Help and FAQs
Below are a number of FAQs, but if your question has not been answered you can always contact our dedicated ExamBuilder support team at exambuilder@ocr.org.uk.
The FAQs are grouped into:
What questions and subjects are available?
Registering for ExamBuilder
I am the first person in my centre to register for ExamBuilder. How do I register?
To register please register your interest on the OCR website. Once verified you will receive a link to complete your registration to the site.
I am not the first person in my centre to register for ExamBuilder. How do I register?
You need to contact your Access Coordinator or another Teacher User who will be able to grant you access to ExamBuilder.
I am the Access Coordinator. How do I grant access to other users?
On the ‘User Management’ (bottom of home screen) or ‘Manage’ (top of home screen) area of ExamBuilder,
here you will be able to create new users.
How do I find out who is our Access Coordinator?
Contact OCR at exambuilder@ocr.org.uk who will be able to tell you who the Access Coordinator is for your centre.
Who is the best person within a centre to be the Access Coordinator?
The Access Coordinator can be any Teacher User within your centre.
How do I change our Access Coordinator?
The current Access Coordinator can transfer their role to another user within the ‘User management’ area of ExamBuilder and select the ‘Transfer Access Coordinator role to this user’. If this person has left, please contact OCR at Exambuilder@ocr.org.uk who will be able to change the role for you.
How many Access Coordinators can I have at one centre?
There can only be one Access Coordinator per centre, however this User role can be reassigned to another User at any time. We have done this to avoid any erroneous deletion of users.
What’s the difference between an Access Coordinator and a Teacher User?
Access Coordinator Users can delete Users, Access Coordinators and Teacher Users can create new Users.
I tried to register, but a message says my login details do not match OCR Interchange
Check the details you have submitted, we require your centre number, first name, last name and username as they appear on Interchange. If you do not have an Interchange account please contact your centre administrator (usually the Exams Officer) to request a username, or nominate an existing Interchange user in your department.
I tried to register but a message say that my centre is already registered
We only validate the identity of the first User within a centre. All ExamBuilder Users can create new Users. To be added as a User, contact another User within your centre.
How do I update my details?
When you’ve logged into ExamBuilder, click on your name in the top right of the screen, you will be taken to the ‘My Account’ page. In this page you can change your first name, last name, email and password.
I haven’t received my activation email
Activation emails are normally sent within 30 minutes of the request. If you haven’t received yours:
- Check your spam folder
- Check with your IT department to ensure the email has not been blocked (the email comes from no-reply@exambuilder.ocr.org.uk)
- Contact exambuilder@ocr.org.uk for more help
Our centre’s first user is away, how can I get into ExamBuilder?
Contact the ExamBuilder team (exambuilder@ocr.org.uk) who will be able to add you to the service.
Logging into ExamBuilder
I can’t log in
If you have forgotten your password use the ‘I’ve lost my password’ link on the log in page
If you didn’t set up your password use the ‘Resend activation link’ on the log in page
If you have not been set up, contact an ExamBuilder User within your centre who will be able to add you as a User.
How many teachers from a centre can use ExamBuilder at any one time?
We have not limited the number of users in a centre who can use ExamBuilder at the same time.
I tried to register but a message say that my centre is already registered
We only confirm the identity of the first person in a centre. After a centre has one user they can create all subsequent users.
I haven’t received my activation email
You should have received an activation email from no-reply@exambuilder.ocr.org.uk within 30 minutes of requesting it. If you haven’t:
- Check your email junk folder
- Check that the email has not been blocked by your IT department
- Contact the ExamBuilder team (exambuilder.ocr.org.uk) for further help
Our centre’s first user is away, how do I get access?
Contact the ExamBuilder team (exambuilder.ocr.org.uk) who will be able to add you to the system.
What questions and subjects are available?
When are more questions going to be added?
We are currently working on new questions for ExamBuilder.
What subjects are available in ExamBuilder?
