NCTJ surveys newspaper editors in review of NCE qualification

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The National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ) launched a survey of newspaper editors this week as part of a comprehensive review of the National Certificate Examination (NCE).

The survey

is the first part of a wider research programme to review the NCE to ensure it meets the needs of the industry.

Newspaper editors across the UK are being contacted by the NCTJ to ask them to complete the survey by 18 February. Leading employers will also be asked to participate in telephone interviews.

The research programme will continue in the Spring with focus groups for editors, publishers and trainers due to be held in London, Edinburgh, Newport and Leeds. A further group will be held for newly-qualified senior reports to give their view on the qualification.

As part of the research programme the NCTJ will also look at the potential support for broadening the qualification to all media sectors.

"The outcome of the research will help shape the future qualification," the NCTJ said in a release. "The NCTJ expects consultation on any new exam format to begin this summer, with the revamped and renamed NCE being launched later next year."

The review of the NCE follows the introduction of a new entry-level qualification, the Diploma in Journalism, last year.