National exams

National examination dates are offered in April/May, July and November/December each year. These dates are open to anyone wishing to sit an NCTJ Diploma in Journalism exam. They are the exam dates for distance learners, trainees and those who are no longer on course and need to re-sit an exam.

Candidates should apply direct to the NCTJ by completing the application form on the left hand side by the stated deadline. Applications received after this date may not be accepted. Candidates must ensure that they are ready for, and are able to sit the scheduled exam before submitting an application. All exam fees are payable on application and are non-refundable.

** Candidates taking up an approved deferral of an examination MUST book the required exam(s) as above and forward the approval document to the NCTJ on application.

National exam dates for 2019 - 20 are as follows:

Exam 2019-2020 2020 2020 Time
Essential Journalism 11 November 2019 27 April 13 July 10:00 - 12:00
Essential Media Law 13 November 2019 22 April 15 July 09:30 - 12:00
Media Law Court Reporting 13 November 2019 22 April 15 July 14:30 - 16:00
Public Affairs 15 November 2019 24 April 17 July 14:00 - 15:45
Sports Journalism 10 December 2019 19 May   10:00 - 14:00
Production Journalism 12 December 2019 21 May   14:00 - 16:30
Business of Magazines 16 January 2020 14 May   14:00 - 15:45
Videojournalism for Online 6 December 2019 15 May   10:00 - 12:00
Broadcast Regulation   11 May   14:00 - 15:00
Broadcast TV News   12 May   10:00 - 12:00
Broadcast Radio News   1 May   10:00 - 11.30
Business and Finance 15 November 2019 24 April   10:00 - 12:30
Newspaper Magazine Regulation Test 11 November 2019 27 April 13 July 13:00 - 13:30
Intro to PR for Journalists 3 December 2019 28 April   14:00 - 16:00
PR and Communications for Journalists 5 December 2019 30 April   Part 1: 09:30 - 12:00
Part 2: 13:00 - 14:30

To download this table, please click here

The NCTJ will allocate candidates to the centre where they will sit the exams. A local/preferred centre cannot be guaranteed due to availability/demand. Candidates must be prepared to travel to sit exams.

Confirmation

When an exam application is received, the NCTJ will confirm your entry by email.

Approximately two weeks prior to an exam date, reporting instructions and a timetable will be sent to you by email confirming your centre and exam details.

Results are issued by email within six weeks of the exams.

Newspaper Magazine Regulation Test:

A - 10/10

B - 9/10

C - 8/10

D - 7/10

E - 6/10

All other modules:

A - 70% +

B - 60 - 69%

C - 50 - 59%

D - 40 - 49%

E - 30 - 39%

Sitting exams abroad

Those not studying/based in the UK may enquire about sitting certain exams at a British Council abroad. Candidates wishing to sit Diploma in Journalism exams abroad should approach the British Council offices in that country regarding their ability to host NCTJ exams.

If the British Council is able to host the applicable exams please send contact details to [email protected] to finalise the arrangements.

Exams are scheduled to be held at UK time and may not be altered. The NCTJ will confirm examination times for locations abroad.

The following exams cannot be sat abroad due to software requirements and the technical support needed:

  • Production Journalism
  • Broadcast Radio News
  • Broadcast TV News
  • Videojournalism
  • Shorthand