AI Malpractice and Assessment Advice Note Published by Ofqual
Summary
Ofqual published an advice note on 27 April 2026 clarifying how existing Conditions of Recognition apply to AI-related malpractice in assessments. The guidance assists awarding organisations in identifying where AI tools may pose risks to assessment integrity and explains what 'all reasonable steps' under General Condition A8 means in the AI context. The advice note explicitly states it does not create new regulatory requirements but helps AOs understand how existing obligations apply as AI tools continue to develop.
“Advice notes sit outside Ofqual's statutory framework of Conditions and statutory Guidance and do not create new regulatory requirements.”
Awarding organisations regulated by Ofqual should treat this advice note as a signal of regulatory expectations on AI-related malpractice risks, even though it does not create new obligations. AOs should review their current assessment integrity policies, particularly their ability to detect and respond to AI-generated content or assistance, and update arrangements where needed to align with General Condition A8 obligations. Ofqual's explicit attention to this area may indicate increased supervisory focus on AI risks during qualification monitoring activities.
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What changed
Ofqual issued an advice note explaining how existing Conditions of Recognition and related Guidance apply to risks of malpractice arising from learners' use of AI tools in assessments. The document aims to help awarding organisations identify where AI-related malpractice may pose risks, understand what 'all reasonable steps' under General Condition A8 looks like in practice, and review whether current arrangements remain effective as AI tools develop.
Awarding organisations regulated by Ofqual should use this guidance to assess their existing malpractice prevention and detection arrangements against AI-specific risks. While the advice note does not create new regulatory requirements, it signals Ofqual's expectations for how AOs must address AI-related threats to assessment integrity under their existing Conditions of Recognition.
Archived snapshot
Apr 28, 2026GovPing captured this document from the original source. If the source has since changed or been removed, this is the text as it existed at that time.
Guidance
Artificial intelligence malpractice and assessment - advice note
This advice note supports awarding organisations in understanding how existing rules and guidance apply to the risks of malpractice arising from use of AI tools.
From: Ofqual Published 27 April 2026 Get emails about this page
Applies to England
Documents
Artificial intelligence malpractice and assessment - advice note (accessible)
Ref: Ofqual/26/7325
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Details
This advice note supports awarding organisations (AOs) in understanding how the existing Conditions of Recognition and related Guidance apply to the risks of malpractice arising from Learners’ use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools. This advice note is relevant to all qualifications regulated by Ofqual.
It aims to help AOs:
- consider where AI-related malpractice may pose a risk to their assessments
- understand what taking “all reasonable steps” (under General Condition A8) might look like in practice in this context
- review whether their current arrangements remain effective as AI tools continue to develop Advice notes sit outside Ofqual’s statutory framework of Conditions and statutory Guidance and do not create new regulatory requirements. The advice in this note reflects existing expectations and is intended to help AOs consider how those requirements apply in the context of AI‑related malpractice. AOs may therefore find it helpful in recognising and responding to risks that could affect their ability to comply with their Conditions of Recognition.
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Published 27 April 2026
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