A Level Psychology; GCSE and A level English, Computer Science, Geography, Maths, Physical Education and Sciences; GCSE History, Drama, Design & Technology; Cambridge Nationals in Child Development, Creative iMedia, Engineering Design, Engineering Manufacture, Enterprise and Marketing, Health and Social Care, Information Technologies, Principles in Engineering and Engineering Business, Sport Science, Sport Studies and Systems Control in Engineering; Cambridge Technicals in Applied Science, Business, Digital Media, Engineering, Health and Social Care, IT and Sport and Physical Activity.
When are more subjects going to be added to ExamBuilder?
We are reviewing the subjects in ExamBuilder if you would like your subject to be included please register your interest by emailing: exambuilder@ocr.org.uk.
Why are there not many questions for the topic I selected?
As reformed subjects may contain new topics in them we may not have many questions for each topic. We are continually working on new content to ensure all topics have a good number of questions associated with them.
Why are there very few questions for my subject?
As we are using old/legacy content for new, reformed subjects there may be topics that are not covered. We are continually working on new content to ensure all topics have a good number of questions associated with them.
How do I access mark schemes and examiners reports?
At the bottom of each question, the mark scheme and Examiners’ Reports are included. You are able to export mark schemes and Examiners’ Reports if you choose to do so.
Can I build a test from different subjects?
Not within ExamBuilder. However you can export tests to word and combine manually if you wish to do so.
In the A level sciences, how do I filter for practical skills?
By default all questions are included whether they have practical skills in them or not. To select / filter for practical skills, select or de-select a skill in the filter window.
What is the maximum number of questions that can be included in a test?
There is no maximum number of questions that can be in any one test.
Why are not all the Past Papers included in ExamBuilder?
We are currently working on new questions for ExamBuilder and when an exam paper is added to the service it will appear in full in the ‘OCR Past Papers’ tab
Can I make a test using questions from more than one subject?
Unfortunately no, we are adding new content to subjects. You can export your tests to word and merge multiple tests together offline if you choose to.
What is happening with legacy science?
We removed the legacy GCSE science questions that did not map to the new specifications from ExamBuilder on 22 February 2019.
All the subjects in the Science – legacy group of the subject picker were removed:
Gateway Biology B
Gateway Chemistry B
Gateway Physics B
Gateway Science B
Gateway Additional Science B
Twenty First Century Biology A
Twenty First Century Chemistry A
Twenty First Century Physics A
Twenty First Century Science A
Twenty First Century Additional Science A
This meant that, from 22 February, any legacy science questions or tests you had saved in ‘My Tests’ in those subjects are no longer available. The past papers in ‘OCR Past Papers’ were also removed.
We only removed the questions which were not applicable to the new specifications.
All of the questions and past papers for the reformed science subjects will still be available in ExamBuilder. In addition, any questions from the legacy science subjects which are also relevant to the reformed science subjects will remain in ExamBuilder. You can access these questions within the reformed science subjects in the subject picker.
When will the June 2018 question papers be available?
To better support teachers and students of the subjects currently available in ExamBuilder, we will be adding the June 2018 question papers to ExamBuilder in early May 2019. This will allow teachers to build tests using the latest series’ questions and help students prepare for their exams. This is also in line with when the June 2018 question papers and mark schemes will move from our secure website, Interchange, on to the public website.
Creating tests
Why is there no Assessment Objective or Level of Difficulty information for some questions?
Where we have used legacy content for reformed qualifications (e.g. GCSE Maths) and there have been changes to the Assessment Objectives and/or Level of difficulty, these have been removed from the question information. We are currently working on remapping the questions to fit with the new qualifications’ Assessment Objectives and Level of difficulty information.
Why are there not many questions for the topic I selected?
Some topics in reformed subjects don’t have many questions. We are working through legacy/older content to ensure all topics have questions connected to them
Why are there very few questions for my subject?
We are adding new content to ExamBuilder prioritising subjects/topics where there are limited questions. If there are specific topics/subjects you want covered then let us know.
