Cambridge for

exams officers
Cambridge Primary Checkpoint
and
Cambridge Checkpoint
Administrative Guide 2014
Guidance for exams officers
administering the tests

Valid for examinations in 2014

Contents
Introduction 3
Key to icons 4

1 Preparation

Key dates and activities overview:

Cambridge Primary Checkpoint 5
Cambridge Checkpoint 6
Key dates and activities: Monthly diaries 7
Support from Cambridge 14
Test dates 17
Access arrangements 18

2 Entries

Estimating entries 21
Making final entries 22

3 Before the tests

Pre-exam and question paper despatches 25

4 Test day

Running the tests 26

Malpractice and maladministration 27
Despatching scripts 28

5 Diagnostic feedback

Understanding and preparing for diagnostic feedback 31

A–Z of terms 33
This guide is for exams officers who are responsible for
administering Cambridge Primary Checkpoint and/or
Cambridge Checkpoint tests. It provides detailed information
and guidance on all the administrative tasks and activities
exams officers need to carry out during a Cambridge Primary
Checkpoint or Cambridge Checkpoint test series.
This guide covers the following qualifications:
• Cambridge Primary Checkpoint
• Cambridge Checkpoint as part of Secondary 1.
The guide is designed to support both new and
experienced exams officers.
Cambridge Primary Checkpoint tests are
designed for use in the final year of primary
education. The results give schools an international
benchmark of learner performance to identify and
address learning needs in English, mathematics
and science. The tests are marked by Cambridge.
Cambridge Checkpoint tests are designed for
learners who are beginning courses leading
to Cambridge IGCSE® or Cambridge O Level
examinations in English, Mathematics and Science.
They are also marked by Cambridge.
Important information
You also need to read and understand the
>Cambridge Handbook. It sets out the
regulations for all Cambridge examinations
and assessments. Please use the >Cambridge
Handbook in partnership with this guide.
Cambridge Primary Checkpoint and Cambridge Checkpoint Administrative Guide 2014 Introduction 3
The document is divided into the following
sections:
• an overview timeline of the major activities
for each Cambridge Primary Checkpoint and
Cambridge Checkpoint series, followed by
details of the key dates and activities for each
month
• guidance on each of the tasks and activities you
have to complete to successfully administer the
tests
• an A–Z of terms to clearly explain the meaning
of the key words and phrases we use
throughout the guide.
If you work in an Associate Centre you will need to
comply with any extra local arrangements required
by your Cambridge Associate.
We reserve the right to amend or vary the
arrangements detailed in this guide at any time.
We will notify you of any changes. The changes will
have immediate effect unless otherwise stated.
Extra guidance
Look out for the ‘Extra guidance’ icon
highlighting the extra support we provide for
each phase of the exams cycle, for example,
online tutorials or ‘how to’ guides.
Also look out for the icon that highlights our
processes for Cambridge Associates and their
Centres.
 Key to icons

To make it easier for you to find the information you need quickly we have developed a set of icons
especially for exams officers.

New or updated information Important dates

Highlights new or updated Highlights the key dates on
information so you know what each page.
has changed from last year.

CIE Direct Cambridge Handbook

You will see this icon whenever You will see this icon whenever
there is a reference in the text there is a reference in the text
to CIE Direct. to the Cambridge Handbook.

Administrative forms Important information

Appears next to the Highlights the key pieces of
administrative forms referenced information on each page.
on the page.

Processes for Cambridge

Associates and their
Extra guidance
Associate Centres
Highlights extra support Highlights differences to
available, for example, online processes for Cambridge
tutorials or ‘how to’ guides. Associates and their Associate
Centres.

4 Introduction Cambridge Primary Checkpoint and Cambridge Checkpoint Administrative Guide 2014
 Cambridge Primary Checkpoint key dates and activities overview
2014

Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

May 2014 test series

May test WE SEND

period 17 Jun 2014

WE SEND Diagnostic
Statements of entry
31 March feedback if
Feb to Mar 2014 to scripts returned
by 3 May 2014
30 April
Cambridge Primary Checkpoint and Cambridge Checkpoint Administrative Guide 2014 Preparation 5

WE SEND

Question papers
and administrative
materials
Mid Mar 2014
YOU SEND

Estimated entries
YOU SEND for May 2015
Final entries YOU SEND series
By 21 Feb 2014 Deadline for receipt of By 21 Oct 2014
scripts for June result
release 3 May 2014

October 2014 test series

WE SEND
October WE SEND
Statements of entry
YOU SEND
Sep to Oct 2014
test 12 Dec 2014
Diagnostic
Estimated entries period feedback if
By 30 Apr 2014
13 to 24 scripts returned
by 31 Oct 2014
October

WE SEND

Question papers
and administrative
WE SENDCambridge sends materials to Cambridge materials
Associates who then send them on to their Associate Late Sep 2014

Centres according to local arrangements.

YOU SEND YOU SEND
YOU SEND
Cambridge Associates need to give their Final entries Deadline for receipt of scripts
By 16 Aug 2014 for December result release
Associate Centres earlier deadlines so they have 31 Oct 2014
enough time to process their data and submit it to us.

Diagnostic feedback Test day Before the tests Entries Preparation

5

1
6 Preparation Cambridge Primary Checkpoint and Cambridge Checkpoint Administrative Guide 2014

Cambridge Checkpoint key dates and activities overview

2014

Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
May 2014 test series WE SEND

31 May 2014
May test Diagnostic
period feedback if
scripts returned
31 March
YOU SEND
YOU SEND
by 25 Apr 2014
Estimated entries
Final entries to for May 2015
By 21 Feb 2014 30 April WE SEND
series
17 Jun 2014 By 21 Oct 2014
Diagnostic
feedback if
WE SEND
scripts returned
Question papers YOU SEND by 3 May 2014
and administrative
materials Deadline for receipt
Mid Mar 2014 of scripts for May
result release
WE SEND 25 Apr 2014
Statements
of entry
Feb to Mar YOU SEND

2014
Deadline for receipt of
scripts for June result
release 3 May 2014

October 2014 test series WE SEND

28 Nov 2014
October Diagnostic
test feedback if
scripts returned
period
YOU SEND
YOU SEND
by 24 Oct 2014
Final entries
Estimated entries 13 to 24
By 16 Aug 2014
By 30 Apr 2014 October
WE SEND

