More than 100 trainee reporters are preparing to sit their senior exams next Friday, 8 March and for the first time they’ll be completing the new National Qualification in Journalism (NQJ).

The NQJ is replacing the previous National Certificate Examination (NCE) as the senior qualification for reporters, following an extensive review last year.

The changes have been described by NCTJ chief examiner Steve Nelson as “the biggest in a generation” and provide a greater focus on law and ethics.

Trainee reporters sitting the exams next week will still complete four parts – the existing Logbook and News Interview; an updated News Report paper; and a new Media Law and Practice paper, that replaces the previous Newspaper Practice.

The new exam not only puts more emphasis on ethics in journalism but also has an increased focus on social media to more closely reflect the newsroom environment.

The Logbook is also moving online and provides trainees with additional choice when selecting stories.

So far, in trials by reporters and editors, feedback has been positive and we’re confident those sitting this first exam will agree.

Detailed information on the changes to the qualification is available from the NCTJ.

The exams will take place all around the country next week and the results will, as usual, be published here on Hold the Front Page in April.

Good luck to everyone!

• Emma Clark is Marketing and Communications Manager for the National Council for the Training of Journalists.