Examinations for Private (External) Candidates

Why do I need to provide previous results statements?

The ONLY information we are looking for on these documents is your UCI number (Unique Candidate Identifier). This number links your units in all modular specifications (which these days means every AS/A Level subject and an increasing number of GCSE ones.  Many schools and Colleges are so inefficient in dealing with UCI issues that some students end up with two or even three UCIs to their name; this is potentially disastrous in terms of ensuring that you end up with the CORRECT overall grade when you eventually “cash in” your units. The Examination Centre goes to considerable lengths to ensure you will not encounter such problems; in a small number of cases, our work involves rectifying mistakes made by a candidate’s previous school.

Another frequently encountered scenario is when a candidate asks us to carry forward the mark obtained for a coursework component from a previous session. This cannot be done without documentary evidence that the mark has been obtained, plus the relevant previous centre and candidate numbers.

How are the units priced for ?
The unit costs may appear high relative to the fee the centre will be invoiced for by the relevant awarding body, and which is shown on the Edexcel/AQA/OCR/ WJEC websites, which the general public have access to. However, given that we place no artificial restrictions on what you can be entered for (unlike so many centres which claim to cater for Private Candidates, and that we provide a quality service, our prices are competitive and offer VALUE FOR MONEY.

Can I merge marks gained at AS level with one examination board with marks for A2 units obtained via a different board?
The simple answer to this rather complex question is yes in most cases. There are, however, circumstances in which transfer of credit is not possible. For this process to work smoothly and efficiently, it is important that the AS qualification taken via the original board has been cashed in.