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How to use this self-test
This is a static self-assessment, not an interactive quiz. Read each question and try to formulate your own answer before expanding the hint. If you cannot answer a question confidently, note the topic and use the linked resources to fill the gap before your NCTJ exams.
The 20 questions are distributed across the five NCTJ Diploma subject areas: media law (6), public affairs (4), shorthand readiness (3), online journalism (4), and ethics (3). The weighting reflects the relative difficulty and importance of each subject in the NCTJ syllabus.
Media Law
What is the difference between absolute and qualified privilege in defamation law?
Hint: Absolute privilege covers court proceedings and Parliamentary debates. Qualified privilege applies to fair and accurate reports of public proceedings and requires good faith.
Under the Contempt of Court Act 1981, when does strict liability contempt apply?
Hint: Strict liability applies once proceedings are active — in criminal cases, from arrest, warrant, or charge. It applies regardless of intent.
What must a claimant establish to succeed in a defamation action against a journalist?
Hint: Publication to a third party, that the statement refers to the claimant, and that it has caused or is likely to cause serious harm to reputation (Defamation Act 2013, s.1).
What reporting restriction automatically applies to a youth court?
Hint: Section 49 of the Children and Young Persons Act 1933 prohibits reporting the name, address, school, or any identifying details of a defendant or witness under 18 in youth court.
What is the public interest defence under the Defamation Act 2013?
Hint: Section 4: the statement was, or formed part of, a statement on a matter of public interest, and the defendant reasonably believed publishing it was in the public interest.
What does the Section 5 notice procedure under the Defamation Act 2013 allow?
Hint: It allows a website operator to avoid liability for a user-generated defamatory post by following a notice-and-takedown procedure and identifying the poster to the claimant.
Public Affairs
What is the difference between a shadow minister and a junior minister?
Hint: A shadow minister is an opposition frontbencher shadowing a specific government portfolio. A junior minister (Parliamentary Under-Secretary or Minister of State) is a government minister supporting a Secretary of State.
What is a statutory instrument and how does it become law?
Hint: A statutory instrument is secondary legislation made under powers granted by a parent Act of Parliament. Most are made under the negative or affirmative resolution procedure.
Which committee scrutinises UK government expenditure and public accounts?
Hint: The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) examines the economy, efficiency and effectiveness with which government departments use public money, informed by National Audit Office reports.
What is the difference between a councillor and a local government officer?
Hint: Councillors are elected representatives who set policy and take decisions. Officers are paid employees who implement decisions and provide professional advice. Officers are politically neutral.
Shorthand
What shorthand system does the NCTJ use as standard?
Hint: Teeline shorthand, developed by James Hill in the 1960s, is the NCTJ standard. It is based on the alphabet rather than phonetics, making it faster to learn than Pitman or Gregg.
At what speed must you pass the NCTJ shorthand exam for the full Diploma?
Hint: A minimum of 100 words per minute with no more than a set number of errors in a three-minute passage.
What kind of material is used in NCTJ shorthand speed tests?
Hint: News-style material at the target speed, dictated with a set number of errors permitted. Candidates transcribe on a computer immediately after dictation.
Online Journalism
What does SEO stand for and why does it matter for digital journalists?
Hint: Search Engine Optimisation. It determines how well a story appears in search results, affecting how many readers find it organically — critical for audience-funded and digital-first outlets.
What is a CMS and which ones are most common in UK newsrooms?
Hint: A Content Management System. Common UK newsroom systems include WordPress, Brightspot, Arc Publishing (Washington Post technology), and Methode (used by News UK and others).
What is metadata and why does it matter for published stories?
Hint: Metadata includes the page title, meta description, social sharing image, and structured data. It affects how a story appears in search results and on social platforms.
What is the difference between a pixel and a cookie for tracking purposes?
Hint: A tracking pixel is a tiny image loaded when a user visits a page, confirming the visit. A cookie is a file stored on the user's device. Both are subject to UK GDPR and the PECR regulations.
