How Do You Book and Sit A Level Exams as a Private Candidate?
How Do You Book and Sit A Level Exams as a Private Candidate?
Created:Updated: 13-September-2025
Thinking of studying A Levels online? Here’s your step-by-step guide to finding an exam centre, registering for exams, and sitting your assessments as a private candidate.
What is a private candidate?
If you study independently or online, you’ll sit exams as a private candidate. This simply means you aren’t enrolled at a school or college that handles entries for you — instead, you book your exam place yourself at an approved exam centre.
Step 1: Find an approved exam centre
- Search for centres (schools, colleges, private exam centres) that accept private candidates for your exam board (AQA, Pearson Edexcel, OCR).
- Use the official JCQ list for England/Wales/NI or specialist directories.
- Contact centres early — places can fill quickly, especially for sciences.
Find approved centres (JCQ) · Tutors & Exams · Exam House
Step 2: Register and book your exam place
- Request the centre’s private candidate registration form.
- Provide subject, exam board, and specification code (we’ll supply this).
- Pay the required fees (centre/admin fees + exam board fees).
- Meet the entry deadlines — typically Jan/Feb for the summer series.
Step 3: Prepare for exam day
- Your centre will send a statement of entry and a timetable.
- Bring valid ID, entry confirmation and any permitted equipment.
- For sciences, confirm whether the centre offers the Practical Endorsement (book separately if needed).
Top tips for private candidates
- Contact multiple centres early to compare availability and fees.
- Check your exact subject + board are supported.
- Keep all emails and entry documents safe.
- Declare access arrangements (e.g., extra time) as early as possible.
- Avoid last-minute bookings — give time to fix any issues.
Useful links
Frequently Asked Questions
When are A Level exams held?
In England/Wales/NI, A Level exams run once per year in May/June. Centres set booking deadlines (often Jan/Feb).
How much do exam entries cost?
Fees vary by centre and board (written papers usually a few hundred pounds in total). Practical science endorsements incur additional fees set by the centre.
Do I need the Practical Endorsement for science A Levels?
Some university courses require it; others don’t. Confirm with your target universities and check whether your chosen centre offers it.
Can international students book UK exam centres?
Yes — if you can attend in person for the exam dates. Always confirm ID requirements and timelines with the centre.