Which Reading Pens Are Allowed In Exams? A Guide For Parents And Teachers

With exam season just around the corner, you are probably wanting to get your child or class as prepared as possible to achieve their best. For many students with dyslexia, reading pens are a vital tool and can play an important role in helping them access text independently, but are they allowed in tests?

In this latest article, we thought we would take a closer look at what exam pens are, the key features of some of the leading options on the market, and whether they can be used in JCQ and AQA examinations this summer.

If you’re in a rush, our top pick is the C-Pen Reader 2 because it is the most accurate and user-friendly device, suitable for all ages. We’ve found that it really makes a difference for students, and the fact that it is allowed in SAT exams makes it a truly versatile device. If you are a school or parent looking for a device which is reliable and is going to be used in just Exams after SATs age, then we’d recommend the C-Pen Exam Reader because it works from the box every time, meaning it’s a stress-free device that’s perfect for assisting students.  

What are reading pens?

First things first, what are reading pens? These handheld devices scan printed text and read it aloud through a speaker or headphones, which makes them ideal for students with dyslexia as well as anyone who finds reading difficult, tiring or slow. By hearing the words as they scan the text, users can read more independently and with greater confidence.

Most reading pens work by running the tip of the pen along a line of printed text, with the pen scanning the words, converting the text into digital text using optical character recognition (OCR), and then using text-to-speech technology to read the words aloud.

That means instead of getting stuck on individual words, students can scan and hear them spoken immediately, helping them to maintain the flow of reading while boosting their understanding of the text.

JCQ and AQA guidelines on reading pens

Most GCSE and A Level exams in the UK follow the regulations set by the Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ), which covers exam boards including AQA, Edexcel and OCR. JCQ sets out the rules for access arrangements, including the use of reading pens in exams, and states that reading pens are allowed in exams where they are the student’s normal way of working and where they do not give the student an unfair advantage.

The key rule that schools and parents need to be aware of is that an examination reading pen must not contain a dictionary, thesaurus, translation function or a data storage facility. So in simple terms, the pen must only read text aloud and cannot define words, translate text into another language or store scanned text. This is why many reading pens, which are very useful for learning and homework, are not permitted in GCSE and A Level exams.

Students will normally use the pen in mock exams first to show that the pen is part of the student’s normal way of working before it can be used in an examination.

SATs compared with GCSE and A level exams

SATs rules are generally more flexible than GCSE and A Level regulations. Many reading pens that include dictionaries and translation features are allowed in SATs, but those same pens would not be allowed in GCSE or A Level exams.

Because of this difference, some students use one reading pen in primary school and then move to an exam-approved reading pen when they reach secondary school exams.

Reading pen comparison table

Here at the Dyslexia Shop, we offer a wide range of reading pens for students designed to support students with learning, independent revision and their exams. This hand graph gives you an idea of where and how they can be used.

Reading Pen	Permitted in GCSE / A Level Exams	Permitted in SATs	Reads Computer Screen	Line by Line Scanner	Paragraph Scanner	Whole Page	Translation
Rocket Pen Exam	✔	✔	✘	✔	✘	✘	✘
C-Pen Exam Reader	✔	✔	✘	✔	✘	✘	✘
OrCam Learn Basic	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✘
ScanMarker Max	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✘	✔
Rocket Pen (Standard)	✘	✘	✘	✔	✘	✘	✔
C-Pen Reader 2	✘	✔	✘	✔	✘	✘	✔
C-Pen Lingo 3	✘	✘	✘	✔	✔	✘	✔
IRISPen 8	✘	✘	✔	✔	✔	✘	✔
IRISPen Air	✘	✘	✔	✔	✔	✘	✔
ScanMarker Air	✘	✘	✘	✔	✘	✘	✔
C-Pen Reader 3	✘	✘	✘	✔	✔	✘	✔
ScanMarker Pro	✘	✘	✔	✔	✔	✘	✔

 

Exam-approved reading pens

Of our range of reading pens, several can be used in GCSE and A Level examinations: the Rocket Pen Exam, the C-Pen Exam Reader, the OrCam Learn Basic and the ScanMarker Max. These devices are designed to meet JCQ requirements and do not include dictionaries or translation tools.

