Cambridge & Pearson Exam FAQs

Preparing for Cambridge or Pearson exams can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially when navigating registrations, timetables, exam regulations and results for the first time.

At Tutors & Exams South Africa, we regularly receive questions from homeschooling families and private candidates about exam entries, timetables, results, registrations and what to expect on exam day.

To help make the process easier, we’ve answered some of the most common questions below.

1. How Do I Register for Cambridge or Pearson Exams in South Africa?

To sit your Cambridge or Pearson exams with Tutors & Exams South Africa, you will need to complete our online booking form during the registration period for your chosen exam series.

Once your booking has been submitted, our team will guide you through the next steps, including:

• Submitting supporting documents
• Confirming subject selections
• Finalising exam entries
• Preparing for exam day

2. Do You Accept Private Candidates?

Yes. Tutors & Exams South Africa provides private candidates and homeschooling learners with access to Cambridge and Pearson examination opportunities, regardless of age or educational background.

We work with a wide range of candidates across South Africa, including:

• Homeschooling learners
• Distance learning candidates
• Adult learners
• Rewrite candidates
• International curriculum students

3. How Do I Know Which Exam Entry Codes to Use?

Entry codes are usually provided by your tutor, distance learning provider or homeschooling programme. These codes are important because they identify the correct subject and paper combinations required for your exam entry.

We always recommend checking your codes carefully before submitting your registration to avoid unnecessary corrections later in the process.

If you are unsure, our team is happy to guide you.

4. Why Do I Need to Provide a Photo and ID?

Exam boards require all examination centres to verify the identity of candidates writing exams.

Your photo helps exam staff identify you throughout the exam series, while your ID may be required during check-in before each exam.

This process forms part of standard exam security regulations set by the awarding organisations.

5. What Forms of Identification Are Accepted?

Accepted forms of identification may include:

• South African ID document or ID card
• Passport
• Driver’s licence
• Official “No-ID” form where applicable

If you are uncertain whether your identification will be accepted, contact our team before registration closes.

6. What If I Do Not Have a Photo ID?

If you do not have a photo ID, contact Tutors & Exams South Africa as early as possible.

Our team will guide you through the alternative identification process where applicable and advise you on the required documentation.

7. When Will I Receive My Exam Timetable?

Exam timetables are generally released after registration deadlines have closed.

Your timetable will include:

• Exam dates
• Start times
• Candidate details
• Venue information
• Subject papers

Candidates receive timetable information through the Tutors & Exams Candidate Hub (TECH).

8. Where Will My Exams Take Place?

Your exam venue details and joining instructions will be shared through the Candidate Hub (TECH) before your exams begin.

Tutors & Exams South Africa currently offers exam centres in Pretoria and Cape Town.

9. What Time Should I Arrive for My Exam?

We recommend arriving at least 45 minutes before your scheduled exam start time.

Arriving early allows enough time to:

• Complete sign-in procedures
• Verify identification
• Locate your exam room
• Settle in before the exam begins

Being prepared and familiar with your surroundings can help reduce unnecessary stress on exam day.

10. What Happens If I Arrive Late?

If you arrive within 30 minutes of the official exam start time, you may still be allowed to write the exam, although additional writing time will not be granted.

If you arrive more than 30 minutes late, the exam centre and awarding organisation will determine whether you may still sit the paper.

This decision depends on factors such as:

• Whether the centre was contacted in advance
• Whether exam security may have been compromised
• Whether exam content could already have been accessed

If you believe you may be late, contact the exam centre immediately.

11. What Should I Bring to My Exam?

Candidates should bring:

• A valid ID document
• Correct stationery
• Any approved subject-specific equipment

All equipment must comply with exam regulations.

We also recommend preparing everything the evening before your exam to help avoid unnecessary stress on the day.

12. What If I Forget Something on Exam Day?

Do not panic. The exam centre may have emergency stationery packs available for purchase where possible. However, candidates are strongly encouraged to arrive fully prepared for each exam session.

13. Where Can I Find Past Papers?

Past papers are available directly from the relevant awarding organisations, including:

• Cambridge
• Pearson Edexcel

Practising with past papers is one of the best ways to prepare for exams, improve timing and become familiar with question styles.

14. Can I Choose When to Write My Speaking Test?

No. Speaking tests are scheduled according to official exam board testing windows and regulations. Centres must follow these allocated timelines strictly.

15. What Happens If My Exams Clash?

If two exams overlap or are scheduled closely together, special arrangements may be made by the exam centre in line with awarding organisation regulations.

Depending on the situation:

• Exams may be written back-to-back with supervised breaks
• One paper may be moved to a later session on the same day

Candidates will be informed if any special arrangements apply to their timetable.

16. When Will I Receive My Results?

For Cambridge and Pearson exams:

• May/June results are typically released in August
• October/November results are usually released in January

Candidates will receive communication regarding result release dates and access instructions through the Candidate Hub.

17. How Do I Receive My Results?

Results are issued electronically through the Tutors & Exams Candidate Hub (TECH).

Candidates will receive login details and guidance on how to access their results securely online.

18. What Does “Ungraded” Mean?

An ungraded result means the minimum mark required to achieve a grade was not reached for that subject.

While receiving an ungraded result can feel discouraging, it does not define a candidate’s ability, intelligence or future success. Many candidates improve significantly when rewriting subjects with additional preparation and support.

19. What If I Am Unhappy With My Results?

Depending on your situation, several options may be available, including:

• A remark or review of marking
• Rewriting the subject in a future exam series
• Reviewing subject choices or academic support options

Our team can help guide candidates and parents through the available next steps.

20. What Is Special Consideration?

Special consideration may apply when a candidate experiences circumstances outside of their control during the exam period, such as:

• Illness
• Injury
• Bereavement
• Other serious disruptions

Supporting evidence is normally required, and all applications must meet the awarding organisation’s regulations and deadlines.

21. How Do I Receive My Certificates?

Certificates are generally issued several weeks after results are released.

Once certificates arrive from the awarding organisations, candidates will receive communication regarding collection or courier arrangements.

Supporting Homeschooling Families Across South Africa

Homeschooling and private candidacy continue to grow across South Africa, and understanding the exam process can make a significant difference in reducing stress and uncertainty.

Whether you are preparing for your first exam series or have written before, Tutors & Exams South Africa is here to support candidates and parents through registrations, exam preparation, results and beyond.

If you still have questions about Cambridge or Pearson exams, registrations or results, our team is always available to help guide you through the process with confidence and clarity.