How do I access mark schemes and examiners reports?
Mark schemes and Examiners’ Reports can be found at the bottom of each question. These can be exported (or not) with questions.
Can I build a test from different subjects?
Unfortunately subjects are separate within ExamBuilder. However relevant content should be included for a subject regardless of its original source.
Can I build a mark scheme to accompany a test?
A mark scheme will be automatically generated as you build a test and you can decide whether you want to export the mark scheme or not.
How do I search for questions?
When you have selected your subject, the search bar will appear on the left of the screen above the question information pane, type in words that you wish to search or choose to use the filters
How do I filter questions?
In the ‘Find Questions’ tab, select ‘Filter questions’
and a pop up window with all available filter will appear. When you have selected filters use ‘Apply’ at the bottom of the window.
In the A level sciences, how do I filter for practical skills?
All practical skills questions are included by default, you can select for subset of them within the filter window.
When I search for a topic, the results sometimes include questions on different topics
Whilst we have split questions from exam papers into their parts as much as possible, there are some cases where this was not possible and multiple parts need to be kept together. Consequently, you may find unrelated questions in your test. You are able to remove these questions after you have exported the tests into word.
How do I create a new test?
When you have filtered questions (if you choose to), you are able to select questions by pressing the ‘+’ sign within the question information pane or the ‘Add to my tests’ button above the question detail pane.
What is the maximum number of questions that can be included in a test?
We have not limited the number of questions that can be included in a test.
How do I save a test?
In the ‘Create a test’ area, click on the ‘Save and Share’ tab, choose a name and select ‘Save in my tests’
Why does the wording change when questions are merged compared with unmerged?
In some cases, when we have split questions into their parts, it has been necessary for us to change the test from the original paper wording to ensure that the question part makes sense as a standalone question. If there is an introductory piece of text for a question and this is repeated for two adjacent questions, this will appear once when the questions are together in a test.
How do I delete questions from my test?
When building a test, in the ‘Find Questions’ tab questions can be removed using the ‘-‘ in the question information pane or using ‘Remove from test’ at the top of each question in the question detail pane.
Before saving tests, in the ‘Organise’ tab questions can be removed using the ‘-‘ in the question information pane.
Why do some questions merge when I make a test?
If questions that were originally part of the same exam question are placed together in a test they will merge and the text ‘Some questions were together in the original paper and have been merged together’ will appear.
How do I know where questions came from originally?
Within the question information pane in the ‘Find Questions’ and the ‘Organise’ tabs you can see the question number, session and unit/module/component code for the individual question.
Why is ‘Created in ExamBuilder’ written at the bottom of tests?
We have added this footnote to distinguish the tests that you make in ExamBuilder for live exam materials
Why are some questions kept on separate pages whilst others are combined?
We have tried to minimise the space required for a test. We have also tried to avoid splitting questions over pages. If you’d like to change the spacing of questions, you can export to word and amend as required.
Why can’t I select one part of a question?
Whilst we have tried to separate questions in ExamBuilder, there are some questions that we haven’t been able to split and consequently all inseparable questions are automatically added to the system with a pop up message.
Can I add other parts of a question to a test?
Currently there is no way to locate all the other parts of question when selecting this, however we’re continually looking at ways to improve ExamBuilder so if you want this functionality let us know at exambuilder@ocr.org.uk.
If questions have merged, can I unmerge them?
Yes if you change the order of the questions so the merged questions are no longer together. Be aware that you may have the same stem/initial sentence for both questions. However if questions cannot be separated they cannot be moved independently of each other and will be kept together.
How do I clear my filter options?
In the ‘Find Questions’ tab, choose ‘Filter questions’, at the bottom of this pop up select ‘Clear all selections’ and ‘Close’
Can I edit or adapt tests I create?
In the ‘My Tests’ tab, use the cog beneath each test
To edit the original test: select ‘Edit’. This will open the test in the ‘Create a Test’ tab, when this test is saved it will overwrite the original.