The Rocket Pen Exam is designed specifically for exam use and scans a single line of text and reads it aloud through headphones. It does not store text and does not include a dictionary, which makes it suitable for GCSE, A Level and SATs exams, and is often used by students who are able to read independently but occasionally need help reading unfamiliar or complex words.

The C-Pen Exam Reader is one of the most widely used reading pens in UK schools and exams. Many SEN departments use these regularly as part of access arrangements, and the pen scans text line by line and reads it aloud, allowing students to work through exam papers independently without needing a human reader.

The OrCam Learn Basic is more advanced than a typical reading pen, and it can read lines, paragraphs and full pages of text, and it can also read text from a computer screen. This can be particularly helpful for students who use computers in lessons or exams. The Basic version is designed without dictionary or translation features so that it complies with exam regulations.

The ScanMarker Max is a newer addition and offers more flexibility in how text is scanned, including lines, paragraphs and full pages. It is only exam applicable when the “Exam Lock” function is turned on, temporarily removing the translation and dictionary features.

Reading pens for SATs and everyday learning

Some reading pens include additional features such as dictionaries, text storage and translation tools. These features can be extremely helpful for learning, homework and reading practice, but they mean the pens are not permitted in GCSE and A Level exams.

The C-Pen Reader 2 has been a very popular reading pen in schools for many years, as it not only reads text aloud but also includes a dictionary and translation functions. These features help students understand new vocabulary and support independent learning, which is why they are commonly used in classrooms and for homework. However, because of the dictionary and translation features, it is not allowed in GCSE and A Level exams, although it may be used in SATs.

The C-Pen Reader 3 is the newer version of the Reader 2 and includes improved scanning and the ability to read text from printed pages. It also includes dictionary and translation tools; however, it is not able to be used in examinations. The C-Pen Lingo 3 takes this further with enhanced translation features, making it particularly useful for language learning and multilingual students.

The IRISPen 8 and IRISPen Air are scanning pens that can also connect to computers or devices. They can scan lines and paragraphs of text and transfer text to a computer, and they include translation and text-to-speech features, useful tools for coursework, homework and independent study, but not permitted in GCSE and A Level exams.

Choosing the right reading pen

Choosing the right reading pen depends on how the student will use it. If the pen is mainly needed for exams, then it is important to choose an exam-approved device that follows JCQ regulations, but if the pen is mainly for reading books, worksheets, and homework, then one with a dictionary and translation features may be more useful.

Many students benefit from having one exam pen and one reading pen for everyday learning. The exam pen is used in mock exams and formal exams, while the other pen is used in lessons and at home to support reading and understanding.

Schools will usually advise on which devices are suitable and will confirm whether a specific pen can be used in exams. It is always a good idea to check with the school SENCo or exams officer before purchasing a device specifically for exam use.

Why reading pens make such a difference

Reading pens are not just about reading words aloud. They help students become more independent learners and reduce the stress that often comes with reading difficulties. In exams, they allow students to re-read questions independently and work at their own pace, which can make a significant difference to confidence and performance. For many students with dyslexia, independence is incredibly important, and reading pens help bridge the gap between needing support and working independently.

Final thoughts

Understanding which reading pens are allowed in exams can feel confusing at first, but the main rule is quite simple: if a reading pen has a dictionary, translation function or stores text, it is not allowed in GCSE or A Level exams. If it only reads text aloud and does not store information, it is likely to be allowed, provided the school has approved it as part of access arrangements. SATs are more flexible, so more reading pens are permitted at primary school level.

Choosing the right reading pen can make a real difference to a student’s confidence, independence and exam experience, and taking the time to understand the options ensures the student has the right support both in the classroom and in exams. If you want to learn more, check out the full range today or contact our team, who will be happy to help.

Disclaimer: all information contained in this blog was as per our findings at the time of writing (April 2026) and should always be double checked with your school first.