WE SEND YOU SEND 12 Dec 2014

Diagnostic
Question papers
Deadline for feedback
and administrative
receipt of scripts if scripts
materials
for November returned by
Late Sep 2014
result release 31 Oct 2014
Cambridge sends materials to Cambridge
WE SEND 24 Oct 2014
Associates who then send them on to their Associate WE SEND

Statements of
Centres according to local arrangements. entry Sep 2014
YOU SEND

Deadline for
YOU SEND receipt of scripts
Cambridge Associates need to give their for December
Associate Centres earlier deadlines so they have result release
31 Oct 2014
enough time to process their data and submit it to us.
 Preparation
Key dates and activities: Monthly diaries
The monthly diaries show the dates we send information to, and need to receive information from 1
Cambridge Associates and Cambridge International Schools. Cambridge Associates need to agree dates for
when they will send information to, and receive information from their Associate Centres.

We send (the date we despatch materials or information to you)

You send (the date information or materials you send reach Cambridge)
Information (other dates, for example late entry fee start dates)

Entries
January 2014 2

Date May series October series

You send

Before the tests

21 Deadline for receipt of applications for
modified papers (‘Preparation – Form 3’).

February 2014
Date May series October series

Test day
You send
4
21 Deadline for receipt of final entries. We
will charge late entry fees for entries and
amendments received after this date.

Diagnostic feedback
Deadline for receipt of access
arrangements that you need our permission
to use (‘Preparation – Form 1’).

Cambridge Primary Checkpoint and Cambridge Checkpoint Administrative Guide 2014 Preparation 7
 March 2014
Date May series October series

We send
7 Statements of entry and candidate entry
lists.

You send
11 Final deadline for late entries and entry
amendments. We will not accept any
entries or entry amendments submitted
after this date.

We send
17 Materials for May series:

• question papers
• attendance registers
• bar-coded labels.

31 Estimated Entry Forms by email; these

are also available from CIE Direct. To be
returned by 30 April 2014.

Cambridge Guide to Making Entries.

You send
31 Notification of any delegated access
arrangements you plan to use
(‘Preparation – Form 4’).

31 Start of test period.

8 Preparation Cambridge Primary Checkpoint and Cambridge Checkpoint Administrative Guide 2014
 Preparation
April 2014
1

Date May series October series

You send
25 Deadline for us to receive Cambridge
Checkpoint test scripts if you need

Entries
diagnostic feedback to be sent by 31 May
2014.
2
30 Deadline for completed Estimated Entry
Forms.

30 End of test period.

Before the tests

May 2014
3

Date May series October series

You send
17 Deadline for us to receive Cambridge

Test day
Primary Checkpoint and Cambridge
Checkpoint test scripts if you need
diagnostic feedback to be sent by 17 June 4
2014.

We send

Diagnostic feedback
31 Cambridge Checkpoint diagnostic
feedback if we received your scripts by
25 April 2014.

Cambridge Primary Checkpoint and Cambridge Checkpoint Administrative Guide 2014 Preparation 9
 June 2014
Date May series October series

We send
17 Cambridge Primary Checkpoint and
Cambridge Checkpoint diagnostic
feedback if we received your scripts by
3 May 2014.

July 2014
Date May series October series

You send
1 Deadline for receipt of applications for
modified papers (‘Preparation – Form 3’).

We send
Late End of series reports.
July

August 2014
Date May series October series

You send
16 Deadline for completed entries. We will
charge late entry fees for entries and
amendments received after this date.

Deadline for receipt of access

arrangements that you need our permission
to use (‘Preparation – Form 1’).

31 Notification of any delegated access

arrangements you plan to use
(‘Preparation – Form 4’).

10 Preparation Cambridge Primary Checkpoint and Cambridge Checkpoint Administrative Guide 2014
 Preparation
September 2014
1

Date May series October series

We send
Early Statements of entry and candidate entry
Sept lists.

Entries
You send
2
16 Final deadline for late entries and entry
amendments. We will not accept any late
entries or amendments after this date.

Before the tests

We send
Mid Estimated Entry Forms for 2015
Sept emailed and available from CIE Direct.

26 Materials for October series: 3

• question papers
• attendance registers
• bar-coded labels.

Test day
4

Diagnostic feedback

Cambridge Primary Checkpoint and Cambridge Checkpoint Administrative Guide 2014 Preparation 11
 October 2014
Date May series October series

13 Start of test period.

We send
22 Cambridge Guide to Making Entries for the
May 2015 series.

24 End of test period.

You send
21 Deadline for completed Estimated
Entry Forms for 2015 test series.

24 Deadline for us to receive Cambridge

Checkpoint test scripts if you need
diagnostic feedback to be sent by
28 November 2014.

31 Deadline for us to receive Cambridge

Primary and Cambridge Checkpoint test
scripts if you need diagnostic feedback to
be sent by 12 December 2014.

November 2014
Date May series October series

We send
28 Cambridge Checkpoint diagnostic
feedback if we received your scripts by
24 October 2014.

12 Preparation Cambridge Primary Checkpoint and Cambridge Checkpoint Administrative Guide 2014
 Preparation
December 2014
1

Date May series October series

We send
12 Cambridge Primary Checkpoint and
Cambridge Checkpoint diagnostic

Entries
feedback if we received your scripts by 31
October 2014.
2
Late End of series reports.
Dec

Before the tests

3

Test day
4

Diagnostic feedback

Cambridge Primary Checkpoint and Cambridge Checkpoint Administrative Guide 2014 Preparation 13
 Support from Cambridge

Overview
We provide a wide range of support for exams officers. This section takes you through the support we
offer and tells you how to access it.
Email: info@cie.org.uk Customer Services address:
Contact us: www.cie.org.uk/help Customer Services
Telephone: +44 1223 553554 Cambridge International Examinations
Fax: +44 1223 553558 1 Hills Road, Cambridge, CB1 2EU
United Kingdom

When contacting us please tell us your Centre name and number. Associate Centres should contact
their Cambridge Associate with any queries in the first instance.