To make a copy of the test: select 'Clone’. This will open the test as a new version in the ‘Create a Test’ tab, when this test is save it will not overwrite the original.
Can I edit my tests in word?
Yes, but to maintain the appearance of questions the text is included as tables. Consequently small edits are simple but larger edits are more difficult. If you are having problems, please see our guidance at I'm having trouble editing in Word
Can I add extra answer space to a question?
This cannot be done within ExamBuilder, but you can edit the answer space by exporting to word.
How do I reorder Qs in a test?
In the ‘Organise’ tab, questions can be reordered by dragging and dropping.
Why do some images in the Mark Scheme have ‘Specimen’ over them?
Some of the papers have been taken from the Specimens.
Why do I have an odd figure or table number in the question e.g. Figure 31.1?
When we have separate questions into their parts we have kept the original figure and table numbering from the paper. This is so that if you choose to recombine the questions the numbering will make sense, also the numbering may be used in the Examiners’ Reports and Mark Schemes.
Saving tests
How do I save a test?
Choose a name for your test and select ‘Save in My Tests’ within the ‘Save and Share’ tab within the ‘Create a Test’ area.
How do I print my tests?
When saving tests, in the ‘Save and Share’ tab, you can export tests to pdf and word, with both options you are then able to print the test
After saving tests, in the ‘My Tests’ tab you can use the cog for each test
and choose ‘Export’, you are able to export to pdf and word from which you can print.
Can I edit my tests in word?
Yes, text in word documents has been included within tables as this maintains the appearance of questions. If you want to make simple text edits these can be done within the tables, however big text changes are more complex. If you are having problems, please see our guidance at I'm having trouble editing in Word
Why do mathematical symbols change when I export to Word or PDF?
Sometimes symbols that appear fine in the system do not appear properly when exported to word and pdf. We are working to fix this problem and this should be resolved by the end of April 2017.
Why is ‘Created in ExamBuilder’ written at the bottom of tests?
To distinguish tests made in ExamBuilder from ‘real’ exams we have included ‘Created in ExamBuilder’ at the bottom of pages.
Can I sort the documents in the ‘My tests’ list?
You can tag tests in the ‘My Tests’ list however there is not currently a sorting option.
Why are some questions kept on separate pages whilst others are combined?
In an effort to minimise the paper required to print tests, we have included as many questions on a page as we can. However, some questions will not fit on the same page. If you want to change the spacing you are able to do this in Word.
How do I alter the timing of a test?
In the ‘Save and Share’ tab you can alter the ‘Time available’ for a test. This is the time that is included on the dynamic cover page if you choose to include it.
Can I edit or adapt tests I create?
Within the ‘My tests’ tab, underneath the test name there is a cog
To overwrite and edit the original test: select ‘Edit’. This will open the test in the ‘Create a Test’ tab.
To not overwrite the original test, but to make a copy of the test, select 'Clone’. This will open the test as a new version in the ‘Create a Test’ tab.
Can I add extra answer space to a question?
When you have exported your tests to word you are able to add in extra space for questions as required.
How do I reorder Qs in a test?
Questions can be ‘dragged and dropped’ to rearrange the order within the ‘Organise’ tab in the ‘Create a Test’ area
Why do some images in the Mark Scheme have ‘Specimen’ over them?
Whilst we have removed the watermark where possible, there are instances where the ‘Specimen’ watermark remains.
Why do I have an odd figure or table number in the question e.g. Figure 31.1?
As questions have been split and their order changed, sometimes the figure references refer to the original paper. You are able to change this within word.
Why do the datasheets, formula sheets and mark scheme guidance appear separately?
As the datasheets, formula sheets and mark scheme guidance are different for legacy and reformed specifications they have been kept as separate documents appearing in left pane on the ‘My tests’ tab,
a pop up will appear for you to select which resources to download.
