SEAB’s GCE private-candidate guidance says examination fees depend on the subjects registered and citizenship status at the point of registration. It says fees will not be refunded if your citizenship status changes after registration. If incorrect information was provided, SEAB says candidates must pay any difference in registration fees.
Check the personal details in the Candidates Portal before paying. A later change of citizenship and an error in the original record are different situations. Contact SEAB through the official route if you are unsure which applies.
- Use the fee table for your exam and year.
- Check the subjects and citizenship information before paying.
- Contact SEAB if the citizenship field is incorrect.
- Keep the registration and payment confirmation.
How to check the fee before registering
Open the official registration information for the examination year and look up the subjects you intend to take. Check the fee category that applies to your situation. A total from another candidate may involve different subjects or a different category.
If your circumstances are changing and you are unsure which status to enter, contact SEAB before payment. State the relevant dates and ask what information it needs. Use the official channel if SEAB asks for documents.
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What if citizenship changes afterward?
SEAB’s published GCE guidance says it uses citizenship status at registration and that a later change does not produce a refund of the examination fees. Keep your original confirmation and ask SEAB if the change affects any candidate records or documents.
For example, if a candidate registers first and their citizenship changes later, they can check whether any record needs updating. That administrative check is separate from requesting a fee refund.
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What if the original record was wrong?
SEAB’s private-candidate FAQ lists citizenship as a field candidates cannot change themselves after account creation. Contact SEAB rather than trying to correct a locked field through another entry. SEAB’s fee guidance says a difference can be payable if incorrect information was supplied.
For other fields and documents, see the Candidates Portal personal details guide.
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Frequently asked questions
Does the same fee apply to every subject?
Check the current registration information. SEAB says fees depend on the subjects as well as citizenship status at registration.
Does this establish the SEC fee rules?
Check the registration information for the relevant SEC year. This guide explains the published GCE guidance.
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Official information
Consult SEAB’s Private Candidate? Start Here fee guidance and its official FAQ on amending personal particulars. Guidance checked on 8 November 2026.