1.1 Our public website
Access the main Cambridge website
www.cie.org.uk, for the following information:
• our qualifications and awards
• syllabuses and specimen papers
• latest news and events
• online versions of the >Cambridge Handbook,
the >Cambridge Primary Checkpoint and
Cambridge Checkpoint Administrative Guide,
administrative forms and final timetables
• access to CIE Direct (secure website)
• information on Cambridge International
Examinations.
1.2 CIE Direct
• view our fees list in the ‘My Messages’
section of CIE Direct.
CIE Direct is a secure, password-protected
website. To request access please contact
Customer Services.
1.3 The ‘Help’ section of our
website
The ‘Help’ section of our website contains an
online bank of answers to frequently asked
questions about Cambridge examinations and
services. The next time you have a question about
administering Cambridge examinations visit the
‘Help’ section. Type your question into the search
box, or use the menu to guide you. There is also a
Noticeboard on the ‘Help’ home page to alert you
to important announcements.

Our ‘Help’ section:

• saves you time

• gives you key dates at a glance
• contains more than 1200 answers
• is reviewed and updated daily
• is available 24 hours a day.
Go to www.cie.org.uk/help
You can access CIE Direct at
https://direct.cie.org.uk. It is a secure online tool for
Cambridge exams officers, which allows you to:

• upload files, such as entry files

• keep up to date with CIE Direct bulletins

14 Preparation Cambridge Primary Checkpoint and Cambridge Checkpoint Administrative Guide 2014
Support from Cambridge (continued)
1.4 Cambridge Exams Officer
eNewsletter
Look out for our eNewsletter for timely updates
delivered straight to your email inbox every month.
The Cambridge Exams Officer eNewsletter is an
essential resource, and includes:
• reminders about key dates and activities for that
month
• guidance on and changes to key processes
• updates on new services
• a look forward to the next month.
The eNewsletter goes to all our Cambridge
International Schools and Cambridge Associates
(not including ministries). If you work in an
Associate Centre your Cambridge Associate
will send you the relevant information from the
eNewsletter.
If you work in a Cambridge International School
or a Cambridge Associate and do not receive the
eNewsletter please contact our Customer Services
team. Cambridge Associates should pass
relevant information from the eNewsletter on to
their Associate Centres.
Cambridge Primary Checkpoint and Cambridge Checkpoint Administrative Guide 2014 Preparation 15
Preparation
1.5 Teacher Support
1
Entries
2
You can access Teacher Support at
http://teachers.cie.org.uk. It is a valuable resource
for teachers of syllabuses and is available to
Cambridge Centres. To apply for access visit
Before the tests
www.cie.org.uk/help. Complete the enquiry form
and select ‘Teacher Support site’ as the enquiry
subject. Please state that you wish to apply for
access to Teacher Support in the body of the
message. 3
The member of staff in your Centre with access
to Teacher Support is called the ‘teacher support
coordinator’. They create logins for their teachers
by accessing the administration pages of the
website. If the teacher support coordinator forgets
their password they should click on the ‘forgotten
Test day
password’ link on the home page of the website.
4
1.6 Cambridge Primary and Cambridge
Secondary 1 websites
Diagnostic feedback
We will give you access to the relevant secure
websites depending on whether you offer
Cambridge Primary Checkpoint, Cambridge
Checkpoint or both.
These websites contain a range of materials to
help teachers plan and deliver the programmes. 5
These include curriculum frameworks, schemes
of work, recommended published resources and
administration information.
For more information, go to either
https://cambridgeprimary.cie.org.uk or
https://cambridgesecondary1.cie.org.uk
 Support from Cambridge (continued)

1.7 Marketing Resources

Cambridge International Schools and Cambridge
Associates can download a wide range of free
marketing support materials, such as factsheets
and posters, from a secure area of our website
called Marketing Resources.

You should have received login details for

Marketing Resources; if not contact our Customer
Services team. Find Marketing Resources at
www.cie.org.uk/marketingresources

16 Preparation Cambridge Primary Checkpoint and Cambridge Checkpoint Administrative Guide 2014
Test dates

Preparation
Overview
Candidates must take Cambridge Primary and Cambridge Checkpoint tests between the published 1

dates shown below.

Now you know the test date windows, work out when your candidates are going to sit the tests
and how many test rooms you need and book them. Decide how you are going to make sure your
candidates know where and when their tests will take place. You should also create a timetable specific
to your Centre that you can display somewhere for all your candidates to see.

1.7 Timetabling tests
For Cambridge Checkpoint the date we receive
your scripts determines the date you receive your
diagnostic feedback. We publish two deadlines
each series for us to receive your scripts. If you
Entries
2
Important information
There are specific arrangements for Centres
taking Cambridge Checkpoint tests in India.
These arrangements are communicated using

Before the tests

want to send your scripts to meet the earlier the Cambridge Exams Officer eNewsletter.
deadline, and receive your feedback earlier, you
need to timetable your tests for the first week of
the test window. Please see Section 5 of this guide
for the script return dates. 3

For Cambridge Primary Checkpoint there is one

deadline for you to return your scripts, and one
date for you to receive diagnostic feedback.

Important dates

Test day
Test dates

• May series – 31 March–30 April 4

• October series – 13–24 October

Diagnostic feedback

Cambridge Primary Checkpoint and Cambridge Checkpoint Administrative Guide 2014 Preparation 17
 Access arrangements

Overview
Access arrangements are pre-exam arrangements made on behalf of a candidate with particular needs.
For example, the use of a scribe, modified papers or extra time. There are three different groups of
access arrangements, each with their own application form and set of deadlines.

• Group 1: Access arrangements. You must get our permission to use these.
• Group 2: Centre-delegated access arrangements. You need to notify us if you use these.
• Group 3: Modified papers. You need to apply for these in advance of the examinations.
It is important that you read the access arrangements section of the >Cambridge Handbook so you
understand each type of access arrangement and the application/notification process for each one.

