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“But it has been refined over the past almost 50 years, with input from all sides of the industry, and since we know all of the facts that are given to the candidates, it is as good a way of checking on accuracy as any.”

The courses that train journalists for the NCE are subject to review from the colleges themselves, which are accredited by the NCTJ rather than run by it.

The exam content is updated regularly but retains the essential framework of requiring high standards in a number of fields including spelling, grammar, communication skills and background knowledge.

Seminars on the content are offered regularly – the next to deal with the NCE are in Sheffield on May 18 and in London on June 8, where views are sought from editors and others with an interest in training. A further seminar could be held in Scotland if there is sufficient demand.

The NCE consists of four sections, the interview, speech and newspaper practice sections, as well as an editor’s report/assessment of the candidate, worth 25 per cent of the total marks.

The exam is offered twice-yearly and is set, marked and moderated through the NCTJ by a panel of industry experts consisting of working editors and trainers.

This time around, some 260 candidates will be sitting for the qualification at 15 training centres around the UK, and all centres supply the necessary computer equipment for the candidates.

Back to the Training Index.

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