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’re studying for your A Levels online (or independently), you’ll sit your exams as a “private candidate.” This simply means you aren’t enrolled at a school or college that handles your exam entry—you book your exam place yourself at an approved exam centre.

Step 1: Find an Approved Exam Centre

• Search for centres (often private schools, colleges, or adult education centres) that accept private candidates for your chosen exam board (AQA, Edexcel, OCR).
• You can search on each exam board’s website, or use specialist directories such as Tutors & Exams or Exam House.
• Contact centres early—some fill up quickly or have limited spaces for private candidates.

Step 2: Register and Book Your Exam Place

• Contact your chosen exam centre and ask for their private candidate registration form.
• You’ll need to provide details of your chosen subjects, exam board, and the syllabus/specification code (your course provider can supply this).
• Pay the required exam entry fees (typically £150–£250 per exam, plus possible admin fees).
• Double-check exam entry deadlines—these are usually in January or February for summer exams.

Step 3: Prepare for the Exam Day

• Your centre will send you a statement of entry and a timetable.
• Arrive with valid ID, your entry confirmation, and any allowed equipment (calculators, pens, etc.).
• For practical subjects (e.g., Science A Levels), ask the centre if they offer practical endorsement—if not, you may need to arrange this separately.

Top Tips for Private Candidates

• Contact multiple centres early—spaces fill up quickly.
• Check that your chosen centre supports your exact subject and exam board.
• Keep all entry documents and emails safe.
• If you have special requirements (e.g., extra time for exams), notify the centre as soon as possible.
• Don’t leave booking until the last minute—give yourself time to resolve any issues.

Useful Links

• AQA Private Candidate Info
• Edexcel Private Candidate Info
• OCR Private Candidate Info