1.8 The principles we apply when
awarding access arrangements
We apply the following principles when awarding
access arrangements:
• We assess all candidates according to the same
marking criteria, so that grades and certificates
have the same validity as any other candidates’.
• Access arrangements must not give the
candidate an advantage over other candidates.
• Access arrangements must not compromise
what is being assessed, so they are restricted
in certain syllabuses (for example, a reader is
not allowed for an assessment where reading is
the focus).
Administrative forms
Forms available from the ‘Exams Officers’
section of the Cambridge website
www.cie.org.uk/examsofficers
• Non-Delegated Access Arrangements:
Preparation – Form 1
• Modified Papers: Preparation – Form 3
• Centre-Delegated Access Arrangements:
Preparation – Form 4
should submit their completed forms to their
Cambridge Associate. Remember, the Head of
Centre or the Cambridge Associate, in the case of
Associate Centres, needs to sign the form before
it is submitted. We may not be able to accept
applications if you send them to us after the
deadline, especially if you require modified papers.
Modified papers
If you send us your modified papers application
by the published deadline, we will process
the application and the papers will be ordered
and despatched in time for the examinations
concerned. If we receive the application after the
published deadline (page 20) we may not be able
to supply the modified papers you need. If this
is the case we will email you to let you know. If
unsure of the level of entry, you should request all
levels relevant to a syllabus, for example, core and
extended, to make sure you meet the deadline.
Non-delegated access arrangements
You must send supporting medical or psychological
evidence with your application. The application and
the supporting evidence must be in English. You
can provide a translation if necessary, along with
the original document. Friends and relatives of the
candidate should not supply any of the supporting
evidence. Where this is unavoidable a senior
member of Centre staff must countersign and
authorise the evidence.

When non-delegated access arrangements

1.9 How to apply for access application forms arrive, an experienced member
arrangements of the Compliance Unit reviews the application,
if necessary in consultation with subject experts,
Use the relevant forms from those listed in according to the criteria set out in section 1.2.4 of
the ‘Administrative forms’ box and follow the the >Cambridge Handbook.
guidance notes on the form. Associate Centres

18 Preparation Cambridge Primary Checkpoint and Cambridge Checkpoint Administrative Guide 2014
Access arrangements (continued)
We review all applications on an individual basis.
The application must come from the Centre
making the entry. We cannot accept applications
from the candidate. We will email you to let you
know whether your application has been approved
within two days of receiving it.
If we approve the application it is up to the Head
of Centre to decide whether the candidate needs
to use the approved arrangements in all the
requested assessments as they may not require
the same degree of assistance in every subject.
Delegated access arrangements
It is up to you to decide whether or not to give
your candidate(s) any of the delegated access
arrangements listed in section 1.2.2 of the
>Cambridge Handbook. You should take the
following into account when deciding on whether
to use any delegated access arrangements:
• the candidate’s normal ways of working and any
arrangements they use in the classroom
• the candidate’s performance in internal
assessments, such as mock exams
• any previous difficulties the candidate has
experienced in relation to taking assessments
and any lasting effects from those difficulties.
You must keep on file all evidence relating to the
candidate’s needs so you can justify the use of any
delegated access arrangements. We consider it
malpractice if you do not keep this evidence on file
or if you do not submit it at our request.
If you use any of our delegated access
arrangements you must follow the regulations
for using each one set out in this section of the
handbook, and notify us using ‘Preparation –
Form 4’ by the published deadlines.
We keep all notification forms for delegated access
arrangements on file in case we need to refer to
them as a result of an inspection or malpractice
case.
You need one of the following types of evidence on
file for candidates with learning difficulties who use
delegated arrangements:
• a psychological assessment carried out by a
qualified psychologist confirming a learning
disability
• an assessment confirming a learning disability
carried out by a specialist teacher who holds a
relevant qualification.
Cambridge Primary Checkpoint and Cambridge Checkpoint Administrative Guide 2014 Preparation 19
Preparation
We will also accept a report written by a
qualified teacher who has no additional special
needs qualification, but has had at least five
1
years’ working experience in the area of special
educational needs, as long as it is authenticated by
the Head of Centre.
Candidates with medical, physical, mental or
other ill health must have medical evidence in the
form of a report, letter or sick note. The evidence
should cover the candidates’ period of secondary
Entries
education.
Emergency access arrangements 2
If you have to apply for access arrangements for
temporary disabilities, for example, one of your
candidates breaks their arm before the exam, you
must get our approval before you use any access
Before the tests
arrangements. You can do this by emailing or
telephoning us straight away. We will then discuss
the most appropriate access arrangements, give
you verbal approval and ask you to submit the
relevant form. State the arrangements that were
3
agreed on the form and send it to us together
with the candidate’s medical certificate as soon as
possible.
If it is not possible to contact us before the exam
takes place, the Head of Centre should decide
on the day whether to use access arrangements
for the temporary disability. If this does happen
Test day
then complete and send the relevant form along
with the candidate’s medical certificate as soon as
4
possible.
When we give permission for a candidate to use
a scribe/writer or if a transcript is provided, please
Diagnostic feedback
attach a completed copy of the relevant form to the
candidate’s script/transcript.
Extra guidance
Download our How to Apply for Access 5
Arrangements guide from the ‘Cambridge
Exams Officers’ Guide’ at
www.cie.org.uk/examsofficers
 Access arrangements (continued)

Important dates
Non-delegated access arrangements: get
permission from us to use these:

• May series deadline – 21 February 2014

• October series deadline – 16 August 2014

Centre-delegated access arrangements: notify

us if you use these:

• May series deadline – 31 March 2014

• October series deadline – 31 August 2014

Modified papers: order these papers by the

dates below:

• May series deadline – 21 January 2014

• October series deadline – 1 July 2014
Cambridge Associates should agree earlier
deadline dates with their Associate Centres.
This will give them time to process their
applications and send them on to us.

20 Preparation Cambridge Primary Checkpoint and Cambridge Checkpoint Administrative Guide 2014
Estimating entries

Preparation
Overview
Estimated entries are your best calculation of the number of candidates you will enter for each 1

Cambridge Primary Checkpoint or Cambridge Checkpoint series.

If you send us estimated entries you still need to submit final entries. The fees we charge are based on
your final entries. Submitting estimated entries does not commit you to paying any entry fees.

