How to book your MCA Online Exam, Step by step in 2025
By: Fred Wilson (but mainly Emma Wilson)
So you have your NOE email - YAY!
Now let’s book your exam…..
(This is for OOW, M500 and M3000)
The process of booking your oral exam has undergone some changes this year. This guide will walk you through the updated procedure.
Key Changes:
Online Format: Oral exams are now conducted online via Microsoft Teams.
“Following the successful introduction of online exams via teams, the MCA has taken the decision to retain this format” – MCA
Electronic Notice of Eligibility (NOE): NOE’s are no longer provided in paper format or as attached PDF’s. They are now issued electronically via email.
Here is an example of what your NOE email might look like:
Dear Fred Wilson
Thank you for requesting to book your Yacht Master Less than 3000GT Annex D
SDS Number: 123456
Unique Pin: 1234
Please Note your SDS Number and Unique Pin above will be needed exactly as it is to make a successful booking. Your SDS number is 6 numbers only (Last 6 numbers Printed on your NOE)
This NOE is valid for 5 Years.
Documents attached to this email (please ensure all are read prior to examination):
• Candidate’s Code of Conduct
• Microsoft Teams Guidance
• Plotting Sheet
You will need to print the Plotting Sheet to bring to your examination.
When you submit an exam booking form, please use the same email address you will be using to access the examination. Rediff email addresses are not compatible with Microsoft Teams.
Changes to the email address used will result in your examination being cancelled.
You will receive a confirmation email containing a link to your Exam from Maritime and Coastguard Agency Booking Service.
Please check your junk mail and calendar for the appointment.
Candidates cannot cancel or reschedule an exam unless a valid reason is provided with written supporting evidence. A valid reason will only be considered where written evidence is provided (doctor letter for medical reason, or employer letter for a change in work schedule).
Such evidence should be emailed to onlineoralexams@mcga.gov.uk, which will then be reviewed internally. Unauthorised cancellations will result in forfeiting the exam and loss of exam booking fee.
If you fail your exam, you will need to apply for a new NoE.
To submit your oral exam availability please complete the following form.
Booking Form Click Here
Kind regards
Online Oral Exam
Booking your exam
You will see a “Booking Form” link at the bottom of your email. Within the booking form, you will be asked to provide the following information:
Full Name
SDS Number (as provided in your NOE email)
Unique Pin (as provided in your NOE email)
Phone Number
Email Address
Examination Type (e.g., deck or engineer) - Important: Ensure your exam type is correct as errors can sometimes occur.
Date Ranges You Are NOT Available
When specifying unavailable dates, be precise. For example, if you would like an exam in September 2024 (and it’s now June), you would indicate that you are unavailable from 01/06/2024 to 31/08/2024. However, don’t assume you will get an exam in September – they may give you a spot in October. So if you are unavailable in October you would also need to indicate that too.
🚨 Fred Tip for Date Ranges
After receiving feedback from students' MCA correspondent emails, you can also write in the text box, "Hello, I am trying to match the yacht's schedule. I am NOT available during the following date ranges: 01/05/2025 – 25/09/2025, 10/10/2025 – 31/12/2025. This means I'm requesting an exam date between 26/09/2025 and 09/10/2025. Thank you in advance. Fred Wilson.
Example of Booking Form
Frequently Asked Questions:
How long does it take for the MCA to respond?
The response time is usually 1-2 business days.
01/04/25 ******Recently it has been taking up to 2 months! which is not ideal. The MCA have said they have employed more staff to help with the backlog **********
Who should I contact if I don’t get a response?
Exams team via email at onlineoralexams@mcga.gov.uk
Can I choose my exam date through an online booking system?
Previously, this was possible. However, the MCA has reverted to a more manual process due to issues with people frequently changing their exams, which caused backlogs.
How far ahead can I book an exam?
We are still monitoring this. It used to be 3 months, but with this new system, it can be up to 6 months now. You will also see on the booking form that it says, “We are not taking bookings for **** at this time.”
Will the oral exam be split into two exams?
This may happen (like the OOW unlimited and M200), but for now, it is still just one exam.
Can I cancel or change my Oral exam?
This is now not so easy…..
Cancellation or transfer of booked oral examinations is only permitted in exceptional circumstances, such as:
Returning to sea at the request of the company
Being unavoidably held on a ship
Medical emergency of self or close relative
Compassionate reasons
Any cancellation must be made with a minimum of 24 hours' notice to avoid the examination being declared a failure by default. Failure to attend without a valid reason will result in the examination being declared a failure by default.
“Candidates who need to cancel for exceptional circumstances should email the details to onlineoralexams@mcga.gov.uk” - MCA
Where can I find more information?
Preparing for your Oral Exam
You will receive three important pieces of information attached to your NOE email:
❸ Radar plotting sheet - print out at least 3 copies
🚨 FRED: Make sure you read them! As gives information on the following:
Exam Preparation Checklist
Quiet room
Clear desk
Low ambient noise
Closed exit door
Do not use public places for the exam
Log in to the meeting at least 10 minutes before the designated start time
Plotting sheet printed and ready
Exam stationery: calculator, A4 plain writing paper, black pen, pencil, eraser, ruler
Training logbook
Business formal attire
Valid government-issued photo ID (passport or driving license for UK nationals, passport for foreign nationals)
Device requirements: laptop, desktop, or tablet with a camera and reliable internet (min 10mbps)
Use the device’s camera to show the room you use for your examination (so you would need a portable camera for your desktop)
Examination cannot be accessed via mobile phone
No background effects or headphones
Download the Microsoft Teams application ahead of the examination
Familiarise yourself with the screen share functionality on Microsoft Teams
Do not have any other programs, documents, or files open on your device
Be prepared to focus your camera on any written work undertaken during the exam
Connectivity Issues
In the event of connectivity or IT issues, the exam may be postponed, and you will need to reschedule.
So ensure:
Excellent internet connection (google ‘speed test’ online)
Up-to-date device
Latest software updates
Use Google Chrome
Latest Microsoft Teams app and tested it
Tested video and audio settings
Knowledge of how to start and stop screen sharing
“Candidates must email onlineoralexams@mcga.gov.uk within 5 minutes of the exam start time if they encounter connection issues or have not connected with the examiner”
🚨 Tip: If this happens to you, take screenshots as evidence. If you don’t get a response via email within 5 minutes, call the main switchboard - 02038172000.
Recording of Exams
Exams are now recorded (with your permission) to allow for a review in the event of a candidate's appeal or an examiner's concern.
Completing Your Online Oral Examination
The MCA examiner will verbally announce the result and provide feedback:
Pass: Yay!
Submit a copy of the email confirming your result and any outstanding documents as required. (Refer to my blog on how to apply for your COC after you pass).Fail: Boohoo😢
Apply for another NOE/resit as soon as possible while the information is fresh. (Refer to my blog on what to do if you fail your exam).
Remember, the key to success lies in thorough preparation. Familiarise yourself with the NOE email, adhere to the guidelines provided, and ensure your technological setup is robust.
