• Home
• About Us
• Education
• News
• Events & Training
• Ask CIE

UK Candidates

The information on this page is intended to help both private candidates and Centres in the UK. There are general guidelines as well specific requirements.

View contact details for UK Centres that accept private candidates

We do not respond to queries direct from candidates or parents regarding the conduct of examinations.

Guidelines and Requirements for Private Candidates and Centres in the UK

Centres are not obliged to take candidates for any syllabus - they have a right to refuse access to candidates at their Centre.

Candidates can only enter syllabuses from the General Qualifications range, unless they are repatriating, when other syllabuses may be considered. Any enquiries relating to this point must directed to the centre.

Centres are responsible for facilitating enquiries to Cambridge on behalf of private candidates (e.g. Special Consideration applications, Result Enquiries).

Centres may have space limitations so may not necessarily be able to take all private candidates who wish to apply.

The private candidate is responsible for contacting the Centre where they wish to take the examination.

The fees for private candidates taking examinations are set by the centre. The payment for the examination is made to the Centre; any issues/complaints should be directed to the Centre regarding an examination.

Private candidates must communicate only with the Centre for any examination-related matters such as Special Arrangements, Special Consideration etc. and must not contact Cambridge directly.

The last date of entry for the June session is 21 February, and for the November session is 16 August. Entries and amendments will be accepted up until 17 April and 11 October respectively but will be subject to late entry fees. For future sessions the usual closing entries dates, as published in the Handbook for Centres, will apply. Private candidates should consult with the centre for these future dates.

Late Entry Fees

Individual Centres have the right to determine the fees that a candidate is charged for late entries and amendments, and also have the right to turn down candidates if the centre feels that the application from the candidate has been made too late for them to process.

Cambridge Centres Which Accept Private Candidates