2.1 How do I work out my estimated
entries?
Work out your estimated entries based on the
number of candidates studying the subject or the
number of candidates you are expecting to recruit.
Send your completed forms to info@cie.org.uk.
Entries
Cambridge Associates/
Associate Centres 2
We will email the Estimated Entry Form to
all Cambridge Associates. They should email
a copy of the form to each of their Associate
Centres and ask them to complete and return

Before the tests

Please enter ‘estimated entries’ and your Centre
number in the subject field of the email.
If you need to make major changes to the number
of candidates after submitting your form, please
email us to let us know.
the form to them by a specified date. Once
the Cambridge Associate has received their
Associate Centres’ forms they should check
them and then submit them to us by the
published deadlines. 3

2.2 Completing the Estimated Entry

Form
We will email you the Estimated Entry Forms

Test day
in March 2014 for the October 2014 series and
September 2014 for the May 2015 series. You can
also find the forms on CIE Direct.
4

Important dates

Diagnostic feedback
Deadlines for estimated entries:

• October 2014 series – 30 April 2014

• May 2015 series – 21 October 2014

Cambridge Primary Checkpoint and Cambridge Checkpoint Administrative Guide 2014 Entries 21
 Making final entries

Overview
• Submit a syllabus entry for every candidate who is planning to take a test in the relevant series.
• We use your entries to work out the number of question papers and other examination materials,
such as attendance registers and bar-coded labels, you need. Check your entries carefully before you
submit them.
• Read the Cambridge Guide to Making Entries, which contains syllabus and option codes, and detailed
instructions for submitting entries.
• Remember, do not send electronic entry files via email. Please submit your entry forms via CIE
Direct.

2.3 How to make final entries

Important dates
You can make your final entries using one of the
following methods: The deadlines for entries are:

• CIE Direct online entries • May series – 21 February 2014

• Cambridge Primary Checkpoint and Cambridge
Checkpoint Entry Form.
For the June 2014 series onwards you can
submit your entries online through CIE Direct.
We will send you guidance on how to make your
entries using CIE Direct through the Cambridge
Exams Officer eNewsletter.
• October series – 16 August 2014
We will accept amendments and late entries
until:
• May series – 11 March 2014
• October series – 16 September 2014

You can also make your final entries using the

Cambridge Primary Checkpoint and Cambridge
Checkpoint Entry Form, which you can download
from the `Support Materials’ section of CIE
Direct. Remember to record your test dates on
the entry form. Instructions for submitting your
final entries are in the Cambridge Guide to Making
Entries, which is also available on CIE Direct. The
deadlines for submitting your entries are shown in
the ‘Important dates’ box. If you submit any entries
or amendments after the relevant date you will be
charged late entry fees.
2.4 How to submit teaching group
information
You need to enter a teaching group code for each
syllabus entry on the entry form or when prompted
to if you are making your entries online through
CIE Direct. The code should show which classes
your candidates are being taught in. We use this
information in the diagnostic feedback we provide
at the end of the series. You create the teaching
group code. For each candidate, the code should
be made up of the first letter of the subject name,
followed by a group number. For example, if your
candidates for English are taught in two separate
classes, one of these classes would be group
‘E1’, while the other class would be group ‘E2’;
for mathematics this would be ‘M1’ and ‘M2’ and
for science ‘S1’ and ‘S2’. If you have candidates
for both Cambridge Primary Checkpoint and
Cambridge Checkpoint you must create separate
teaching group codes for each qualification.

22 Entries Cambridge Primary Checkpoint and Cambridge Checkpoint Administrative Guide 2014
Making final entries (continued)
If you want another class name to appear on your
diagnostic feedback alongside the group code, you
need to complete and return ‘Entries – Form 2’. A
teaching group title can be anything which will help
you to identify the class more easily – for example,
you may wish to use the name of the teacher
who takes the class, or your own internal class
name. The deadlines for submitting teaching group
information are on the form.
Administrative forms
Forms available from the ‘Exams Officers’
section of the Cambridge website
www.cie.org.uk/examsofficers
• Cambridge Primary Checkpoint and
Cambridge Checkpoint Teaching Groups:
Entries – Form 2
Cambridge Associates/
Associate Centres
It is good practice for Cambridge Associates
to submit the entries for all their Associate
Centres at least two weeks before the closing
date. This gives time to check the entries and
sort out any issues with Associate Centres
before our deadline, avoiding any late entry
fees.
Remember Cambridge Associates will set
earlier deadlines for their Associate Centres to
submit final entries.
Important information
• Please assign one four-digit candidate
number to every candidate.
• You must not assign the same candidate
number to more than one candidate in the
same exam series.
• Please submit your entries at least two
weeks before the entry closing date. This
will give you time to check your entries and
submit any resulting entry amendments to
us before the closing date.
Cambridge Primary Checkpoint and Cambridge Checkpoint Administrative Guide 2014 Entries 23
Preparation
2.5 Confirming entries
If you make your entries using CIE Direct online
1
entries you can generate statements of entry and
candidate entry lists at any point, to confirm the
entry information for each of your candidates.
You can also run a number of other reports
to check the entry information you have entered is
correct. Click on the ‘Check Entries’ tab to access
the reports. We also provide statements of entry
Entries
in hard copy for each candidate. They show the
candidate’s details and their syllabus entry. Give
2
them to your candidates so they can check their
entry details.
We send you hard copies of the following
documents:
Before the tests
• candidate entry list
• Centre summary of entries showing the total
number of entries you made for each syllabus.
3
2.6 Amendments and late entries
If you want to make any amendments (including
extra entries) to your submitted entries, do so as
quickly as possible.
If you use CIE Direct online entries make
Test day
the necessary amendments to the candidate
details and then submit the amendments.
4
To submit your amendments using the entry form,
update your copy of the form and send it to us. Do
not send us individual changes.
Diagnostic feedback
Give any additional candidates a new candidate
number and add them to the bottom of the
candidates listed on the entry form. Please do not
change your existing candidate numbers when you
add new candidates.
5
To remove a candidate completely from the series,
select the required candidate number on the entry
form and click the ‘Withdraw Candidate’ button. Do
not remove the candidate from the form.
We charge late entry fees for amendments and
entries we receive after the closing date for
entries. You can view the late entry fees in
our fees list available in the ‘My Messages’ section
of CIE Direct.
 Making final entries (continued)

2.7 Withdrawing an entry

If you withdraw a candidate after the final entries
deadline we will not refund your entry fees.
However, we will refund them if you have to
withdraw the candidate for medical reasons.
Please send us your request for a refund on
medical grounds in writing along with the
accompanying medical evidence.

