FAQs
How do I book onto a shorthand exam?
The majority of NCTJ approved shorthand exam centres will accept external candidates. Please check Exam venues and dates for details of centres that have applied to hold shorthand exams and contact the centre directly to make arrangements. Remember to take photographic ID with you to the exam - valid passport, drivers' licence, student ID card, company ID card.
Can you tell me if or when a particular centre will be holding a shorthand exam?
We do not know if or when a particular centre will be holding an exam until they apply. Centres have up to two weeks before the exam date to apply to hold an exam. Once we receive an application from a centre their details will be published on the website under Exam venues and dates.
What dates are available?
Please see Shorthand exam dates for the complete list of dates.
What time do shorthand exams start?
All shorthand exams commence at 10.30am.
How much does the exam cost?
Please see our Fees List for the latest exam fees. You will need to discuss payment with the centre you have booked the exam with as some centres will charge an administration fee.
When will I receive my results?
The 'Pass' results will be published on our website. Please see the Latest shorthand results page where there is a list showing when shorthand exam results will be published on our website for each exam date.
The results for my centre are not listed on the website, what does this mean?
It may mean that the exam papers were returned late by your exam centre and therefore there has been a delay in your centre's results being returned and published.
When will I receive my certificate?
Certificates will be issued to the exam centre around fifteen to twenty working days after the exam however, this may be longer during busy/holiday periods. Please ensure you give your address details to the exam centre to forward your certificate onto you.
I've failed the exam. Can I order an examination report?
Examination reports can be ordered by completing the Shorthand exam report request form. The closing date for exam report requests is two weeks after the exam date. Please see our Fees List for the latest shorthand exam report fee.
Are any shorthand practice materials available to buy?
Shorthand books and practice CDs can be purchased online - speeds range from 50wpm to 120wpm. Shorthand exam reading pieces are also available. Please visit our Shop for details and to place an order.
