FAQs

National Certificate Examination

I have just joined my newspaper, what do I need to do now?

You need to complete a registration form and send it to the NCTJ. Once this has been processed you will receive a registration letter and logbook.

How much does it cost to register with the NCTJ?

See fees list

I am a freelance journalist, can I still sit the NCE?

Yes, you will need to register as a freelance and complete the registration form. You will need to have 18 months’ full-time paid employment and be able to fulfil the logbook criteria. See logbook guidelines under the relevant discipline.

I am registered with the NCTJ. Will I be automatically entered to sit the NCE?

No, when you register you are provided with a provisional NCE date (this can be found on your registration letter). This is the earliest date you can sit the NCE. To enrol on the NCE you will need to complete an enrolment form. It is the responsibility of the candidate to ensure they have completed an enrolment form within the given deadline.

Am I eligible to sit the NCE?

To be eligible to sit the NCE you need to pass the NCTJ Certificate in Journalism with a C grade or above in all exams and achieve 100wpm shorthand. You are required to serve 18 months’ full-time employment or 24 months if you are a Johnston Press trainee before being eligible to sit the NCE.

Can I choose where to sit the NCE?

You will be allocated a place in the nearest available exam centre two weeks prior to the NCE. Centres are allocated on a first-come first-serve basis.

Do I need to include my registration letter and certificates in my logbook?

You do not need to include these in your logbook.

Can I get replacement pages for my logbook?

Replacement pages are available on the website for Download Replacement logbook pages (for reporters), Download Replacement logbook pages (photographers), Download Replacement logbook pages (sub-editors) and Download Replacement logbook pages (sports).

My editor doesn’t have time to endorse all my original copy. Is this necessary?

All original copy must be endorsed by your editor or training officer otherwise the logbook will not pass.

Will I get my logbook back after the NCE?

Logbooks are posted back by recorded delivery one week after results have been issued.