Trainee journalists sitting the National Certificate Examination (NCE) could increase their chances of success by more than 20 per cent if they attended a refresher course.
The National Council for the Training of Journalists says figures for the latest NCE in October show that first-time trainees from its three main refresher courses gained a 68 per cent success rate. This compared with an overall pass of 44 per cent for the examination.
Also, trainees who attended the refresher courses scooped four of the seven awards.
The NCTJ claims that the NCE is the most widely accepted qualifying journalism exam in the UK. Held twice a year, it is open to trainees registered with the NCTJ who have met necessary criteria.
The council’s Jan Alder said: “Like any exam, preparation is crucial and we recommend trainees take advantage of our refresher courses to improve their chances of success. The next NCE is in April with pre-exam courses available.”
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