A-Level Languages as a Private Candidate: How the Speaking and Listening Exams Work

Last updated: 30 September 2026

Private candidates can sit A-Level French, Spanish, German, Italian, Chinese or Russian at our Birmingham centre, but the speaking and listening components need to be arranged and sat in person at the centre. This guide explains how the speaking exam, the individual research project and the listening exam work, and what changes if you're resitting.

Which A-Level languages can private candidates sit?

Private candidates can sit A-Level French, Spanish, German, Italian, Chinese and Russian with us, through AQA or Pearson Edexcel depending on the language. French, German and Spanish can be sat with either AQA or Pearson Edexcel; Italian, Chinese and Russian are offered through Pearson Edexcel only. Each is a good foundation for further study in Modern Languages, International Relations, European or Asian Studies, Politics and History.

You don't need to be a native speaker to enter. The courses are designed for learners, though if you're not a native speaker it's generally worth having studied the subject at GCSE first before moving on to A-Level.

Language	Exam boards offered	Speaking mark carry-forward on resit
French, German, Spanish	AQA or Pearson Edexcel	Pearson Edexcel only
Italian, Chinese, Russian	Pearson Edexcel only	Yes (Pearson Edexcel)

How does the A-Level speaking exam work for private candidates?

The A-Level speaking exam is conducted in person at our Birmingham centre in May, with your date and time sent to you by mid-April. The assessment itself takes no longer than 30 minutes. As with every exam here, you'll need to bring valid photo ID.

What is the individual research project?

The individual research project is a topic of your choice that you present and discuss during the speaking exam, submitted on a form around two weeks beforehand. It's worth choosing a topic you're genuinely comfortable talking about at length in the target language.

Can I carry my speaking mark forward if I'm resitting?

You can carry your A-Level speaking mark forward on a resit only if you originally sat the Pearson Edexcel course. You'll need the UCI (Unique Candidate Identity) number you used when you first sat the exam, along with proof of your original speaking mark, and you select the carry-forward option when you book. The AQA route doesn't offer this with us, so if you sat AQA originally, the speaking component has to be resat in full alongside the written papers.

What do I need to bring for the listening exam?

For the A-Level listening exam you need to bring your own headphones or earphones with a standard jack connector, because we provide an MP3 player pre-loaded with the listening files. Noise-cancelling headphones are recommended, since the listening exam is sat alongside other candidates. Bluetooth-only headphones without a jack connector won't work with the equipment provided.

Can I bring a dictionary or my research notes into the exam?

You cannot bring a dictionary or your research notes into any A-Level language exam here, because every component is closed book. You also can't bring copies of the set texts you've studied, although short extracts from set texts are sometimes printed in the exam paper itself.

Which exam board should I choose — AQA or Pearson Edexcel?

For A-Level French, German or Spanish, choose Pearson Edexcel if you want the option of carrying your speaking mark forward on a future resit. If you're studying Italian, Chinese or Russian, Pearson Edexcel is the only option we offer, so the choice is made for you. Check the relevant subject page for full entry deadlines and which board applies before you book.

Frequently asked questions

Which A-Level languages can I sit as a private candidate?

You can sit A-Level French, Spanish, German, Italian, Chinese and Russian as a private candidate with us, with French, German and Spanish available through AQA or Pearson Edexcel and the other three through Pearson Edexcel only.

How does the A-Level language speaking exam work?

The A-Level language speaking exam is a 30-minute in-person assessment at our Birmingham centre in May, where you present an individual research project submitted on a form two weeks beforehand. You'll be sent your date and time by mid-April, and you need to bring valid photo ID.

Can I carry my speaking mark forward if I'm resitting?

You can carry your A-Level speaking mark forward only if you originally sat the Pearson Edexcel course, using your original UCI number and proof of your original speaking mark. On the AQA route the speaking component must be resat in full.

What do I need for the listening exam?

For the A-Level listening exam you need your own noise-cancelling headphones or earphones with a standard jack connector, as we provide an MP3 player pre-loaded with the listening files.

Can I bring a dictionary or my research notes into the exam?

You cannot bring a dictionary, your research notes or copies of set texts into any A-Level language exam here, although short set-text extracts are sometimes printed in the exam paper.

Do I need to be a native speaker to sit an A-Level language exam?

You don't need to be a native speaker to sit an A-Level language exam, though non-native speakers generally benefit from studying the subject at GCSE level first.

New to sitting exams outside school or college? Read our full guide to what a private candidate is, or get in touch and our team can talk you through entry deadlines and which exam board suits you before you book — entry is always subject to JCQ regulations and the relevant exam board's requirements.