Newspaper journalist : Training

After an initial probationary period, many trainee reporters follow basic journalism training under the terms of a training contract, usually lasting up to 18 months. All trainee journalists must pass preliminary exams to be eligible to sit the National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ) National Certificate Exam (NCE), the professional qualification for senior newspaper journalists.

Entry requirements for the NCE include:

• A pass in the NCTJ preliminary certificate
• A shorthand exam pass with a speed of at least 100 words per minute
• At least 18 months’ paid employment as a trainee journalist
• A logbook of story cuttings from newspaper employment.

The NCE comprises four sections:

• news interview
• news report
• newspaper practice
• logbook

There are also other NCEs for photographers and sub-editors.

Trainees with large newspaper groups and national newspapers may also receive structured training in reporting, writing, proofreading, sub-editing, layout and design and production.

Smaller newspapers may not be able to provide training opportunities in these areas to the same extent. Courses run by the NCTJ are recognised in the industry and can lead to a variety of further qualifications, including N/SVQs. The National Union of Journalists NUJ Training  also offers a range of training courses.