Controlled Assessment
DAIS-POL-015
Controlled Assessment Policy
Data and AI School of London, NCFE Approved Centre
Policy Owner: Examinations Officer
Version: 1.0 | Date: April 2026 | Review: April 2027
NCFE Risk Level: High
Mode of Delivery: Fully Online
15.1 Purpose and Scope
This policy sets out the procedures for conducting all controlled assessment activities in a manner that upholds assessment integrity, in compliance with NCFE's Regulations for the Conduct of External Assessment (ADEL-003 v2.1), the JCQ Instructions for Conducting Examinations (from September 2025), and NCFE's Online Assessment User Guides. All assessments at the Data and AI School of London are conducted online.
15.2 Roles and Responsibilities
| Role | Responsibility |
|---|---|
| Examinations Officer | All assessment administration: scheduling, learner communication, technical preparation, and post-assessment certification. |
| Online Invigilator | Supervising learners during timed or controlled online assessments in compliance with NCFE/JCQ requirements. |
| IT/Platform Lead | Ensuring all technical systems required for online assessment are functioning and that contingency systems are in place. |
15.3 Pre-Assessment Preparation
At least 5 working days before a controlled assessment:
1. All learners receive a Pre-Assessment Technical Checklist by email and on the VLE, confirming the assessment date/time, platform and login method, minimum technical requirements, and steps to take if technical difficulties occur.
2. The Examinations Officer confirms all learners are correctly registered on the NCFE Portal.
3. The IT/Platform Lead confirms the assessment platform is functioning and backup systems are in place.
15.4 Online Invigilation
The Online Invigilator supervises the assessment in accordance with NCFE/JCQ regulations.
Learners are informed of the assessment rules at the start, including prohibitions on accessing additional websites, notes, or AI tools.
Where remote proctoring software is used, learners are informed in advance and their consent is recorded. Data collected is processed in compliance with Policy 6.
The invigilator completes the NCFE Invigilator's Register via the NCFE Portal.
15.5 Assessment Security
External assessment materials are accessed only by the Examinations Officer and are not shared with learners in advance.
Digital assessment login credentials are distributed to learners only on the day of the assessment.
Learners are instructed to close all other applications and browser tabs during the assessment.
15.6 Technical Failure During Assessment
If a learner experiences a technical failure during a controlled assessment:
1. The learner notifies the Invigilator or Examinations Officer immediately by phone or email.
2. The Examinations Officer documents the incident.
3. Where the failure is confirmed as beyond the learner's control, the Examinations Officer contacts NCFE to discuss appropriate action, which may include rescheduling or a special consideration application.
15.7 Malpractice During Assessment
Any suspected malpractice observed during an online assessment must be reported to the Compliance Manager immediately, in accordance with Policy 10 and JCQ's Suspected Malpractice procedures. The Invigilator has the authority to suspend the assessment where malpractice is irrefutable.
This policy is reviewed annually. Next review: April 2027. Approved by: Head of Centre. © Data and AI School of London, April 2026. NCFE Approved Centre.