A review has been launched into the National Certificate Examination, which could see it revamped and renamed to ensure it meets the needs of the journalism industry in the future.

The National Council for the Training of Journalists is contacting newspaper editors across the UK asking them to complete a ten minute online survey by 18 February about the NCE for the first part of its review.

In the spring, focus groups will be held for editors, publishers and trainers at newspaper offices in London, Edinburgh, Leeds and Newport and a further group will seek the views of newly-qualified senior reporters.

The NCE qualification, which is made up of the newspaper practice, news report, interview and logbook sections, was introduced in 1990 to replace the Proficiency Test and has undergone a number of changes since then.

Any new format for the exam will be consulted on by the NCTJ this summer and the revamped NCE could be launched later next year.

The review of the NCE follows the launch of the new entry-level qualification, the Diploma in Journalism at 26 colleges and universities last September.

Anyone interested in giving their views or being part of a focus group is asked to contact the NCTJ’s editorial consultant Paul Watson on 01825 760102 or email [email protected].