Using AI in Summer 2024 external assessments

Prevalence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is growing, presenting challenges for centres and students 

A significant and growing risk is the misuse of AI in external assessments, which can result in investigation and disqualification. 

JCQ guidance 

JCQ produced updated guidance in Spring 2024 to provide further guidance and support for providers and students. This outlines what level of understanding and management we would expect from our centres, and also highlights the risks of possible AI misuse by a student.  

The updated JCQ guidance focuses on some real-life examples of malpractice where AI has not been used appropriately, as well as giving providers information on ways to support with verification of student work, and some tips on how to approach internal assessing when you suspect or know AI tools have been used.  

NCFE supports the overall approach taken which is to reaffirm that students must submit work which is their own, and that submitting work which is not their own, and/or which shows other AI misuse, will be investigated for potential malpractice and could result in disqualification from an assessment, or qualification overall.  

NCFE qualification specific guidance 

There are some NCFE external assessments, such as T Level Employer Set Project (ESP) and OS assessments, or CACHE Level 3 extended response essays, which allow access to the internet for some or all parts of the assessment (see specific qualification or assessment guidance for confirmation of which external assessments allow internet access). For these assessments, your students must be aware of the expectations and risks of AI use, and understand that where internet access is allowed, this does not mean that online AI tools such as ChatGPT can or should be used.  

Students must submit work which is the product of their own independent work and independent thinking, which means they cannot generate, copy, or paraphrase AI generated content, or use AI to analyse or evaluate their work.  

If students do use AI within their assessment response, it must be clearly acknowledged, with clear reference to what was used and how.  

Our examiners are trained to identify and escalate potential cases of AI misuse, and misuse of AI may constitute plagiarism, making a false declaration of authenticity, and malpractice which may result in disqualification. You must ensure your students are aware of the risks of AI misuse, and guard against this to avoid possible disqualification this coming summer series.