Exams Administration
Information and resources for exams officers to plan ahead and stay on track throughout the whole exams lifecycle, from entries to results day.
Make entries
How to make an entry
You will need to use an entry system to make an entry.
In the table below, you will find which entry systems to use for each type of qualification.
You must pick one type of entry system to use for all your entries. For example, you can pick either EDI or Centre Services, but you can't use them both at the same time. If you need to amend any of your entries, you must use the same method you used for the initial entries and all subsequent changes, both for internal and private candidates.
You will find guidance on how to use each entry system here:
Entry codes book
You will find the entry codes you need in the latest entry codes book:
What can cause a delay in entries
If there are any errors in your entries, this will cause a delay, for example incorrect or missing data will cause your whole entry file to be delayed.
If your file is showing as processing, this means that we have received your file.
How to avoid delays in entries
Use the tips below to help you get your entries right and avoid delays:
Use the most up-to-date entry codes
Be sure to use the correct entry codes. These can be found in the latest entry codes book (see above).
Do not enter a student into more than one tier per subject
If a teacher has not yet decided which tier a student should be entered for, do not enter them for both tiers. Please select the most likely tier, and you can then change this before the amendment deadline if you need to.
Tiers can be changed for free before the amendment deadline date. Any changes to tiers after this date will be charged a fee. To see the deadline dates, please use the Exam series guide 2025/26 (246.22 KB).
Do not enter a student into more than one specification choice within the same subject
Please check the Entry Code Booklet (1.5 MB) for more information about prohibited combinations.
Specification choices can be changed for free if submitted before the amendment deadline. To see deadline dates, please refer to the Exam series guide 2025/26 (246.22 KB).
Multiple files
If you send multiple individual amendment files in quick succession, this can cause delays in processing the files – there are ways to avoid this. If using EDI, your management information system may allow you to make several amendments to entries and submit them as one file. If using Centre Services, you should save multiple amendments before pressing submit.
Use full legal names for candidates
Do not use shortened names or nicknames. The name that is submitted for entries will be printed on the exam certificate.
If a candidate’s full legal name is longer than 40 characters, you'll need to complete a name variations form. This is to make sure that their full legal name is printed on their certificate(s). Please refer to the General Regulations for Approved Centres document regarding exceptions to using the legal name.
Learn more about costs when amending a certificate.
Use the right date of birth format
Make sure that you use the right date of birth format for each entry system.
The required format is:
Your students’ privacy
Make sure you let your students know that their personal data has been transferred to us for the purposes of examining and awarding. For more information, please see our privacy notice.