AI at work, by profession
AI in coursework and non-examined assessment: what the JCQ rules say
When a student's use of AI is malpractice, what they must acknowledge, why a detection score is not proof, and what a teacher does when they suspect misuse.
Checked against the published sources on 2 October 2026.
The short answer
Using AI is not automatically cheating. Under the Joint Council for Qualifications' guidance, AI misuse is where a student submits work that is not their own, or fails to acknowledge the use of AI. That is malpractice, with sanctions up to disqualification. A student who used AI legitimately must name the tool, give the date, and keep an uneditable copy of what they asked and what it generated.
- Guidance
- AI Use in Assessments, Joint Council for Qualifications
- Latest version
- 30 April 2025
- Applies to
- Coursework and other non-examined assessment
- Detection tools
- Evidence to investigate, never proof
What a student must acknowledge
The name of the AI source and the date the content was generated, a copy of the questions asked and the content generated in a form that cannot be edited, such as a screenshot, and a brief explanation of how it was used. Content the student did not produce cannot earn marks.
Authenticating the work
The teacher signs to confirm the work is the candidate's own, and must not accept work they cannot authenticate. That is easier where drafts were seen along the way, some of the work was done under supervision, and the student can talk it through.
Detection tools
Their accuracy varies, they produce false positives, and research has repeatedly found them more likely to flag writing by people working in a second language. A score raises a question for the teacher to investigate. An accusation built on a percentage alone is unfair to the student and will not survive a challenge.
If misuse is suspected
Gather earlier work and drafts, ask the student to explain the piece, and keep a record. Before the declaration of authentication is signed, the centre deals with it under its own malpractice policy. After it is signed, the head of centre must report it to the awarding organisation.
This page explains what the rule says. It is not legal, regulatory, clinical or financial advice on your own position. Rules change, so read the sources listed beside it, and tell us at hello@wajd.co.uk if something here is out of date.
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Questions people ask
Is using AI in coursework cheating?
Not automatically. It is misuse where the work submitted is not the student's own, or the use of AI is not acknowledged.
Can a teacher rely on an AI detector?
As one piece of evidence, never as proof. Detectors produce false positives, and teachers who know their students are best placed to judge authenticity.
What happens if AI misuse is found after the work is signed off?
The head of centre must report it to the awarding organisation.
What are the sanctions for AI malpractice?
They include loss of marks, disqualification from the qualification and being barred from entering for a period.