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Always Learning
Always Learning

Introduction to EDI 

Our System and Process Support team

Our System and Process Support team, within Customer Services, has dedicated staff to assist with EDI file queries and both the JCQ and EDIFACT formats. Although we're unable to offer support on non-Edexcel products, such as centre MIS functionality or EDI VAN applications, we will query format or data queries with MIS suppliers as requested. We suggest that specific queries about the software your centre MIS uses are initially directed to your centre MIS supplier or internal helpdesk.

All Edexcel EDI centres should be aware of the EDI tracking facility at Edexcel Online. If you do not have Edexcel Online set up at your centre, you can read about how to get started with Edexcel Online here.

We will be updating our website with details on the JCQ A2C project as it progresses. For further information, please go to the new website: a2c.jcq.org.uk

You may also find it helpful to read our EDI FAQs for academic qualifications or EDI information for BTEC and NVQ centres.

We have a process for supporting BTEC results in the JCQ format. You can find out more about this process here.
 
 
Some commonly used terms explained:

 Term  What it means
JCQ

JCQ format


EDIFACT

Joint Council for Qualifications (www.jcq.org.uk)

Used by Edexcel for GCE/GCSE/Skills for Life/ BTEC/DiDA/GCE in Applied Subjects/ELC and ESOL

The Edexcel EDI format, currently used for BTEC/NVQ, Skills for Life and ESOL

 
Trading Partner  An individual or organisation that wishes to transmit data electronically (an Edexcel centre) 
EDI  Electronic data interchange: the exchange of electronic data between trading partners 
Message  A term to describe an electronic file containing a specific type of computerised data (eg entries, registrations, basedata, etc.) 
Centre MIS  Centre management information system: a computerised information system that is capable of generating and uploading EDI messages 
ISP  Internet service provider: an organisation that provides connectivity to the internet (including email accounts, search facilities, etc.) 
VAN Provider  Value added network provider: a third party, responsible for the secure transmission of electronic data from one trading partner to another (AVCO, webXchange and RM) 
Centre identifier  A five- or six-digit centre number allocated to all approved examination centres 
Internet email  Electronic mail that enables messages to be sent over the internet 

Find out more about the JCQ A2C project here or go to the new website: a2c.jcq.org.uk.