Modified Papers FAQs: General Questions And Troubleshooting

General Questions:

Troubleshooting:

General Questions

What is the difference between a Grade 1 and a Grade 2 Braille paper?

Grade 1 braille translates each individual print letter, number, or punctuation mark into a braille sign. Grade 2 braille uses the same letters, punctuation, and numbers as Grade 1 braille but adds a series of special signs to represent common words or groups of letters, a bit like a kind of shorthand.

To order Grade 1, please place an order Grade 2 and then email the team at additional_requirements@pearson.com to request this be changed to UEB Grade 1.

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Why does the modified paper look different to a standard paper?

During the modification process, the paper may go through significant changes to enable us to make the paper accessible. It may be necessary to change the questions or diagrams. We may also split the question paper, creating a separate diagram booklet, source booklet or formula booklet. 

Due to these changes, you should not allow candidates to use a mixture of modified and/or standard papers. The only modified paper that can be used alongside a standard question paper is the Interactive Electronic Question Paper.

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How do I receive a paper via Secure File Transfer (SFT) if I don’t have an account?

If you are receiving a paper by way of SFT, please ensure that you have a Pearson Secure File Transfer account and that it is accessible. If you have not received an SFT in the past, you can register to access the system prior to receiving your paper here or via the link in your first delivery notification email. 

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What time will PDF copies of papers be sent before the published start time?

Papers that are due to be sent via secure file transfer (SFT) will be sent 60 minutes before the allocated start time. Centres are not permitted to open papers for the session prior to the 60 minutes. 

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What system requirements are there for interactive PDF’s?

• Read and Write Gold 
• JAWS 
• Adobe 
• Texthelp 
• NVDA 

If you have software installed, you can download a past interactive electronic question paper to test it.

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Can I order past papers that have been modified?

Yes. Past papers can be found on the Pearson Qualifications website here, (scroll to the section 'Search for past papers in modified formats'). 

Modified papers are created by orders from centres at the time of the live exams, so we may not have all papers available in all modifications it all depends on whether it was ordered at the time.

For the subjects that have been modified there will be a zip file containing all modifications that were created for that series. Where papers have been modified in braille the Duxbury file may be supplied within the zip file. 

If you cannot find a paper, require printed copies of braille or tactile papers, or would like a set of past 3D models then please contact additional_requirements@pearson.com and the team will be able to support with your request.

Students should be given the opportunity to practice using our past papers, prior to them sitting their exams. This will enable them to become familiar with the layout and format of our papers.

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Troubleshooting

The exam session I want to order papers for isn't showing on the online system.

Modified papers data is uploaded to the online system before a deadline and after the close of a previous session. There are normally only 2 sessions live at any time to reduce the possibility of materials being ordered for an incorrect session. The exam session I want to order papers for isn't showing on the online system.

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The exam paper I want to order is not showing on the online system.

• Access Arrangements Online – GCSE, GCE, Edexcel Award, L3C, PLSC 
• Pearson Access Arrangements Online – BTEC, International A Level, International GCSE 

The online search criteria can be very specific. The next thing to try is reducing the number of parameters you are using to search. Begin by selecting 'Pearson' as the awarding body, then leave all other fields blank. Go to the 'Exam Code (if known)’ and enter the first few characters of an exams component code. If your candidate is sitting Mathematics 1MA1 1F, for example, you need only put 1MA into the search and this will bring up all papers that begin with '1MA'.

This is especially useful when you’re ordering papers that either have multiple parts or have an early/pre-release item associated with them, as you will see all available parts. 

If you have any difficulties, please contact the team on additional_requirements@pearson.com who will be able to support you.

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I've tried changing the search criteria, but I still can't find the paper.

First, check that you’re searching for paper codes and not specification codes. The online system works at paper level, so you must use the code for the individual examination that the candidate will be sitting.

Secondly, check that the item you’re searching for isn't a piece of coursework, controlled assessment, or other non-secure (that is, with no specified exam date) release. We only provide material that centres have no access to before an assessment. In all other instances, you should modify the material as appropriate to your candidate's needs and in line with the JCQ Access Arrangements and Reasonable Adjustments regulations.

Finally, check that the item you’re searching for is not a Functional Skills paper. These do not fit into the online system’s available examination slots as they are on demand exams. These items should be requested by emailing additional_requirements@pearson.com

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What can I do if the student changes tier when I have already ordered a modified paper?

You will need to cancel the order as soon as possible on AAO/PAAO and reorder the correct tier. Please note that the cancelling and re-ordering after the published deadlines may jeopardise delivery of your replacement request.

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I've ordered the wrong paper for my candidate. What should I do?

You can cancel modified paper orders using the Access Arrangements Online Tool (AAO or PAAO). If you no longer require a paper, or you wish to change an application, please cancel your original request and re-order the replacement materials.

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I've ordered my modified papers but have not received a confirmation from the awarding body.

There are no confirmations. As soon as you submit an application, we can access it instantly. You can return at any time to review your orders - either by all centre orders or by specific candidate orders. 

Please ensure that you submit the order and do not just save and close as this will not send to order through to us for processing. The save and close option will just save the order in your drafts, and we will be unable to view or access this. You will know that your order has successfully been placed as you will be allocated with an order number which is prefixed by the letters ‘MP’ (e.g. MP123456).

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My candidate has transferred to another centre or alternative site. Do I need to inform you?

Yes, please contact the team to let us know as soon as possible. As the ordering of modified papers is not linked to the entry system, your paper will be despatched to the centre under which the order was placed, unless you let us know otherwise. 

Please email the team at additional_requirements@pearson.com and supply them with your Transferred Candidate Application Number. We can then liaise with the Special Requirements Team and make the necessary arrangements for the modified paper despatch.

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How do I cancel an order?

1. On Edexcel Online Select Access Arrangements Online,
2. Select AAO or PAAO > Access Arrangements Online > Find Modified Papers,
3. Find the order using the order number or centre and candidate details,
4. Click on the Candidates Last name - this will be underlined.

This will bring up the list of papers ordered for this candidate. You can Cancel/Delete the papers that are no longer required. 

If the candidate has changed tier or requires a different modification, you will then need to order the new papers as a matter of urgency.

Please be aware that cancelling and re-ordering after the published deadlines may jeopardise delivery of your replacement request.

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