2.8 Unauthorised entries

Every exam series we have a number of
unauthorised entries. An unauthorised entry is a
candidate who takes an exam they have not been
entered for. Please see Part 5 of the >Cambridge
Handbook for instructions on how to manage
unauthorised entries.

2.9 Entry fees

You can find details of the fees for all our
examinations and methods of payment in our fees
list. We publish the fees list for the following year
on 1 October each year in the ‘My Messages’
section of CIE Direct.

We charge entry fees for each syllabus entry for

each candidate.

We charge late entry fees for any late entries,

including where a candidate sits an exam without
an entry, submitted after the final entries deadline.

We will invoice you for any entries or late entries

and amendments you make. For more detail on our
entry and late fee arrangements see Part 2 of the
>Cambridge Handbook.

24 Entries Cambridge Primary Checkpoint and Cambridge Checkpoint Administrative Guide 2014
Pre-exam and question paper despatches

Preparation
Overview
So that you have all the materials you need to administer the tests we will send you two pre-exam 1

despatches.

1. Cambridge entry confirmation despatch: information confirming the details of your entries.

2. Cambridge pre-exam despatch: attendance registers, bar-coded script packet labels, despatch labels,
envelopes and confidential question papers.

The materials we send you are based on your final entries. Please do not worry if you do not receive

Entries
materials for any late or amended entries in the main despatches as they will arrive at a later date.
2

3.1 Dates and contents

Cambridge entry confirmation

Before the tests

Dates: May series March 2014
October series September 2014

Contents
Candidate statements of entry
3
You will get a statement of entry for each candidate showing the
candidate’s details, their syllabuses and entry options. Give the
statements to your candidates for them to check they are correct.

Candidate entry list You will get one candidate entry list showing all your entries by
candidate.

Test day
Centre summary of entries You will get one Centre summary of entries showing all your
entries by syllabus.
4

Cambridge pre-exam

Dates: May series 18 March 2014

Diagnostic feedback
October series 20 September 2014

Contents

Script return envelopes and Use these envelopes to return scripts.

labels
5
Bar-coded script packet labels Bar-coded labels identify the contents of each script packet and
enable each packet to be tracked at every stage of the marking
process.

Attendance registers Use the attendance registers to record the presence of each
candidate at the start of the test. If any of your candidates are not
on the attendance registers, add them after the last candidate’s
printed details.

Question papers Confidential question papers for each test component. Follow the
question paper security regulations outlined in the >Cambridge
Handbook when handling question papers.

Cambridge Primary Checkpoint and Cambridge Checkpoint Administrative Guide 2014 Before the tests 25
 Running the tests

Overview
You and your invigilators need to read and understand Sections 4 and 5 of the >Cambridge Handbook.
They provide essential information about what to do before, during and after all your tests. You must
follow this information in order to comply with our regulations.

4.1 Regulations for the conduct of Exam day

Cambridge examinations • At the beginning of the examination
Sections 4 and 5 of the >Cambridge Handbook • During the examination
cover the following areas:
• Leaving the examination
Before the exams
• At the end of the examination
• Pre-exam despatches • Dealing with the unexpected
• Storing confidential materials
• Preparing the exam room: Important dates
– examination venue Test dates

– examination room • May series – 31 March–30 April

– display material • October series – 13–24 October

– clock
– Notice to Candidates/Candidate warning
poster and displaying information
There are specific arrangements for Centres
taking Cambridge Checkpoint tests in India.
These arrangements are communicated using
the Cambridge Exams Officer eNewsletter.

– seating arrangements

• Invigilator requirements Extra guidance

Administrative forms
If you open a question paper packet in error you
must complete our form. For more information
about this process please see Part 5 of the
>Cambridge Handbook.
Forms available from the ‘Exams Officers’
section of the Cambridge website
www.cie.org.uk/examsofficers
We have a range of extra guidance materials
to support exams officers before and during
exams, including online video tutorials,
invigilator training materials and ‘how to’
guides. Visit the ‘Before the exams’ and
‘Exam day’ sections of the ‘Cambridge Exams
Officers’ Guide’ at
www.cie.org.uk/examsofficers

• Question Paper Packet Opened in Error:

Exam Day – Form 11

26 Test day Cambridge Primary Checkpoint and Cambridge Checkpoint Administrative Guide 2014
Malpractice and maladministration

Preparation
Overview
• Malpractice is an action that breaks Cambridge regulations and potentially threatens the integrity 1

of Cambridge examinations. It can happen before, during and after the examinations and outside
timetabled examinations.
• You are responsible for reporting any cases of potential malpractice to your Head of Centre.
• You can find the malpractice regulations in Section 5 of the >Cambridge Handbook. The Head
of Centre must make sure that the Centre complies with the regulations and report all cases to
Cambridge.

Entries
2
4.2 What to do if you suspect
malpractice Extra guidance
The Head of Centre needs to report any Download our How to Identify and Prevent
Malpractice guide from the ‘Cambridge Exams

Before the tests

established, suspected or alleged cases of
malpractice by candidates or their staff using Officers’ Guide’ at
‘Exam Day – Form 9’. Read the ‘Guidance notes’ www.cie.org.uk/examsofficers
section carefully before completing the form.

Principals in Associate Centres must report any 3

suspected cases of malpractice to their Cambridge
Associate using our Malpractice form (‘Exam
Day – Form 9’). The Cambridge Associate should
then review the form to make sure it has been
completed correctly and then send it to us.

Test day
4

Diagnostic feedback

Administrative forms
Forms available from the ‘Exams Officers’
section of the Cambridge website
www.cie.org.uk/examsofficers

• Malpractice: Exam Day – Form 9

Cambridge Primary Checkpoint and Cambridge Checkpoint Administrative Guide 2014 Test day 27
 Despatching scripts

Overview
• Send your scripts to us no later than the day after each test has finished.
• Keep your scripts in a secure place before sending them. Remember that candidates’ answer
scripts are confidential and should not be read or photocopied by anyone before you send them to
Cambridge.
• Follow the instructions detailed below when you pack and send your scripts.

