The next available National shorthand exams take place on Friday, 12th September 2025 at 100wpm (10.00am) and 60wpm (11.30am). Bookings will open at 9am on Monday, 7th July 2025 and will close at 5pm on Friday, 8th August 2025. Please ensure to book your exam(s) in good time, as the NCTJ are unable to accept late booking requests.
Eligibility: National exams are open to external candidates only (e.g. distance learners, candidates on non-accredited courses, industry candidates, and those who are no longer on course with a centre and need to re-sit an exam). Candidates studying on a journalism course at an NCTJ-accredited centre are not able to enter National exams while still on course. Your centre will deliver your exams.
You must ensure you are ready for, and able to sit, the scheduled exam before booking. All exam fees are payable at the point of booking. In the event of a cancellation or non-attendance, exams are non-refundable. Deferrals will only be considered in exceptional circumstances, in line with the NCTJ reasonable adjustments and special considerations policy.
If you have any queries regarding National exams, then please contact [email protected] or call us on 01799 544 014
Book now
Shorthand National exam timetable 25/26:
| National exam date | Speed(s) | Time | Bookings Open | Booking Deadline | Results Day |
| Friday, 12th September 2025 | 100wpm/60wpm | 10am/11:30am | Monday, 7th July 2025 | Friday, 8th August 2025 | Tuesday, 23rd September 2025 |
| Friday, 23rd January 2026 | 100wpm/60wpm | 10am/11:30am | Monday, 6th October 2025 | Friday, 19th December 2025 | Tuesday, 3rd February 2026 |
| Thursday, 28th May 2026 | 100wpm/60wpm | 10am/11:30am | Monday, 2nd March 2026 | Friday, 1st May 2026 | Tuesday, 9th June 2026 |
Further information
Shorthand exam dictation is delivered by the NCTJ in a recorded audio format, to ensure consistency for all candidates. Transcription is conducted in the Cirrus online assessment platform.
Exam dictation at 60wpm is four minutes long and split into two passages (2mins + 2mins) with an error tolerance of 3%.
Exam dictation at 100wpm is four minutes long and split into three passages (2mins + 1min + 1min) with an error tolerance of 3%. In the final passage, a key quote must also be identified and transcribed accurately.
Click here to read the marking guide for full details of how the exams are assessed.
