GCSE Equivalence Tests

Exam Dates for 2011/12

The next  available dates are;

AEFIT/ASFIT
Wednesday 4th April 2012
Thursday 14th June 2012

AMFIT
Thursday 5th April 2012
Friday 15th June 2012

Exam Cost: £60

Book your place now using our online form

Please note: you must bring with you photographic ID which is checked at the beginning of the exam.

As a provider of Initial Teacher Training (ITT), LJMU understands that not everyone who wants to become a teacher has the qualifications required. This is particularly true when it comes to your GCSEs. For Primary Education, you require English language, mathematics and a science at grade C or above. For Secondary Education, you require English language and mathematics only.

Every academic year, the Faculty of Education, Community and Leisure at IM Marsh offer GCSE Equivalence tests which the University will accept on its ITT courses in place of the relevant GCSEs. These run at various times each year. You are welcome to sit as many times (subject to sufficient numbers) as it takes to pass. These tests are available in English language (AEFIT), mathematics (AMFIT) and science (ASFIT).

It is important to note that these tests are designed to be equivalent to a Foundation grade C in the relevant subject at GCSE. They are not any easier or harder than the national tests offered currently. We do not currently run courses to accompany these tests - we recommend that you buy an Foundation Tier GCSE text book from a good bookstore to help you revise.

The examination syllabus and papers are written by GCSE examiners and assessed by academic staff who specialise in the subject areas of English language, mathematics or science. Assessors mark the papers against a set marking criteria. Guidance on the marking criteria can be found in the syllabus for each subject which are available for all candidates who book on to sit LJMU's GCSE equivalence tests using the online application form below. 

Candidates must achieve 50% to pass the GCSE equivalence exam which is either pass (50%+) or fail (49% or lower). LJMU do not award grades - we recognise any mark of 50% as equivalent to a grade C in GCSE English language, maths and science. The paper is aimed to be at the same level as a Foundation GCSE in the subject; the highest grade you can achieve in a foundation GCSE is grade C. Therefore, all candidates with a mark of 50% or more will pass the equivalence exam at grade C. All candidates with a mark of 49% or less will not pass the equivalence exam.

Please note:  if you are applying for Teacher Training elsewhere, you must contact your other choices to confirm that they will accept LJMU GCSE Equivalence Tests.

Please ensure that you write your name and address on the back of all cheques sent to LJMU.