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Changes to Multiple Choice Answer Sheet (MA)
We have changed the design of our multiple choice answer sheet to make it easier for candidates to indicate their chosen answer. Have a look at a sample of the new answer sheet.
What stays the same?
- Candidates must use a pen with black or blue ink to complete all parts of the answer sheet.
- Each question shows four possible answers (lettered 'a', 'b', 'c' and 'd'); only one is correct.
- The candidate should decide which one is correct and mark their answer on the answer sheet with their pen.
What is different?
- There is now an answer circle and separate cancel box for each of the four possible answers (lettered 'a', 'b', 'c' and 'd').
- There are clear instructions for candidates on each answer sheet. You can view these instructions on the sample of the new answer sheet.
- We have updated the instructions on the front sheet of most question papers to match. However some question papers (eg. Key Skills) will continue to have the old instructions for a period of time.
It is important that candidates complete the answer sheet correctly, as any other marks on the form may invalidate some of their answers. Therefore please ensure that candidates read the instructions on the answer sheet at the start of each test.
The updated instructions that will appear on most question papers are included for your information. You may wish to print these out and display them in exam rooms.
A candidate has cancelled an answer but has now decided their original answer is correct
The facility to go back to a previously cancelled answer is not a design feature of either the original answer sheet or the new answer sheet. This issue was considered during the development however no suitable solution was found. We are still looking for a solution to this issue and would appreciate your suggestions.
For the moment candidates should complete their answer sheet carefully, making sure of their answers before marking them on the answer sheet. Candidates should take extra care to be sure of any new answer before cancelling their original answer and selecting another. If candidates do find themselves needing to go back to a previously cancelled answer, invigilators should advise them to first clearly fill in all four cancel boxes.
This will ensure their response for that question is displayed to a human operator when their answer sheet is scanned. Candidates should then clearly write their final answer in BLOCK CAPITALS to the right of their chosen answer circle. This will ensure that the handwritten answer is visible to the operator.
