23% of candidate malpractice investigations that we see involve mobile phones or a form of a mobile device such as a smart watch, it’s important to remember that the misuse of mobile phones and devices in assessments can result in investigation and disqualification. With this in mind, we’d like to reiterate expectations on the use of mobile phones and devices in assessments and in particular, highlight:
- that candidates are considered to be under formal exam conditions from the moment they enter the room in which they will be taking their assessment until the point at which they are permitted to leave; mobile phones and devices should therefore not be accessed from the moment a candidate enters the assessment room
- that candidates must not be in possession of devices during an assessment, which could provide an advantage, including mobile phones
- any mobile phones, devices or other unauthorised items in the candidates’ possession must be handed to the invigilator prior to the assessment starting.
If candidates have access to unauthorised items in the assessment room, this may be considered as malpractice. They could be subject to penalties in accordance with the JCQ document Suspected Malpractice: Policies and Procedures.
Information for invigilators:
- Failure to give instructions to candidates must be reported to the relevant awarding organisation and may lead to disqualification. Suggested wording for these instructions is available within relevant sections of the JCQ's Instructions for Conducting Examination document.
- When one invigilator is present, they must be able to get help easily, without leaving the assessment room and without disturbing the candidates. An invigilator is only allowed a mobile phone in the room for this specific purpose. This will also apply where the invigilator is additionally acting as a practical assistant, a prompter, a reader and/or a scribe.
Ensuring candidates understand misuse of mobile phones:
The 2025 Unauthorised Items poster and JCQ ICE Warning to candidates 2025 posters both contain references to prohibition of mobile phones, and must be displayed in a prominent place outside each assessment room. This may either be a hard copy A3 paper version of the poster, in either black and white or colour, or a projection of the poster onto a wall or screen for all candidates to see.
Exceptions and exemptions
In some rare cases, access to a mobile device , for example, medical purposes (see case study) may be needed during an examination, and in these cases, additional invigilators will be needed. Once in possession of their mobile device for medical purposes, each candidate must be individually supervised. We’ve put together some guidance so that you can support candidates in these exceptional cases both before and during the assessment:
Before the assessment
- Arrange a meeting with the candidate, their family, and any appropriate centre staff, to discuss the ongoing conditions and any arrangements that should be put in place. No two scenarios are alike; candidates may be experienced in handling their condition and would prefer to be in the main room with their peers. Others might find that managing their conditions is more challenging, so they may prefer to be accommodated separately.
- Candidates should also consider the option of utilising supervised rest and/or toilet breaks, taking drinks and/or snacks into the assessment location, and taking their insulin treatment (e.g. pen or pump) into the assessment location.
- Centre staff should request approval for the access to a mobile device as a Reasonable Adjustment by submitting a notification within the Learner's Details section of Portal under the term 'Other'. A Form 9 confirming the candidate’s medical condition and the need to access their mobile device during an exam must be completed and retained along with formal medical evidence e.g. a letter from a relevant medical practitioner.
- The device can either be handed to an invigilator prior to the start of the assessment, or could be located nearby to the candidate, but must be out of the candidate’s reach.
During the assessment
- A candidate with a medical condition requiring access to their mobile phone/device will be subject to one-to-one invigilation, to ensure the integrity of the exam. Candidates should make their requirement to access their mobile phone/device known to the invigilator, by summoning assistance in the usual manner. The phone/device can then either be held by the invigilator, or accessed directly by the candidate, subject to the one-to-one invigilation requirements.
- Centre staff should note that one to one invigilation does not have to be a separate room - it could be in a small or large/main room with their peers, but a single invigilator must individually monitor the candidate at any point when/where they require access to their phone. If they are in a room with other students, additional invigilators will be required to maintain oversight of all other candidates simultaneously.
Case study examples
We wanted to bring this guidance to life with some real examples of mobile phone/device misuse and possession to help your understanding of the types of incidents that could occur and the potential consequences:
Case study one: Mobile phone misuse
During an invigilated exam, a candidate was observed by an invigilator to be in possession of and using a mobile phone within the examination room. This constituted the use of an unauthorised electronic device during an exam.
The invigilator approached the candidate, confiscated the mobile phone, and queried its use. The candidate stated that they believed the matter to be an emergency and that they were sending a message. The incident was recorded and reported in accordance with centre procedures.
Following the exam, the incident was reported to NCFE as suspected candidate malpractice in line with JCQ regulations. A full malpractice investigation was initiated.
As part of the investigation, written statements were obtained from both the candidate and the invigilator. The candidate acknowledged that they had briefly used their mobile phone during the exam to check an urgent family message. They confirmed that the phone was not used to access exam content and accepted full responsibility, recognising that possession and use of a mobile phone breached JCQ examination conditions. The candidate expressed remorse and understanding of the seriousness of the breach.
Additional evidence was obtained, including the room’s seating plan. All statements and supporting evidence were reviewed by the NCFE as part of the investigation process.
Outcome of the malpractice investigation
Following consideration of the evidence, it was determined that candidate malpractice had occurred, as the candidate was in possession of and used an unauthorised mobile phone during the examination, in breach of JCQ regulations.
In line with JCQ guidance, NCFE imposed the penalty of disqualification from the affected exam component. The centre was notified of the outcome, and the candidate was informed of the decision and their right to appeal. The candidate accepted that they had been disqualified and did not appeal the outcome of the investigation.
Case study two: mobile phone possession (no evidence of use)
During an invigilated exam, an invigilator observed a mobile phone partially visible in a candidate’s pocket while the candidate was seated at their desk. The phone was not being handled or actively used at the time. The invigilator approached the candidate and requested the device, which was immediately handed over. The phone was found to be switched off.
The candidate stated that they had forgotten to remove the phone prior to entering the exam room and had not accessed or attempted to access it during the examination.
The incident was recorded by the invigilator in line with centre procedures.
Investigation process
The incident was reported to NCFE as suspected candidate malpractice in accordance with JCQ regulations. A malpractice investigation was initiated.
Written statements were obtained from:
Additional evidence was provided, including:
- the exam room seating plan
- confirmation that the phone was switched off when confiscated
In their statement, the candidate acknowledged that bringing the mobile phone into the examination room breached JCQ exam conditions. They confirmed that they had not used the phone and had not accessed any exam-related information. The candidate accepted responsibility for the oversight and expressed understanding of the regulations.
All evidence was reviewed by the investigating officer.
Outcome of the malpractice investigation
Following review of the evidence, the investigating officer determined that candidate malpractice had occurred, as the candidate was in possession of an unauthorised mobile phone within the examination room.
However, there was:
- no evidence that the phone had been switched on during the examination
- no evidence that the phone had been used to access information or communicate
- prompt co-operation by the candidate when challenged.
Taking these mitigating factors into account, the investigating officer applied a lower‑level sanction in line with JCQ sanctions guidance.
Outcome applied:
- formal written warning issued to the candidate
- no loss of marks applied.
The centre and candidate were notified of the outcome and reminded of the requirement to ensure no unauthorised items are brought into future exams.
