Guidance on Learner Gender in Registration and Certification

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We are regulated by the UK qualifications regulators Ofqual (England), CCEA Regulation (Northern Ireland) and Qualifications Wales (Wales). Our regulatory policies are integral to our approach and articulate how we meet regulatory requirements. These policies are designed to support centres and students and set out clearly our approach to the design, delivery, and award of Pearson qualifications and services.

1.1 We are committed to creating and delivering products and services that reflect and meet the diverse needs of the audiences we serve. We continually work to improve the accessibility of our customer-facing digital platforms, websites, and online services by identifying and addressing accessibility needs. Our aim is to support inclusion and equality across all our offerings, so every experience reflects the full range of diversity within our audiences.

1.2 For all our qualifications, we record gender when candidates are registered or entered on our systems. This data contributes to national statistics. However, we recognise that candidates may not wish to have this information recorded or may want to update it during their learning journey. We can support these requests through our systems. We do not display a candidate's gender on any qualification certificates and results documents.

1.3 This guide applies to all Pearson qualifications wherever they are delivered.

2.1 When registering candidates, approved centres are asked to select a gender on our systems. We recommend that this information matches centre records and is provided consistently to all awarding organisations and other bodies that may receive qualification information. This helps avoid mismatches at a later stage, for example when transferring candidate credit, applying for recognition of prior learning, or when candidates use qualification information to apply for a licence (such as for the Security Industry Authority), where gender information may be required.

2.2 However, we recognise that some candidates may not want to have gender information recorded on their record or may wish to update it. We can support these requests through our systems as outlined below:

3.1 The Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ) and Pearson recommend that centres:

• Enter candidates using names that can be verified against suitable identification, such as a birth certificate, driver's licence, or passport.
• Check that the name the candidate is using can be linked to other official documentation. This helps prevent issues later, for example when a candidate needs to verify that they are the person named on a qualification certificate.

3.2 If centres enter a candidate under a name that does not appear on official documentation, they should consider the implications, and make the candidate aware that:

• If the name on a certificate differs from official identification, candidates may find it difficult to prove the certificate belongs to them when dealing with HE or FE institutions, employers, visa applications, or other third parties.
• Using a name that does not match official identification may cause difficulties when validating the identity of Private Candidates sitting exams.
• Inconsistent information across awarding organisations may cause issues when transferring credit or applying for recognition of prior learning.

Changing a name on a certificate

3.3 We recognise that candidates may need to change their name, for example at any point during gender reassignment. Candidates who are currently within 1 year of sitting the exam should first contact their centre to request an update to their name on our systems. Following one year, the request will be processed by our Replacement Certificates Team. We do not amend names unless they have been changed legally (for example, by deed poll or marriage).

3.4 Candidates who have completed their programme and need their certificates reissued following gender reassignment can request this free of charge by emailing replacementcertificates@pearson.com with GR in the subject line providing:

• Copy of a recent utility bill - not mobile phone bill (no more than three months old) containing your current name and address
• Bank statement if you don't have a utility bill in your name. Sensitive information must be redacted, whilst retaining the company logo, company name, and the candidate's name and address.
• Copy of photographic ID (passport, driving licence or identity card) in the candidate's current name
• Evidence linking the name change(s) (deed poll for example)
• Contact telephone number for the courier service and details of their requested qualifications under our board prior to returning their originals.
• Original qualification certificate(s) are returned to the Replacement Certificates Team.

3.5 The Replacement Certificates team is a dedicated, confidential service managed by trained experts who support requests at any point during gender reassignment. Further information on certificate services.

4.1 UK regulators require all awarding organisations to establish and maintain their compliance with regulatory conditions and criteria. As part of this process, policies and guides that relate to Pearson's status as an awarding organisation will reference any conditions and criteria that they address.

4.2 This guide addresses the following regulatory criteria and conditions:

5.1 This policy will be reviewed in April 2027.