Tagging tests
How do I create a new tag?
In the ‘My tests’ area, in the ‘My tests’ tab, select ‘New tag’,
enter the name of the tag and click ‘Add’.
How do I tag / categorise a test?
In the ‘My tests’ area, in the ‘My tests’ tab, choose a test, click on the cog,
select ‘Tags’,
the tags that you have created will appear as a list, click those that apply and click ‘Apply’.
How do I change the tagging of a test?
In the ‘My tests’ area, in the ‘My tests’ tab, clock on the cog
and choose the tag option
and select or de-select the tags that apply to that test and click ‘Apply’.
I can’t rename a tag
You cannot rename a tag that is being used by at least one test. You need to un-associate the test with the tag and then it can be renamed.
How do I rename a tag?
In the ‘My tests’ area in the ‘My tests’ tab, select ‘Rename’
and select which tag to rename. Note: you can only rename tags that are not being used by tests. Note that you are only able to edit tags that are not being used by tests which is why the ‘test 2’ tag does not appear in the editable tag list below.
Sharing tests
How do I share tests with colleagues?
When saving tests in the ‘Save and Share’ tab after organising you can share tests using ‘Share with rest of school’
After saving tests, in the ‘My Tests’ tab you can use the cog for each test
and choose the ‘Share’ option.
How do I un-share tests?
When saving tests, in the ‘Save and Share’ tab, you can un-share tests using ‘Un-share with rest of school’
After saving tests, in the ‘My Tests’ tab you can use the cog for each test
and choose the ‘un-share’ option.
Can I edit a test that a colleague has created?
For shared tests you are not able to directly edit the test that has been shared until you have copied the test into your account.
In the ‘Shared with me’ tab, use the cog beneath the test
and select ‘Copy & Edit’.
Can I share tests with other centres?
Unfortunately no. However you can share tests offline with colleagues.
Why aren’t shared tests appearing?
Shared tests are subject-specific so check whether you’re in the right subject. If you are, contact the ExamBuilder team (exambuilder@ocr.org.uk) as there may be a technical issue.
Exporting tests
How do I print my tests?
Tests can only be printed after they have been exported as a pdf or word document. To export the test in the ‘Save and Share’ tab select ‘pdf’ or ‘word’.
If a test has been saved within ‘My Tests’ click on the cog beneath the test name
choose ‘Export’ and select the export choice of ‘word’ or ‘pdf’.
Why is ‘Created in ExamBuilder’ written at the bottom of tests?
This has been added to tests to differentiate ExamBuilder tests from ‘live’ papers.
Why are some questions kept on separate pages whilst others are combined?
To reduce the space required for a test it is possible for more than one question to appear on one page. However, this isn’t always possible due to the length of the question.
How do I export to word or PDF?
When saving tests, in the ‘Save and Share’ tab, you can export tests to pdf and word
After saving tests, in the ‘My Tests’ tab you can use the cog for each test
and choose ‘Export’, you are able to export to pdf and word.
My export to word functionality isn’t working properly
If you are using an older version of word this may affect how the test is exporting. If you cannot upgrade your version of word to 2003+ then export to pdf
I'm having trouble editing in Word
When you export to Word, each question part will be enclosed in an invisible table. These tables are what make it possible for questions to be rearranged, added or deleted when you are creating your test in ExamBuilder. If you hit problems with formatting once you’ve exported to Word, try turning on the table gridlines and the document ruler in Word.
Go to the Home tab. In the Paragraph group, click on the Borders dropdown and select View Gridlines.
Go to the View tab. In the Show group, make sure the Ruler box is ticked.
Your exported text should now look something like this.
To select a single question part, click on the table selector 
at the top-left hand corner of the table margin. Word will highlight where that question part begins and ends. With the question selected, you can copy (ctrl + c), cut (ctrl + x) or delete (backspace) the whole question. To paste a copied (or cut) question in a new position in the Word document, find the nearest full-width blank row where you want to paste and simply click in the row and paste (ctrl + v).
