Malpractice has the potential to undermine the integrity of qualifications and needs to be investigated whenever it is suspected. Pearson approved centres play a vital role in preventing, reporting and dealing with malpractice. Whether the malpractice involves candidates, teachers, invigilators or other administrative staff, investigating and taking appropriate action are essential to guarantee the fairness and integrity of Pearson qualifications.
The process for reporting suspected malpractice is slightly different depending on the type of malpractice and assessment involved.
Candidate malpractice
If you discover any potential candidate malpractice which relates to the content of the work (i.e. inappropriate/offensive content, copying/collusion, plagiarism (including AI misuse) and/or false declaration of authentication) in the internally assessed components of qualifications before a candidate has signed the declaration of authentication, you don't need to report this to us. Instead, you should follow the steps as outlined in your centre’s malpractice policy.
If an irregularity is discovered after a candidate has signed the declaration of authentication, or you suspect any malpractice by a candidate during an examination, you must submit full details of the case to us at the earliest opportunity by emailing a JCQ M1 Form with supporting documentation to candidatemalpractice@pearson.com. All current JCQ forms can be found at https://www.jcq.org.uk/exams-office/malpractice/.
Staff malpractice
If you suspect that a member of staff has committed malpractice or that maladministration of the qualification may have occurred, you must let us know by emailing a completed JCQ M2 Form to pqsmalpractice@pearson.com. All current JCQ forms can be found at https://www.jcq.org.uk/exams-office/malpractice/.
Back to Exam Administration index page.
