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Some 260 hopefuls will be sitting their National Certificate Examination today in the hope that it will open doors in the world of journalism - and make them better at their job.

But a pass rate of 35 per cent last autumn sparked criticism of the training and the exam itself - with candidates who manage to win front page leads on their own newspaper seemingly unable to copy down names.

It remains a popular test of ability and with more than 500 candidates a year, the events of Oxdown are among the most widely-reported in the country.Editors and trainers have a say in the content and welcome it as an industry standard.

The National Council for the Training of Journalism sets and marks the papers.

Chief executive Rob Selwood said: "It is recognised by the vast majority of newspaper editors as the final qualifying exam for senior newspaper journalists.

"NCTJ syllabuses are updated annually for changes in the law and public administration, and for relevance in today's changing world of newspapers.

"There are no tricks or catches in the exam. Candidates are asked to write in the style of their own newspaper, assuming it is a weekly edition.

"All relevant names and other details are clearly spelt out in the briefing paper given to every candidate immediately prior to each exam.

"No-one would suggest that the NCE is perfect, being a somewhat simulated event.

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