What is the weblink export option?
The weblink can be accessed in the ‘Save and Share’ tab or the ‘My Tests’ tab in the cog beneath each test.
The weblink allows you to share your tests electronically with colleagues or students without them needing to log into ExamBuilder.
Tests cannot be edited in the weblink view
How do I add resources like an Insert, Data Sheet or Periodic Table to a test?
When exporting to pdf or word in the ‘Save and Share’ tab
and the ‘My Tests’ tab,
the pop up window will display giving options that can be included or excluded for export including all resources and dynamic cover page.
What is the dynamic cover page for?
To give students a more realistic experience of an exam we have included a ‘dynamic cover page’. This cover page utilises information from the test you have created e.g. marks, time available, date set, as well as some OCR question paper features e.g. instructions to candidates.
How do alter the timing of a test?
Within the ‘Save and Share’ tab the ‘Time available’ can be found in the left pane of the screen. You are able to edit this timing and resave the test.
How do I upload my school’s logo onto a test cover page?
When exporting to pdf or word in the ‘Save and Share’ tab and the ‘My Tests’ tab, the pop up window will display giving options that can be included or excluded for export including your school’s logo.
Why are there parts of the front cover page that I can’t change?
Whilst we have tried to make the dynamic cover page as flexible as possible, there are some elements of the cover page that are the same for all subjects and have been fixed.
You are able to edit these parts of the cover page by exporting to word.
Can I add extra answer space to a question?
Once the test has been exported to word you can add extra space as required.
Why do the datasheets, formula sheets and mark scheme guidance appear separately?
We have included old and new questions in the system and consequently they may have different datasheets or marking guidance associated with them. To access this within the ‘My Tests’ tab select ‘Product-Level Resource Assets’
the pop up allows you to select the resources required.
General enquiries
How much does ExamBuilder cost?
ExamBuilder is free to use
How many teachers from a centre can use ExamBuilder at any one time?
There is no maximum number of concurrent users per centre for ExamBuilder.
My export to word functionality is working properly
If you are using an older version of word this may affect how the test is exporting. If you cannot upgrade your version of word to 2003+ then export to pdf
What is the dynamic cover page for?
The dynamic cover page can be access when exporting to pdf or word in the ‘Save and Share’ tab and the ‘My Tests’ tab. You are able to amend certain details for the front cover of the test. You do not have to include the dynamic cover page if you choose not to.
We have created the dynamic cover page to enable you to give your students as realistic an exam experience as possible.
Can I add extra answer space to a question?
Extra space can be added once the test has been exported to word.
What browsers are required to use ExamBuilder?
You will get the best experience by using ExamBuilder with any of the browser and versions listed below:
Internet Explorer 9+
Safari 6.1+
Firefox 37+
Chrome 41+
iOS Safari 6.1+
Android Browser 4.4+
Please note that unless it is explicitly indicated, all pages will be responsive down to a window width of 1024px. You will still be able to view and use ExamBuilder on smaller devices, as long as you are using a browser from the supported list, but horizontal scrolling may be required.
What URLs does my firewall need to allow for ExamBuilder to work?
ExamBuilder is located at exambuilder.ocr.org.uk
Why do some images in the Mark Scheme have ‘Specimen’ over them?
Where questions are from the specimen/SAM papers they may include a watermark, whilst every effort has been made to remove these, sometimes this was not possible.
Why do I have an odd figure or table number in the question e.g. Figure 31.1?
The odd numbering of figures or in questions refers to their original location within a paper. You can edit these once the test has been exported to word.
Why do the datasheets, formula sheets and mark scheme guidance appear separately?
As questions have been taken from old and current qualifications, the formulae, datasheets and guidance given varies. You are able to include or access this information if you choose to. To access this information click on the ‘Product-Level Resource Assets’ button on the left pane of the ‘My tests’ tab
the pop up allows you to choose which resources to download.