Ethics
What is the NUJ Code of Conduct and is it legally binding?
Hint: The NUJ Code sets out 12 professional principles for journalist members. It is enforced by the NUJ as a trade union condition of membership, not by law. Breach can result in disciplinary action.
Under Clause 1 of the IPSO Editors' Code, what must a publication do when publishing a correction?
Hint: Print a correction that is sufficiently prominent and published promptly. Significant inaccuracies must be corrected swiftly and clearly.
When does IPSO allow use of subterfuge?
Hint: Clause 10 permits subterfuge only when the information sought is genuinely in the public interest and cannot be obtained by other means. The editor must be satisfied of both conditions.
Where to study each NCTJ area
NCTJ Diploma: syllabus overview
- Media Law: defamation, contempt, reporting restrictions, court reporting, privacy, copyright, data protection journalism exemption.
- Public Affairs: Parliament, devolved assemblies, local government, elections, public bodies, the civil service, courts system.
- Shorthand: Teeline at 100 wpm minimum. Full Diploma requires passing a speed test at 100 wpm with 98% accuracy.
- Reporting Skills: news writing, interviewing, sub-editing, feature writing, specialist reporting.
- Online Journalism: digital publishing, SEO basics, social media, multimedia, data journalism foundations.
Common weak areas for NCTJ candidates
- Confusing absolute and qualified privilege — a frequent exam error.
- Not understanding when strict liability contempt applies vs. intentional contempt.
- Weak knowledge of devolved institutions — the Senedd, Scottish Parliament, and Northern Ireland Assembly all feature in public affairs.
- Shorthand speed: many candidates underestimate the preparation required for 100 wpm under exam conditions.
- Online journalism: vague answers on SEO and metadata that do not show practical understanding.
- Confusing the NUJ Code (professional ethics) with IPSO (regulatory complaints body) — they are separate frameworks.
NCTJ exam preparation tips
- 1Work through all available past papers — these are free on the NCTJ website and the best guide to exam style.
- 2For media law, learn the statutory framework first (Acts of Parliament) then the case law that interprets it.
- 3For public affairs, use Parliament's own website and the UK Government's organisational chart to understand structure before policy.
- 4For shorthand, practise daily at speeds just above your target — 110 wpm practice passages if your target is 100 wpm.
- 5For ethics, be able to state the specific clause number from the IPSO Editors' Code when answering questions about standards.
- 6Time management in media law exams is critical — plan your answers before writing.
Related guides
Primary sources
Frequently asked questions
What does the NCTJ Diploma in Journalism cover?
The NCTJ Diploma in Journalism covers five core areas: media law, public affairs, reporting skills, shorthand (minimum 100 wpm for full Diploma), and online journalism. Each area is assessed by separate exams. The qualification can be studied full-time, part-time, or as part of an NCTJ-accredited journalism degree.
How many words per minute does the NCTJ shorthand exam require?
The full NCTJ Diploma requires a minimum shorthand speed of 100 words per minute using Teeline shorthand. A Preliminary Certificate is available without shorthand, but most newsroom employers expect 100 wpm. Some broadcasters and regional newspapers require 120 wpm.
Where can I find NCTJ past papers?
The NCTJ publishes past exam papers and mark schemes on its website at nctj.com. Past papers are available for media law, public affairs, and reporting skills. Practising past papers is one of the most effective preparation strategies for NCTJ exams.
Is the NCTJ qualification recognised by all UK employers?
The NCTJ Diploma is the most widely recognised journalism qualification in the UK and is accepted by national and regional newspaper groups, news agencies, broadcast outlets, and many digital publishers. Some specialist fields (broadcast, magazine) may additionally look for BJTC accreditation or specific skills qualifications.
Can I take NCTJ exams without attending a course?
The NCTJ offers a direct-candidate route that allows you to sit exams without attending an accredited course. However, you must register with the NCTJ and meet the eligibility criteria. Most candidates find structured tuition — whether full-time, part-time, or online — gives a better preparation framework.