Acceptable File Formats: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Centers

This guidance explains which file formats, file sizes and browsers Centres must use when uploading learner assessment evidence to Pearson systems.

It applies to evidence uploaded for marking, moderation or verification via platforms such as Learner Work Transfer (DLWT), Progress and SharePoint.

Pearson restricts file formats to:

• protect the security and integrity of learner evidence
• make sure files can be opened, previewed and reviewed reliably by markers and moderators
• avoid delays caused by files that can't be accessed on Pearson systems

Please note: Uploads that don't meet the policy can delay assessment or require resubmission.

Some qualifications may have subject-specific guidance with additional requirements. Centres should always check qualification guidance alongside this policy.

Centres should use one of the following supported browsers:

• Google Chrome
• Microsoft Edge
• Safari

Please note: You should always use the latest version. Older browsers may cause uploads or previews to fail.

Yes.

• Each individual file must be no larger than 3GB
• The limit applies per file, not to the total evidence for a learner

If a learner submits several files, each file can be up to 3GB. Files are checked one at a time during upload.

If a file is larger than 3GB, you must:

• reduce the resolution
• split the file into smaller parts, or
• reformat or repackage it

Ultra-high-definition video is not required for assessment purposes. Clear, accessible evidence is sufficient.

Only the file formats listed in the policy are accepted. These include:

Video

• MP4
• MOV (Must use H.264 video codec and AAC audio codec)

Images

• GIF, JPEG, JPG, PNG, PDF

Documents

• DOC, DOCX
• PPT, PPTX
• XLS, XLSX, XLSM
• CSV, RTF, ODT, XML

Audio

• MP3, WAV, MID, MIDI

Text and code

• TXT, PY, PHP, JS, JSON, CSS, HTM, HTML, EXE

Other

• ZIP, RAR
• DMG
• DAW, CAD (specialist formats)

Please note: If a file format is not listed, it is not accepted and must be converted before upload.

No. Only the formats listed in the policy can be uploaded. All other formats are blocked or will be rejected.

If evidence is created in a non-approved format, it must be converted to an accepted format before submission.

Yes – T Level qualifications have specific agreed exceptions.

Additional formats accepted for T Levels only include:

• Packet Tracer files
• .mpp, .pod and .mpx

These exceptions apply only where required by T Level assessment design.

Yes, ZIP and RAR files are allowed. However:

Centres should ensure that all files inside a ZIP meet the acceptable file format policy before uploading.

A codec is the method used to package video or audio so it can be stored and played back.

Two files can both be called "MP4", but only videos packaged using:

• H.264 (video) and
• AAC (audio)

will reliably open and preview on Pearson systems. Videos using other codecs may upload but will later be rejected.

H.264 is required because it:

• plays reliably across all major browsers and devices
• provides good video quality without large file sizes
• is the most widely supported industry standard

This ensures markers and moderators can access evidence without technical issues.

Files using unsupported codecs:

• may upload successfully, but
• will be rejected during file scanning and may not be available for assessment

This can result in delays and requests for resubmission. Centres should convert files before upload.

Yes. Free conversion software is widely available.

Pearson recommends that you:

• make a copy of the original file for conversion
• keep the original file safely as a backup

Centres are responsible for ensuring files meet the policy before upload.

No. Pearson cannot return recordings or documentation once submitted.

Please note: Centres should always keep copies of all uploaded evidence.