4.3 Packing scripts number of scripts and candidate number range.

Despatch materials Administrative forms

We provide materials for packing, labelling and
despatching scripts: attendance registers, script Forms available from the ‘Exams Officers’
packet envelopes, bar-coded labels, and labels for section of the Cambridge website
courier despatches. www.cie.org.uk/examsofficers

If a candidate only sits one out of the two papers
for any subject then do not send the single script to
Cambridge. Only send scripts for candidates who
sit both papers in English, Mathematics or Science.
The candidate should be marked as absent on the
attendance register for both papers.
Attendance registers
Invigilators need to complete and sign the
attendance register and enclose it in the script
packet. If there is more than one packet for a
component, divide the attendance register to
match the scripts in each packet. Add the details
of any candidates not printed on the attendance
register after the last candidate’s printed details.
If you need a blank copy of an attendance register
use ‘Exam Day – Form 1’.
• Supplementary Attendance Register: Exam
Day – Form 1
• Script Despatch Label: Exam Day – Label 1
Important information
• If a candidate has used a scribe,
wordprocessor, practical assistant or
transcript, attach the relevant cover sheet to
the front of the script.
• If candidates have answered in
Braille, you must provide a transcript for
the examiner. Please see section 1.2.8
of the >Cambridge Handbook for more
information.

Bar-coded labels • You must submit any other documentation,

Bar-coded labels identify the contents of each
script packet. Pack the scripts and the matching
attendance register in one script envelope and
attach the relevant bar-coded label to the envelope.
Do not use any bar-coded labels from previous
exam series.
such as a malpractice form, separately from
the scripts.
• Send the documentation, along with the
relevant form, directly to us for the attention
of the Compliance Unit.

Please follow these guidelines when using bar-

coded labels:

• Do not write anything on the bar-coded label or

cover it with tape, other labels or anything that
would conceal or damage the barcode.
• If you do not have a bar-coded label write the
following information on the envelope: Centre
number, syllabus number, component number,

28 Test day Cambridge Primary Checkpoint and Cambridge Checkpoint Administrative Guide 2014
Despatching scripts (continued)

Preparation
Follow the guidelines below when packing scripts.
Important dates
• Pack scripts for different components in
We must receive your Cambridge Primary different envelopes and put the completed 1
Checkpoint scripts by the following dates: attendance register in each envelope.

• May series – 3 May 2014
• October series – 31 October 2014
We must receive your Cambridge Checkpoint
scripts by the following dates:
• Check the component number and name on
the bar-coded label are the same as the number
and name on the question paper for the scripts
in the envelope.
• If all the candidates for a component are absent,

Entries
May series: still complete and enclose the attendance
register in the script envelope and attach the
By 25 April if you require diagnostic feedback bar-coded label and despatch to Cambridge. 2
despatched on 31 May 2014.
• Securely fasten your packets of scripts. If
By 3 May if you require diagnostic feedback one envelope is not large enough, use two
despatched on 17 June 2014. or more envelopes, but remember to show
October series: the candidate range on each envelope. Put

Before the tests

the bar-coded label on the first envelope and
By 24 October if you require diagnostic
number each of the envelopes (for example,
feedback despatched on 28 November 2014.
1 of 4, 2 of 4).
By 31 October if you require diagnostic
feedback despatched by 12 December 2014. 3

2. Attendance register (on the top but inside the packet)

Test day
4. Bar-coded label
1. Scripts
4

3. Individual script packet

Diagnostic feedback

7. Despatch label
5

5. Individual script packet

6. Outer packaging

Cambridge Primary Checkpoint and Cambridge Checkpoint Administrative Guide 2014 Test day 29
 Despatching scripts (continued)

• You can pack your script packets for a variety of components into one parcel for despatch. Please make
sure that the parcel is secure and does not weigh more than 15 kg.

Outer packaging guidelines

It is important you pack your packet(s) of scripts carefully so that they arrive
undamaged. Use strong, suitable outer packaging. Do not overpack your parcel
and make sure it is secure.

Use the despatch label provided.

Exam day – Label 1

This parcel contains only written examination answers and is urgently required at Cambridge, England.
Arrangements have been made for immediate clearance by HM Customs and for onwards transmission
to Cambridge.

Cambridge International Examinations

Cambridge Assessment DC10
Hill Farm Road Ensure corners are
Whittlesford
Cambridge CB22 4FZ
England
secure, use extra
IMMEDIATE

FROM .......................................................................CENTRE
packing tape if necessary.

Do not send script envelopes Make sure your outer Please make sure that
without any outer packaging. packaging is secure. your parcel does not
weigh more than 15 kg.

If you send a number of packets for a variety of components together, please make sure that the packets
are separate within an outer wrapper and that all parts have the correct labels. Components must never be
attached together.

4.4 Sending scripts

Send us your scripts using a method that provides a tracking facility and use the address labels provided.
Keep a record of the contents of each consignment you send. If you need extra labels use ‘Exam Day –
Label 1’. Address parcels to:

Cambridge International Examinations

Cambridge Assessment DC10
Extra guidance
Hill Farm Road
Whittlesford View our online tutorial ‘Packing and
Cambridge Despatching Scripts’ in the ‘Exam day’ section
CB22 4FZ of the ‘Cambridge Exams Officers’ Guide’ at
United Kingdom www.cie.org.uk/examsofficers

30 Test day Cambridge Primary Checkpoint and Cambridge Checkpoint Administrative Guide 2014
Understanding and preparing for diagnostic feedback

Preparation
Overview
• Read this section to prepare for the release of Cambridge Primary and Cambridge Checkpoint 1

diagnostic feedback. It sets out everything you need to know so you can make sure your candidates
get their results and that you can answer all their queries.
• Associate Centres will receive their diagnostic feedback according to their local arrangements.
• You can issue the ‘student reports’ to candidates as soon as you receive them.
• We issue diagnostic feedback in hard copy only. Diagnostic feedback is not available from CIE

Entries
Direct.

5.2 What are the procedures for

Important dates checking diagnostic feedback?

