supporting achievement

What is EDI?


The JCQ has sanctioned the use of the following EDI carriers for the transfer of examination related data.

  • AVCO
  • redstone webXchange
  • RM SecureNet

Questions and answers about EDI are in Ask AQA.

Improving how we share data with you – What you can expect between January and April 2012

The A2C Data Exchange Project is an innovative programme bringing significant improvements to the way data is shared between awarding organisations and schools, colleges and other examination centres. It is being delivered by the Joint Council for Qualifications awarding organisations in collaboration with a wide range of stakeholders.

Following a successful soft launch in autumn 2011, Stage 1 of this project, the Migration Application, is now being rolled out to all centres:

  • Over the coming weeks, centres are being invited to download the A2C transport Migration Application, which will replace the current carrier or VAN functionality. Centres may recognise these carriers as Avco Systems (Exam Centre), Redstone (WebXchange) and RM (SecureNet).
  • Due to the large number of centres migrating, it is not possible to provide an exact date when each one will be contacted but we expect the vast majority to have been invited to download the Migration Application by April 2012.
  • This invitation will come from Avco Systems, who will provide advice and support. However, if centres have a carrier function that is centrally hosted by their Local Authority (or other regionally managed services such as C2K), they should not download the Migration Application but they should contact their Local Authority (or regionally managed service) who will be able to advise on the next steps to be taken.
  • If a centre uses one MIS system to support multiple centre numbers, then they should notify Avco Systems so that Avco Systems can ensure the centre has the correct level of access to the Migration Application. Centres in this position should not register for/download the Migration Application until they have contacted Avco Systems about the next steps.
  • Once the Migration Application has been installed by centres and the access keys downloaded from each awarding organisation, centres should stop using the carrier function and should start using the new system immediately.
  • Centres can allow their existing carrier contracts to lapse after 31 August 2012. The exception will be centres that use their existing carriers to transport data to organisations other than JCQ awarding organisations, such as Local Authorities.
  • By August 2012 the JCQ awarding organisations will stop supporting the legacy transport method. After August 2012, you will not be able to use EDI unless you have downloaded the Migration Application.

Visit the A2C website to find out more.