We are responsible for ensuring the integrity of the STEP admissions test by putting in place robust measures to identify and address instances of candidate or centre malpractice. 

As a centre, you are responsible for making us aware of any suspected malpractice so that we can investigate. 

What is malpractice? 

Malpractice is any action which is in breach of the rules and regulations or any actions which gives, or aims to give, unfair advantage to a candidate or causes disadvantage to other candidates. Malpractice can be accidental or intentional. 

The Notice to Candidates, which must be displayed in sight of all candidates, warns candidates of the consequences of malpractice. 

Examples of malpractice include: 

• obtaining unauthorised access to examination material 
• using or trying to use unauthorised material, e.g. notes, study guides, mobile phones or other electronic devices 
• copying/collusion or attempted copying/collusion 
• disruptive behaviour or not following the instructions of an invigilator, supervisor or exams officer 
• impersonation (pretending to be someone else) 
• altering any results document or notification 
• unable to produce a valid ID on the test day 
• sharing information online about the test on the test day 
• any other form of cheating or gaining of an unfair advantage.

Managing suspected malpractice 

Please see the test-specific instructions for guidance on what to do if you suspect malpractice.

Who can report malpractice? 

Cases of suspected malpractice may be reported: 

• by a centre, e.g. a report from an invigilator or other member of centre staff 
• by an examiner, e.g. unusual incorrect answers shared by candidates who were sitting next to each other 
• by a candidate to their test centre, e.g. a statement to an invigilator or supervisor.

How to report malpractice 

Submit the malpractice form as soon as possible and within five working days of the test date (see the key dates). Centres will need to upload the candidate and invigilator statement(s) as well as a copy of the seating plan when completing the form. 

What happens next? 

Once we receive a report of suspected malpractice, we will assess whether to take any further action. 

If suspected malpractice is identified by an examiner, we may contact your centre to request the evidence we need to investigate. For example, a statement from relevant candidates and/or centre staff.

Once the evidence has been received from your centre, this is reviewed by a dedicated malpractice panel made up of representatives from OCR and University of Cambridge staff. 

The decision 

The malpractice process is designed to ensure that all decisions are consistent, fair and based on all the information available. 

We aim to complete the investigation of suspected malpractice cases as soon as possible after the test date. 

If there are reasonable grounds to suspect a result is not a reliable indicator of a candidate’s ability and performance in the test, their results may be withheld and they will not receive a result. 

We also reserve the right to withhold results if we believe our rules and regulations were breached. 

If we conclude centre malpractice has taken place, we reserve the right to withdraw centre approval for the STEP test. 

We will notify you of the panel’s decision and you should inform the affected candidates. 

Appeals 

To appeal a malpractice outcome, a link to the appeal form will be provided in the outcome letter. See our appeals page for more details.