How to apply for a shorthand exam

Students on an NCTJ-accredited course

If your course structure includes shorthand, your centre will hold shorthand exams as appropriate. Please speak to your course leader or tutor with regard to applicable exam dates.

Candidates attached to an approved exam centre

Industry candidates whose employer (e.g. newspaper office) is an approved exam centre, please speak to your employer with regard to holding shorthand exams.

All other external candidates (i.e. off-course students, distance learners, non-NCTJ learners)

From 2019-20 academic year onwards, the NCTJ will be holding National-style shorthand exams on set dates across the academic calendar for external candidates - as it does for other Diploma exam modules. This is to provide a structure for learners to work towards sitting exams on guaranteed exam dates and to be able to plan your learning accordingly.

Details of all National dates in 2019-20 and 2020-21 academic year are provided below. You can book your exam via this page.

Note: Due to the impact of Covid-19, National exams on Thursday 16 April were postponed. An additional exam date has been included on Friday 18 September to replace the postponed exams.