MCA Oral Examination Process

A clear, up-to-date guide to the full MCA oral exam process — eligibility (NOE/NOA), booking, Part A/Part B routes, online exam delivery, appeals and malpractice, plus a practical candidate checklist.

The Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA) conducts the majority of Certificate of Competency oral examinations online. The booking and delivery process is explained in Marine Information Notice 690 (MIN 690) – Amendment 5.

Candidates usually want one simple answer: How do I progress from NOE to booking to sitting the online oral exam—without delays or mistakes? This page brings the whole process together in one place, using plain language and practical guidance.

👉 For ticket-specific preparation, use the hubs at the end of this page, or start with OOW 3000 Oral Exam Preparation Hub.

Preparing for your MCA oral exam?

Understanding the booking process is only one part of passing the oral exam. Success also depends on structured preparation, examiner-style questioning, and building confidence well in advance.

Our oral prep support includes e-learning, twice-weekly live clinics, 1-to-1 sessions, and quiz apps designed to help candidates prepare in a focused and practical way.

Overview – MIN 690 (Amendment 5)

• Issued: 3 June 2025
• Valid until: 30 June 2026
• Delivery: Mainly online via Microsoft Teams
• Applies to: MCA oral examinations, NOEs/NOAs, and online exam processes
• Key change: Some certificates now follow a Part A (online proctored exam) + Part B (online oral via Teams) route

Part A and Part B – Understanding the Routes

Before you can book your exam, confirm whether your certificate follows a Part A / Part B route or a standalone oral route. This affects when and how the oral exam can be booked.

NOE / NOA – What It Is and What to Check

Candidates apply to the MCA for a Notice of Eligibility (NOE) (or Notice of Assessment (NOA), depending on route). These are normally issued by email and confirm eligibility to proceed to the exam stage.

When you receive your NOE/NOA, check it carefully. It may include key items such as your exam route/type, candidate conduct requirements, and (for standalone oral routes) the booking link and PIN. Keep copies of all emails and supporting documents.

How Booking Works (Booking Link + PIN)

Step 1 – Receive NOE/NOA

Once eligibility is confirmed, the MCA issues an NOE/NOA by email. Keep this email safe — it is commonly required throughout the booking and exam process.

Step 2 – Book via the MCA System

For standalone oral routes, the NOE/NOA email typically includes a booking link and a unique PIN. Use these to access the booking system and select an available exam date and time.

For Part A / Part B routes, Part B booking normally becomes available only after you pass the Part A proctored exam.

Step 3 – Confirmation Email

After booking, the MCA sends a confirmation email with the appointment details. Check the exam type carefully and keep a copy of the confirmation for your records.

Booked your oral exam — or planning ahead?

Many candidates begin preparation 3–4 months before the exam, and some start even earlier. If you already have an exam date in mind, now is the right time to begin structured revision.

View oral prep support  |  Try our quiz apps

If You Cannot See Any Slots (or Cannot Book)

If the booking system does not display available slots, it may simply reflect examiner availability and demand. If you cannot secure a suitable date, follow the contact instructions provided in your NOE/NOA email.

Practical note: When contacting the MCA, it can help to provide a short availability window so the examinations team can assist efficiently if manual intervention is required.

Device and Platform Requirements

MCA online examinations are conducted using Microsoft Teams and must be accessed using an appropriate device.

• Allowed: laptop, desktop, tablet
• Not supported: mobile phones
• Recommended: reliable internet, working webcam and microphone, good lighting

Online Exam Conditions (Part A and Part B)

Knowing the process is not the same as being ready for the oral exam

Candidates often understand the booking route but still need help with oral technique, examiner-style questioning, and structured revision for their own certificate.

Use our oral prep support and quiz apps to start preparing earlier and more effectively.

After the Exam: Results, Resits, and Fees

Results are typically given verbally at the end of the oral examination and then confirmed by email by the MCA. If you fail, the result email normally includes feedback and instructions for the resit process.

• Resits normally require reapplication for a new NOE and payment of the fee again (often referenced as £159 for an attempt).
• For Part A/Part B routes, Part A must be passed before Part B can be taken.

Appeals and Malpractice

Online exams may be recorded and retained for a period (often referenced as up to 90 days). Appeals must be lodged within the applicable time limits.

• Part A appeals: within 10 working days
• Part B appeals: within 5 working days
• Malpractice: phones, notes, outside help, obscured camera, repeated looking away, or failure to follow instructions may result in disqualification

✅ MCA Oral Exam Checklist (Deck) – MIN 690 (Amendment 5)

1) Before Applying

• Confirm which CoC you are applying for (e.g. OOW Unlimited, Chief Mate, Master etc.)
• Gather sea service evidence, TRB (if required), and completion certificates
• Scan TRB overview signature pages (even if submitting a physical TRB)
• Ensure your email address is correct and consistent (used throughout the process)

2) Apply for NOE

• Complete the correct deck NOE application form
• Pay the fee for the attempt (often referenced as £159)
• Submit all supporting documents (TRB/sea service/certificates)
• For third attempt or more, ensure all documentary evidence is in place
• Wait for NOE/NOA (issued electronically by email)

3) On Receiving NOE/NOA

• Check the exam route/type is correct
• Save the email (often contains booking link/PIN and key instructions)
• Keep copies of all emails and documents

4) Preparing for the Exam Day

• Quiet, well-lit room with no interruptions
• No phones, headphones, or unauthorised material
• ID and required documents ready
• Log in at least 10 minutes before the exam

Tip: Do not attempt Part A unless you are confident you can complete Part B within 12 months. Keep copies of all emails, results, and TRB scans.

Official MCA and GOV.UK References

This guidance is based on official MCA publications. Candidates should review the source documents alongside their preparation.

• Marine Information Notice 690 (Amendment 5) – Online Oral Examinations
• MSN 1856 – Deck Officers: Merchant Navy
• MSN 1858 – Large Yacht Deck Officers
• Maritime and Coastguard Agency – Official GOV.UK Page

More Information (MCA Contacts)

UK Seafarer Services
Maritime and Coastguard Agency
Bay 2/11, Spring Place, 105 Commercial Road, Southampton, SO15 1EG

Email:
exams@mcga.gov.uk
onlineoralexams@mcga.gov.uk
infoline@mcga.gov.uk

Next step: start preparing for your oral exam

Once you understand the MCA oral examination process, the next priority is structured preparation for your own certificate, oral route, and likely examiner expectations.

We offer oral prep courses, live clinics, 1-to-1 support, and quiz apps to help candidates revise with confidence.

• Officer of the Watch (OOW) < 3000 GT – Oral Exam Preparation Hub
• OOW 3000 Oral Exam – Requirements Explained
• Master 3000 Oral Exam – Requirements and Pathways
• Master Unlimited Oral Exam – Guidance and Preparation