Candidates on an NCTJ-accredited course
If your course structure includes shorthand, your centre will hold shorthand exams as appropriate. Please discuss available exam dates with your course leader or tutor. Exam bookings are made by the course provider
Candidates attached to an approved exam centre
Industry candidates whose employer (e.g. newspaper office) is also an approved exam centre, please discuss available exam dates with your employer. Exam bookings are made by the employer.
All other external candidates (i.e. off-course students, distance learners, non-NCTJ learners)
The NCTJ hold National shorthand exams on set dates across the academic calendar for external candidates. 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.
National exams are held at the key speeds of 100wpm and 60wpm. Details of all available National dates up to the end of 2021-22 academic year are provided below. You can book your exam via this page.
| National exams dates | Speed(s) offered | Bookings open (1pm) | Bookings close (5pm) | Results (5pm) |
| Friday 17 September 2021 | 100wpm & 60wpm | Monday 26 July 2021 | Friday 20 August 2021 | Tuesday 28 September 2021 |
| Thursday 20 January 2022 | 100wpm & 60wpm | Monday 22 November 2021 | Friday 17 December 2021 | Tuesday 1 February 2022 |
| Thursday 12 May 2022 | 100wpm & 60wpm | Monday 21 March 2022 | Friday 15 April 2022 | Tuesday 24 May 2022 |
