VTCT Skills launches Saras: a new assessment platform for centres and learners

VTCT Skills is pleased to announce the full launch of Saras, our new assessment platform.

From 1 September 2026, Saras will become the platform for all eligible assessments, replacing XAMS for assessment scheduling, delivery and administration.

The move to Saras represents an important step in our approach to delivering assessment that is secure, accessible, flexible and fit for the future.

A better assessment experience

Saras has been designed with both centres and learners in mind, offering an improved digital assessment experience and a range of features to support secure and accessible assessment delivery.

Key benefits include:

• Improved learner experience – an intuitive assessment interface with accessible colour schemes, flexible text and stimulus resizing, and keyword highlighting.
• Secure assessment delivery – assessments are delivered through the Respondus LockDown Browser, helping protect assessment integrity.
• Greater flexibility – including additional options for remote assessment through Record & Review.
• Improved resilience – system checks and functionality designed to help minimise technical issues and support assessment continuity.

New options for remote assessment

From 1 September, Record & Review remote invigilation will also be available as an additional assessment delivery option for centres where remote assessment is appropriate.

Record & Review does not replace existing centre-based invigilation arrangements. Centres can continue to use their usual centre-appointed invigilators for assessments delivered within a centre or workplace.

Supporting centres through launch

We recognise that moving to a new assessment platform is a significant change. To support centres during the initial launch period, we are providing enhanced Hypercare support, including:

• Extended Saras enquiry support hours of 8am–6pm
• Weekly drop-in sessions where centres can ask questions and access support
• Escalation to specialist teams where further investigation is required

The Saras Hub will remain the central source of guidance, FAQs, training materials, webinar recordings and the latest updates.

Visit the Saras Hub

What centres need to do

Centres should ensure they have:

• Validated their Saras login
• Installed and tested the Respondus LockDown Browser
• Checked their devices and network meet the required technical specifications
• Completed the practice assessment
• Reviewed the Saras Guidebook and supporting resources
• Familiarised themselves with Record & Review if they intend to use remote assessment

Centres should also be aware that XAMS will no longer be available for booking or delivering examinations from 1 September.

The final date for centres to retrieve results and other required data from XAMS is October 2026. We recommend downloading any information that may be required as soon as possible.

Looking ahead

The launch of Saras marks an important milestone in VTCT Skills’ approach to assessment. As assessment continues to evolve, we will continue to focus on providing secure, accessible and reliable assessment solutions that meet the needs of learners, centres and the wider education and skills sector.

We would like to thank all centres who have supported the soft launch, provided feedback and helped us prepare for the full rollout of Saras.