Special requirements

Modified papers data is uploaded to the online system before a deadline and after the close of a previous session. There are normally only 2 sessions live at any time to reduce the possibility of materials being ordered for an incorrect session.

First, check that you are using the correct portal. Please see below:

• Access Arrangements Online – GCSE, GCE, Edexcel Award, L3C, PLSC
• Pearson Access Arrangements Online – BTEC, International A Level, International GCSE

The online search criteria can be very specific. The next thing to try is reducing the number of parameters you enter into the search. Begin by selecting 'Pearson' as the awarding body, then leave all other fields blank. Go to the 'Exam Code (if known)', and enter the first few characters of an exams component code. If your candidate is sitting Mathematics 1MA1 1F, for example, you need only put 1MA into the search and this will bring up all papers that begin with '1MA'.

This is especially useful when you’re ordering papers that either have multiple parts or have an early/pre-release item associated with them, as you will see all available parts.

If you have any difficulties, please contact the team on additional_requirements@pearson.com who will be able to support you.

First, check that you’re searching for paper codes and not specification codes. The online system works at paper level, so you must use the code for the individual examination that the candidate will be sitting.

Secondly, check that the item you’re searching for isn't a piece of coursework, controlled assessment, or other non-secure (that is, with no specified exam date) release. We only provide material that centres have no access to before an assessment. In all other instances, you should modify the material as appropriate to your candidate's needs and in line with the JCQ Access Arrangements and Reasonable Adjustments regulations.

Finally, check that the item you’re searching for is not a Functional Skills paper. These do not fit into the online system’s available examination slots as they are on demand exams. These items should be requested by emailing additional_requirements@pearson.com.

The online system will accept orders all the way up to an examination date. If you’ve missed a deadline, the most important thing initially is to get your order submitted using the online system. Without this order we won’t be able to begin work on any materials you require. Where at all possible we will attempt to fulfil your order, we do not create a modification for all papers so there is a possibility that the paper may not be available

If you make a late order on AAO or PAAO please email the modified formats team on additional_requirements@pearson.com to advise them of the modified paper order number. We will advise you if the paper is not available. 

There are no confirmations. As soon as you submit an application, we can access it instantly. You can return at any time to review your orders - either by all centre orders or by specific candidate orders.

Please ensure that you submit the order and do not just save and close as this will not send to order through to us for processing. The save and close option will just save the order in your drafts, and we will be unable to view or access this. You will know that your order has successfully been placed as you will be allocated with an order number which is prefixed by the letters ‘MP’ (e.g. MP123456).

You can cancel modified paper orders using the Access Arrangements Online Tool (AAO or PAAO). If you no longer require a paper, or you wish to change an application, please cancel your original request and re-order the replacement materials.

You can cancel an existing order on AAO/PAAO via Edexcel Online. Please follow the instructions below:

1. On Edexcel Online, select 'Access Arrangements Online'
2. Select 'AAO' or 'PAAO' > 'Access Arrangements Online' > 'Find Modified Papers'
3. Find the order using the order number or centre and candidate details
4. Click on the candidate's last name - this will be underlined.

This will bring up the list of papers ordered for this candidate. You can Cancel/Delete the papers that are no longer required.

If the candidate has changed tier or requires a different modification, you will then need to order the new papers as a matter of urgency.

Please be aware that cancelling and re-ordering after the published deadlines may jeopardise delivery of your replacement request.

We can’t advise you on the appropriate modification for your candidate. If you don’t work directly with the candidate concerned, seek advice from a specialist teacher or SENCO (Special Educational Needs Coordinator). 

The paper should match what the candidate has been using throughout the academic year and should be their normal way of working. 

Students should be given the opportunity to practice using our past papers, prior to them sitting their exams. This will enable them to become familiar with the layout and format of our papers.

We offer the following modifications:

• 18pt Bold Font on A4 paper
• 24pt Bold Font on A4 paper
• 24pt Bold Font on A3 paper
• 36pt Bold Font on A3 paper
• Interactive electronic question paper (for use with electronic readers or word processor)
  
• Unified English Braille – Grade 1 and Grade 2
• Tactile diagrams and 3D models
• Subtitles on video clips.

We strive to deliver papers to centres a minimum of 5 days before an examination date. We’ll try to send as many of your requested materials in the same package as possible to reduce any administrative burden for you.

Where physical papers cannot be delivered due to late orders, or the centre cannot accept papers, we will send it on a Secure File Transfer (SFT) for the centre to download and print. This will be advised via email to the centre. 

If your paper still has not arrived 5 days prior to the exam, please contact the Customer Services team or email additional_requirements@pearson.com.

Yes, please contact the team to let us know as soon as possible. As the ordering of modified papers is not linked to the entry system, your paper will be despatched to the centre under which the order was placed, unless you let us know otherwise. Please email the team at additional_requirements@pearson.com and supply them with your Transferred Candidate application number. We can then liaise with the Special Requirements Team and make the necessary arrangements for the modified paper despatch.

If your student requires coloured paper then please follow the process below:

PDF copies of Standard A4 Papers (non-interactive PDF), for printing on coloured/squared paper are not a modified paper so are not available to order on AAO/PAAO. These can be accessed in the following ways:

• SDS – (Secure Download Service) – If you have sufficient access, you can self-serve 45 minutes prior to the exam start time for exam papers. This is for General Qualifications only and is accessed via Edexcel Online.
• BTEC Assessment download page - If you have sufficient access, you can self-serve 45 minutes prior to the exam start time for exam papers. This is for BTEC papers only. This is accessed via the following link > Assessment download
• SFT – (Secure File Transfer) – You will need to request these through customer services in advance. They can be reached at examsofficers@pearson.com or call them on 03444632535. Approximately 45 minutes prior to the exam, you will receive a notification through your email once the electronic copy is available in your SFT account. This will be arranged by our Secure Print Team. The Modified Formats Team are unable to supply PDF copies of Standard Papers.

Requests for PDF copies of Modified Large Print Papers, for printing on coloured/squared paper can be emailed to the Modified Formats Team at additional_requirements@pearson.com. Please supply the team with your order number from AAO/PAAO so they can log the correct information. The order must be placed first before emailing your request. This will be sent by the Modified Formats Team via Secure File Transfer on the day of the exam, 45 minutes before the allocated start time.

An 'interactive electronic question paper 'is for students who use a word processor to type their answers, or for students who use a computer reader. The answer gridlines are removed and replaced with text boxes during the modification process. This makes the paper unsuitable for printing on coloured paper. This is a modified paper and should be ordered on AAO or PAAO.

These are for use with read/write software. Although we are not able to recommend what software to use, please see a list of commonly used software below:

•  Read and Write Gold
•  JAWS
• Adobe
• Texthelp
• NVDA

If you have software installed, you can download a past interactive electronic question paper to test it.

A 'non-interactive question paper' is a PDF copy of a standard A4 question paper. This should be used for printing on to coloured paper. This is not a modified paper and can be accessed via SDS (Secure Download Service), the BTEC Assessment download page or requested via the Customer Services Team to be sent via SFT (Secure File Transfer).