Advertise an unclassified film or computer game
If you want to advertise an unclassified film or computer game, you need to have an assessment of the likely classification of the content.
Assessment of likely classification
You can apply for an assessment of likely classification of an unclassified film or computer game.
Assessment by authorised assessor
Authorised advertising assessors can also make an assessment of the likely classification of an unclassified film or computer game.
Assessments made by authorised advertising assessors are not submitted to the Board. The assessor needs to keep details of the reasons for the assessment for 12 months in case the Director of the Classification Board has any questions about it.
Become an authorised assessor
We run a range of courses for accreditation in content assessment.
Check the Classification Database
Check the Classification Database to see if the film or computer game has received a classification or been assessed for its likely classification.
If the film or computer game has been classified, or assessed and given a likely classification, you are permitted to advertise it. See the different rules for advertising after the film or game has been classified.
Advertise unclassified films or games with classified films or games
An unclassified film or game can only be advertised with a classified film or game when it has been assessed as likely to be the same classification or lower.
| Advertising for a film or game with the likely classification of … | Can be shown with a film or game classified |
|---|---|
| G | R 18+ or below |
| PG | R 18+ to PG |
| M | R 18+ to M |
| MA 15+ | R 18+ or MA 15+ |
| R 18+ | R 18+ |
For example, a trailer for a film that has been assessed with a likely classification of M cannot be shown with a film that has been classified G or PG in a cinema.
Check the legislation
For detailed rules about specific requirements for different types of advertisements, see the Classification (Advertising of Unclassified Films and Computer Games Scheme) Determination 2009.
Check the classification message rules
Advertising for unclassified films and computer games must include a message of either CTC or Check the Classification.
CTC message
The short CTC message can be used in:
- print advertising
- online advertising
- film directories and session times
Check the classification message
The long Check the Classification message can be used in print advertising and online advertising.
Check the classification ticker
A static or animated ‘ticker’ showing the long Check the Classification message can be used in screen advertising such as trailers and online advertisements.
The markings downloads to use in advertising material include instructions and templates for displaying the markings and messaging.