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Access Arrangements: Making Applications

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TitleAccess Arrangements: Making Applications
URL NameAccess-Arrangements-Making-Applications
Issue
How can I apply for Access Arrangements?
FAQ
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To apply for Access Arrangements for any UK or International qualification, the Exams Officer should work closely with the SENCo.

A successful application will remain valid for 26 months from the point of approval; therefore, any further exams taken within this period do not require additional applications, and the existing arrangements will remain in place.

Please note: Applications must be processed and approved before an examination or assessment. You can check the deadlines for submitting applications for the upcoming series'.

The following qualifications use the JCQ 'Access Arrangements Online (AAO)' tool, accessible via Edexcel Online, to make an application:

  • GCE (UK Centres)
  • GCSE (UK Centres)
  • Functional Skills (paper-based and onscreen)
  • BTEC Firsts
  • BTEC Nationals
  • BTEC Technicals
  • BTEC Tech Award (2022), please tick the 'New Tech Award' option.
  • T Levels

 The following qualifications use the 'Pearson Access Arrangements Online (PAAO)' tool,  accessible via Edexcel Online, to make an application:

  • GCE (international centres only)
  • GCSE (international centres only)
  • International GCSE
  • International A Level (IAL)
  • Pearson Test of English (General & Young Learners)
  • Edexcel Certificate
  • Primary and Lower Secondary Curriculum
  • Edexcel Award
  • Level 3 Core Maths

Our Pearson Access Arrangements Online system will allow centres to gain an immediate response for Access Arrangements and order modified papers. Please see PAAO: Pearson Access Arrangements User Guide Index for detailed guidance.


Functional Skills extra time is no longer centre-delegated, and centres will have to submit an application for these requests using the AAO portal; some access arrangements for Functional Skills are centre-delegated and can be approved without an application. This guide explains whether you need to apply for an access arrangement via the PAAO tool.  

Please note: Before any application is made, candidate consent MUST be given by asking them to read and sign the 'Data protection notice' found here. The data protection notice can be kept on record within the centre. 

Rules and regulations can be located in the JCQ Access Arrangements and Reasonable Adjustments 2024/25 (PDF download).

Detailed Instructions
To access AAO or PAAO, please follow the below steps:
1. To sign in, please go to https://edexcelonline.pearson.com; you will be asked to enter your usual Edexcel Online credentials, and once you click sign in, a verification code will be sent to the Pearson Authenticator app. 
For further information, including downloading the app to your mobile device and using it to complete the sign-in process. Please see Pearson Portal Authenticator for details. 

2. You will then be directed to the EOL home page:
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3. Select 'Access Arrangements Online' on the left side menu:
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4. Select either 'Access Arrangements Online' or 'Pearson Access Arrangements Online' - this will take you to the relevant Centre Admin Portal (CAP):
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5. On the CAP, scroll drown and select 'Access Arrangements Online':
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Please see PAAO: Pearson Access Arrangements User Guide Index for detailed support in creating applications, locating existing applications and viewing referral outcomes.

The below video guide explains how to create an application in PAAO:

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The below video guide explains how to create a candidate in PAAO:

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Printing an application from PAAO can be done by following the steps in the below video guide:

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How to apply for different Access Arrangements?
 

Type of Access Arrangement

Application process

25% extra timeApply on CAP (AAO/PAAO where appropriate: See step 8)
Bilingual dictionaryApply on CAP (AAO/PAAO where appropriate: See step 8)  (not available for Level 3 BTEC & AS/A level. Centre delegated for Functional Skills, no need to apply)
BrailleApply on CAP (AAO/PAAO where appropriate: See step 8)
Coloured/Enlarged/PDF paperNo application - contact a Customer Services Specialist who can arrange this.
Computer reader/ReaderApply on CAP (AAO/PAAO where appropriate: See step 8)
Fidget spinnersCentre delegated, no need to apply - can be used to calm the nerves of candidates
OLM (Oral Language Modifier)Apply on CAP (AAO/PAAO where appropriate: See step 8)
Practical assistantApply on CAP (AAO/PAAO where appropriate: See step 8)
PrompterCentre delegated, no need to apply
Read aloud / reading penCentre delegated, no need to apply
ScribeApply on CAP (AAO/PAAO where appropriate: See step 8)
Sign Language InterpreterApply on CAP (AAO/PAAO where appropriate: See step 8)
Supervised rest breaksCentre delegated, no need to apply
Word processorCentre delegated, no need to apply

More information is located in 'Chapter 8 - Processing applications for access arrangements and adjustments' of the Access Arrangements and Reasonable Adjustments handbook (from page 112).

For additional support, our On-Demand E-learning modules allow you to access free training at a time that suits you. The following modules are available:
  • GQ Bitesize Module 3 - Access Arrangements (UK centres)
  • Combined BTEC & GQ Bitesize - Access Arrangements (International centres)
  • BTEC Bitesize Module 6 - Access Arrangements (UK centres)
Related Articles:
Access Arrangements: Deadlines
Access Arrangements: PAAO No awarding body error message
Access Arrangements: Late Applications

Back to Special Requirements: Access Arrangements & Special Considerations index page.
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