Before the tests

We send your Cambridge Primary
Checkpoint diagnostic feedback on:
• May series:
17 June if we receive your scripts by
3 May 2014
We send diagnostic feedback to Centres by courier
unless instructed otherwise. We do not email or
fax results to you or anybody else.
When you get your feedback, check that you
have all the documents listed in 5.1. In particular, 3

• October series: check you have a statement of achievement and

12 December if we receive your scripts by a student report for each candidate. If you are
31 October 2014 missing any documents contact us immediately. It
is your responsibility to give your candidates their
We send your Cambridge Checkpoint
statements of achievement and student reports.
diagnostic feedback on:

Test day
• May series:
31 May if we receive your scripts by 5.3 What to do if the Centre or
25 April 2014 candidate name is incorrect on 4
17 June if we receive your scripts by your diagnostic feedback
3 May 2014
Check the candidate details, including the spelling
• October series: of names, when you receive your diagnostic

28 November if we receive your scripts by
24 October 2014
12 December if we receive your scripts by
31 October 2014
We send you the end of series reports on the
following dates:
Diagnostic feedback
feedback. Let us know if anything is incorrect
as soon as possible and return the statement of
achievement to us. We charge for replacement
statements of achievement and courier costs. We
will replace statements that are within six months
of the date they were originally issued. 5

• May series – late July 2014

• October series – late December 2014 5.4 Can other information on a
statement of achievement be
changed?
5.1 Hard-copy diagnostic feedback We cannot change a candidate’s name to reflect
any changes that take place after they take their
We provide the following diagnostic feedback:
exam, for example changing their name because
individual statements of achievement, individual
they get married.
student reports, a Centre report and teaching group
reports. An end of series report is provided at a
later date.

Cambridge Primary Checkpoint and Cambridge Checkpoint Administrative Guide 2014 Diagnostic feedback 31
 Understanding and preparing for diagnostic feedback (continued)

We issue a separate statement of achievement

each series. We cannot combine grades
achieved in different series onto one statement
of achievement, or delete any grades from a
statement of achievement.

5.5 Damaged or lost statement of

achievement
At our discretion, we can replace candidates’
statements of achievement. This service is
available within 18 months of the date of issue of
the original.

32 Diagnostic feedback Cambridge Primary Checkpoint and Cambridge Checkpoint Administrative Guide 2014
A–Z of terms

Access arrangements A pre-exam arrangement made on behalf of a candidate with

particular needs. For example, the use of a scribe, modified papers
or extra time.

Associate Centre Centres which provide Cambridge assessments and qualifications

under the supervision of a Cambridge Associate.

Attendance register Forms used in the exam room to record the presence or absence
of each candidate.

Cambridge Associate An organisation which has control of, and administrative

responsibility for Centres through an agreement with Cambridge.

Cambridge Checkpoint Tests available in English, mathematics and science, specially

(Secondary 1) designed for learners who are beginning courses leading to
Cambridge IGCSE or Cambridge O Level examinations in these
subjects. The tests are designed to identify which parts of the
subject they are good at and which parts they need to make extra
effort in.

Cambridge International Cambridge International Examinations is part of the Cambridge

Examinations Assessment Group. Cambridge Assessment is the brand name
of the University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate
(UCLES).

Cambridge Primary Checkpoint
Tests available in English, mathematics and science that provide
assessment based on the learning objectives within the Cambridge
Primary curriculum frameworks. They are designed for learners
of approximately 11 years of age and cover all major areas of
learning in the first years of an international secondary education.
Cambridge Primary Checkpoint tests skills at the end of stages 4–6
of the curriculum for English and stages 3–6 of the curriculum for
Science.

Candidate A person who has been entered for an assessment.

Centre A school, institution or organisation approved by and registered with

Cambridge for the entry of candidates to Cambridge qualifications
and to carry out related assessments.

Centre name The name of your institution/organisation.

Centre number The five-digit code given by us to your institution/organisation.

CIE Direct CIE Direct is the secure online tool for exams officers used to
manage examinations entries and carry out other administrative
tasks.

Component Sometimes referred to as a paper. A component is part of or a

section of the subject examination. A Cambridge Checkpoint
syllabus usually has two components.

Cambridge Primary Checkpoint and Cambridge Checkpoint Administrative Guide 2014 A–Z of terms 33
 A–Z of terms (continued)

Component number The number allocated to each paper of a syllabus.

Diagnostic feedback Comprehensive feedback on a learner’s strengths and weaknesses

in the key curriculum areas – English, mathematics and science.
The feedback helps learners understand more about their strengths
and weaknesses in these subjects.

Entries The candidates a Centre has entered for a Cambridge syllabus in a

particular examination series.

Estimated entries An approximation of the number of candidates a Centre may enter

for examinations/assessments.

Exams officer The person appointed by the Head of Centre to act on behalf of the
Centre, with specific responsibility for administering Cambridge
examinations.

Head of Centre The Head of Centre is the person appointed by the ‘Responsible
Person’ as the head or principal.

Invigilator A suitably qualified person appointed by the Head of Centre who

is responsible for the conduct of particular examination sessions.
Invigilators work closely with and often report to the exams officer.

Malpractice and Malpractice: An action by a candidate that breaks Cambridge

maladministration regulations and potentially threatens the integrity of Cambridge
examinations.

Maladministration: An action by a Centre or its staff that breaks

Cambridge regulations and potentially threatens the integrity of
Cambridge examinations.

Marks The total score or individual points given by an examiner.

Script A candidate’s response to a whole question paper or component.

Series A group of examinations in the same range, for example,

Cambridge Primary Checkpoint, with the same closing date for
entries. A series is identified by a series year and name.

Statement of entry A document produced for each candidate giving details of the
candidate and the syllabus they have entered.

Syllabus A complete description of the content, assessment arrangements

and performance requirements for a qualification. A course leading
to an award or certificate is based on a subject syllabus.

Syllabus number The four-digit number allocated to each subject.

UCLES University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate, a

department of the University of Cambridge.

34 A–Z of terms Cambridge Primary Checkpoint and Cambridge Checkpoint Administrative Guide 2014
Notes

Cambridge Primary Checkpoint and Cambridge Checkpoint Administrative Guide 2014 Notes 35
 Our Quality Management System meets
the requirements of ISO 9001 – the
internationally recognised standard for the
quality management of organisations.

FS 530509

Cambridge International Examinations

1 Hills Road, Cambridge, CB1 2EU, United Kingdom
Tel: +44 1223 553554 Fax: +44 1223 553558
Email: info@cie.org.uk www.cie.org.uk
® IGCSE is the registered trademark of Cambridge International Examinations.

© Cambridge International Examinations, November 2013

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