Can I use a C Pen in exams?

Yes, but only certain C‑Pens are allowed, and they must meet exam regulations.

Approved for exams

The C‑Pen Exam Reader 2 is specifically designed for exam use and is:

• JCQ‑approved (Joint Council for Qualifications) for UK exams

• Allowed in qualifications such as GCSEs, A‑levels, BTEC and Functional Skills

• Treated as a “centre‑delegated” access arrangement, meaning schools can allow it if it reflects the student’s normal way of working

• C-Pen Reader 2 is approved for SATs use, with exam lock enabled

It works by reading text aloud only, helping students access exam questions independently without giving unfair advantage.

Important conditions

To use a C‑Pen in exams:

• It must be an exam-compliant device

• It must be your normal way of working in class

• It must only read text aloud (no dictionary, translation, or stored data functions)

Not all C‑Pens are allowed

Standard reading pens (e.g. those with dictionaries or translation features) are usually not permitted in exams, unless they have an exam-safe mode and approval from the exam board.