JCQ, the membership body for exam boards, has launched an independent commission into exam malpractice.
The commission will be chaired by the former general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, Sir John Dunford.
JCQ said the commission was not launched in relation to any particular issue or concern.
However, it stressed that it was important that exam boards kept up to date with changes in technology which were providing new opportunities for cheating - such as the rise of social media and encrypted groups such as WhatsApp, and smartwatches and phones that can access the internet.
Michael Turner, director general of JCQ, said: “Malpractice is relatively uncommon, but its impact can be significant.
“Exam boards have robust procedures in place but there is more they and the whole industry can do to deliver improvements.
“Public confidence in the integrity of the system is extremely important and we need to ensure that we more fully understand what drives malpractice, and how we can support school and college staff and leaders.”
Commenting on his role, Sir John said: “I am very pleased to have been asked to lead this important commission. Our work will be valuable not only to exam boards but also to schools, colleges, parents and students.
“The integrity of the exam system is of vital importance to everyone involved, but especially to the young people taking exams on whose grades their future depend.
“We will seek evidence from a wide range of stakeholders to ensure that all views are represented and I hope that the recommendations of the commission will play a significant part in reducing malpractice at all levels.”
The commission will start its work in September, and will consider both general and vocational assessments.
It is expected to deliver its recommendations in spring 2019.
In 2017, Ofqual reported that there were 2,715 penalties issued to candidates for malpractice, 895 to staff members and 120 to schools and colleges.
Malpractice includes bringing forbidden items, such as mobile phones, into exam halls.
Teachers can also commit malpractice by giving inappropriate assistance to pupils during assessed coursework, and by sharing exam papers before the allotted time.
In 2017, penalties for candidates were overwhelmingly for possession of a mobile in an examination.
