This page explains how to report any suspicions or incidents of malpractice or maladministration, in line with JCQ regulations and NCFE policies.
The guidance applies to malpractice or maladministration involving learners, teachers, invigilators or other administrative staff. This cooperation is essential to guarantee the fairness and integrity of NCFE qualifications.
We recommend reading this guidance alongside:
Reporting malpractice or maladministration
Learner malpractice notification
If a centre suspects that a learner has engaged in malpractice connected to an NCFE assessment, the head of centre must notify us as soon as possible.
You can do this by either:
This form must be completed by the head of centre. You must include all relevant statements and supporting documentation.
Centre staff malpractice or maladministration notification
You must inform us as soon as possible if you suspect staff malpractice or maladministration.
You can report this by:
This form should be used by the head of centre after they have gathered the evidence relating to an investigation. You must include all relevant statements and supporting documentation.
If you need to report an invalid certificate, please use the Invalid certificate form.
If you need to report an incorrect grade, please use the Incorrect grade form.
Third Party malpractice notification
Third parties, including whistleblowers, learners, employers and placement providers, can report suspected malpractice.
Submit reports through the Third party malpractice notification form, along with any supporting documentation.
NCFE’s approach to malpractice and maladministration
We take all allegations of suspected malpractice extremely seriously. When we receive your notification, our Provider Assurance team will review the information and evidence provided and advise you on the next steps.
We’re committed to ensuring a compliant, accurate, and well governed assessment process for all learners and centres.
Our centres are expected to maintain strong internal controls to prevent errors and complete all activity with accuracy, transparency, and in accordance with regulatory requirements.
While effective processes reduce the likelihood of error, issues may still arise. When this happens we adopt a supportive and proportionate approach. We work collaboratively with centres to provide guidance and agree corrective actions in line with regulatory standards.
Our aims are to:
