examinations

Fees for Science based practicals can be viewed here

Our ‘in-house’ laboratory is located here

To register for any of our Practical Endorsement courses you will need to complete our online application form.  After doing so we will contact you to agree the date of your subject course(s).  Please note your place will only be confirmed once full payment is received (required at least four weeks prior to the CPAC course(s) commencing).

Four weeks prior to your course(s) commencing, we will issue joining instructions and a welcome pack to you, via email.

Whilst the subject grade awarded is based on 100% written examination, a minimum of 15% of all available marks are dedicated to the assessment of practical skills and so the experience of carrying out practical work using specified apparatus and techniques will support access to those written examination questions. Common Practical Assessment Criteria (CPAC), required for the Practical Endorsement, will be assessed through the practical work completed and the outcome from that will be printed on the examination board subject certificate, alongside the overall grade.

arc exams dedicated laboratory, situated here (near to Birmingham city centre), will host at least 11 courses (5 Biology, 5 Chemistry and 1 Physics) in 2026/27, enabling candidates to undertake the minimum 12 practicals required for the Practical Endorsement (PE).  Courses are available between November 2026 and April 2027.  Additional courses may be added where demand dictates.

To register for any of our Practical Endorsement courses you will need to complete our online application form.

Each course will be delivered over four days, Monday to Thursday (09:00 -16:00)

arc exams caters for both written exams and Practical Endorsements. Candidates can elect to do either, or both, to achieve their academic aims.  If you already hold a Practical Endorsement ‘Pass’ but wish to resit your A Level Science examination(s) we are able to ‘carry forward’ your PE.

If you intend to sit your exams at an examination centre other than arc exams, but they are unable to provide CPAC assessment,  we will be pleased to assist you. Just inform your exam centre you’re sitting your Practical Endorsement with us.  Once you have completed your CPAC we will liaise with your examination centre, furnishing them with all relevant documentation required for endorsement purposes.

arc exams scientist lecturers will deliver each course in arc exams fully equipped teaching laboratory, enabling students to undertake a minimum of 12 practical work activities, providing numerous opportunities for students to meet the required standard in each of the Common Practical Assessment Criteria (CPAC) routinely and consistently.

The courses are designed not only for the assessment of these criteria, but also for students to enjoy their practical work, and to learn good laboratory practice. Furthermore, under the supervision of our experienced and knowledgeable staff, students are made to feel welcome and supported as they explore the practical aspects of topics they may have met only in the classroom.

Each course supports all the requirements of the Biology, Chemistry and Physics assessed practicals for AQA, Pearson Edexcel, OCR & Eduqas.

The programmes have been developed by real research scientists and others with extensive experience of assessment, to fulfil the A-level practical endorsement requirements. Unlike many other providers catering for up to 16, or more, candidates per CPAC, our courses are limited to just 12 candidates per course (Biology & Chemistry) and only 10 candidates per course for Physics.  This provides an excellent tutor:sudent ratio and offers ample opportunity to spend quality time with the scientists and have time to make (safe) mistakes, learn and try again until you are confident in your work.

Just to recap, four compelling reasons why we believe we offer the very best in A Level Science ‘Practicals’ delivery:

• Each course is limited to 12 places (Biology & Chemistry)  and 10 places (Physics) ensuring an excellent tutor/student ratio.
• All practical’s are conducted in our laboratory, located within our exam centre, avoiding the need for multiple venues when taking practicals and exams.
• Thanks to our dynamic pricing model, the cost of attaining your Practical Endorsement with arc exams can be up to £350 – £400 less than fees charged by most other private exam centres.
• Most Practical Endorsement courses offered by other providers usually take place outside of term-time. Ours are normally run in term-time allowing you the chance to ‘get away from it all ‘during those typical holiday periods.

Notice for Candidates

Wear layered clothing to regulate body temperature.  Windows may be opened to maximise room ventilation.

Please bring:

Your own lab coat if you wish (lab coats will be available on the day)

Laptop/tablet – to make notes

Pencil case with stationery.