We would like to confirm that our position on continuing with assessment for CPC has not changed following the two consultations on the arrangements for assessment and awarding of VTQs in 2020-21:
- On 25 February, The Department for Education (England) and Ofqual published the outcome to their joint consultationon arrangements for assessment and awarding of VTQs in 2021.
- On 24 March Ofqual published the outcome of its consultation on a VTQ Contingency Regulatory Framework (VCRF).
The Government’s policy position is that for VTQs used to enter directly into employment, exams or assessments should continue where they are critical to demonstrate occupational or professional competence, proficiency or act as a licence to practise and can be delivered in line with Public Health England measures. As our CPC qualifications act as a license to practice it would not be safe to award these qualifications using alternative approaches to awarding such as a teacher judgement. Where the assessment cannot take place safely, it will need to be delayed.
Thank you for your patience over the last few months. The safety of CPC candidates and staff has been a paramount concern during the coronavirus outbreak.
Based on your feedback, we ran CPC tests in September 2020 and plan to run tests in December 2020, March, June, September and December 2021. The June, September and December sessions in 2021 will be available as resit sessions only.
Withdrawal of CPC
Where can I find more information on the withdrawal of CPC?
More information can be found in our subject information update and the FAQs for centres and learners:
Will OCR extend the withdrawal period beyond December 2021 if tests are cancelled?
There are no plans to change the withdrawal timetable.
Are there any other providers of CPC?
Yes, please see here for details.
March 2021 series
Will CPC exams take place in March 2021?
We are planning to run the CPC March 2021 series on Friday 12 March 2021. The DfE letter of 13 January stated that proficiency-based assessments should continue wherever possible, subject to public health guidance, so that students are able to progress to the next stage of their lives.
The window for making entries for the March tests opens on 1 February and closes on 19 February. Results will be issued on 23 April.
Paper-based multiple choice tests will be available at the same time as on-screen multiple choice tests on the morning of 12 March. The case study tests in the afternoon are paper-based.
Please be aware that it is possible that the tests may be subject to disruption due to public health concerns. We will keep you updated.
Can I offer training courses during lockdown?
Any training that is offered by centres to CPC candidates in preparation for CPC tests is the responsibility of the centre. Please check the latest government guidance for further information.
Can you advise on alternative locations for these exams?
We cannot offer advice on alternative locations. An alternative location must be approved by the normal process in advance of the tests.
Will inspections go ahead as normal if lockdown is over or during an extended lockdown?
Yes. Inspections will continue as normal.
If my candidates are self isolating, can they take any of the tests remotely?
No. We do not offer remote tests for any candidates.
June 2021/September 2021/December 2021 series
The June, September and December sessions in 2021 will be available as resit sessions only. This is to ensure candidates have at least three resit opportunities.
In the event of continued disruption due to public health concerns, further guidance will be added here.
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