--- title: How to configure reference form settings description: This guide will tell you how you can make sure that you do not send another reference request to a referee --- [Skip to content](https://helpdesk.applicaa.com/second-reference-requests#main-content) ![APPLICAA\_LOGO-1024x350-4.png\]](https://helpdesk.applicaa.com/hs-fs/hubfs/APPLICAA_LOGO-1024x350-4.png?height=40&name=APPLICAA_LOGO-1024x350-4.png) Open main navigation Close main navigation Hello, how can I help? - There are no suggestions because the search field is empty. 1. [Applicaa Knowledge Base](https://helpdesk.applicaa.com/?hsLang=en) 2. [Sixth Form Only](https://helpdesk.applicaa.com/sixth-form-only?hsLang=en) 3. [References](https://helpdesk.applicaa.com/sixth-form-only?hsLang=en#references) # How to configure reference form settings ## This guide covers all configuration settings available within the Reference step, including step-level visibility, general settings that apply across all form types, and per form type settings that control individual reference behaviour. ### **Getting there** Navigate to: `Settings › Application Form › Reference step`    ![](https://helpdesk.applicaa.com/hs-fs/hubfs/image-png-Apr-24-2026-11-29-13-4259-AM.png?width=670&height=307&name=image-png-Apr-24-2026-11-29-13-4259-AM.png) --- ### **Step visibility settings** At the top of the Reference step, **Enable for** toggles let you activate or deactivate references separately for **Internal** and **External** applicants. ![](https://helpdesk.applicaa.com/hs-fs/hubfs/image-png-Apr-24-2026-03-29-39-0370-PM.png?width=612&height=280&name=image-png-Apr-24-2026-03-29-39-0370-PM.png) For more advanced visibility controls — such as removing the References tab from the student profile — click the **pencil icon** next to the "References" heading to open the **Edit Step: References** modal. ![](https://helpdesk.applicaa.com/hs-fs/hubfs/image-png-Apr-24-2026-03-29-59-9192-PM.png?width=670&height=382&name=image-png-Apr-24-2026-03-29-59-9192-PM.png) The following toggles are available in this modal: | Toggle | What it controls | | --- | --- | | **Visible to Internal Students** | Turn off to hide the References step from internally registered students. They will not be asked to provide referee details. | | **Visible to External Students** | Turn off to hide the References step from externally registered applicants. They will not be asked to provide referee details. | | **Visible to Student Profile** | Turn off to hide the References tab from the student profile. For the tab to be fully hidden, this must be turned off on **every phase** that contains a Reference step — if any phase still has it enabled, the tab will remain visible. | Once you have made your changes, click **Update Step** to save. --- ### **General Reference Settings** Scroll down the Reference step to find the **General Reference Settings** section. The setting **"Reference request is required before moving an application to be Completed"** can be toggled separately for **Internal** and **External** applicants. ![](https://helpdesk.applicaa.com/hs-fs/hubfs/image-png-Apr-24-2026-03-32-21-7187-PM.png?width=585&height=647&name=image-png-Apr-24-2026-03-32-21-7187-PM.png) | Setting state | What happens after an applicant submits | | --- | --- | | **On** | The application is marked as **Awaiting Reference**. A reference request email is automatically sent to the referee. | | **Off** | The application is marked as **Completed**. No reference request email is sent to the referee. | --- ### **Per form type settings** Each reference form type in the Reference Form Types panel has its own **ON/OFF toggle**. This controls whether that specific form type is active — turning it off deactivates it without deleting it, leaving all its configuration intact. This is independent of the global Enable for toggles at the top of the Reference step. To access the full configuration settings for a form type, click the **pencil icon next to the form type name**. This opens the **Edit Reference Form Type** modal — separate from the pencil icon next to the References heading above. ![](https://helpdesk.applicaa.com/hs-fs/hubfs/image-png-Apr-24-2026-03-33-46-5718-PM.png?width=585&height=646&name=image-png-Apr-24-2026-03-33-46-5718-PM.png)![](https://helpdesk.applicaa.com/hs-fs/hubfs/image-png-Apr-24-2026-03-34-15-7834-PM.png?width=521&height=857&name=image-png-Apr-24-2026-03-34-15-7834-PM.png) Under **Form Settings**, the following options are available: | Setting | What it does | | --- | --- | | **Prevent referees from editing a submitted reference** | Once a referee submits their reference, they will not be able to return and make changes. | | **Allow uploaded references** | Referees can upload a document in place of completing the online form. | | **Overwrite student grades with referee grades** | When enabled, grades submitted by the referee will overwrite any grades already recorded against the student. *Only available on the Academic Reference form type.* | | **Allow resending reference request after completion** | Permits a new reference request to be sent even after a reference has already been completed — for example, if an applicant resubmits their form. Switch this **off** to prevent duplicate requests being sent on resubmission. | | **Prevent any further references being submitted** | Locks the reference form once a response has been received, preventing any additional submissions. | **Note:** If your school uses multiple reference types, Form Settings must be configured separately for each form type by clicking the pencil icon on each one. **Tip:** You can also set up automated reminder emails to chase referees who have not yet completed their form. This is configured in the **Communications** area, not within the Reference step. See[How to create an automated reminder for incomplete referee forms](https://helpdesk.applicaa.com/how-to-create-an-automated-reminder-for-incomplete-referee-forms?hsLang=en) for full instructions.   - [Course 1 - First Impressions](https://helpdesk.applicaa.com/course-1-first-impressions?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Landing Page](https://helpdesk.applicaa.com/course-1-first-impressions?hsLang=en#landing-page) - [Main dashboard](https://helpdesk.applicaa.com/course-1-first-impressions?hsLang=en#main-dashboard) - [Homepages](https://helpdesk.applicaa.com/course-1-first-impressions?hsLang=en#homepages) - [Reporting on Admissions+](https://helpdesk.applicaa.com/course-1-first-impressions?hsLang=en#reporting-on-admissions) - [Course 2 - Profiles](https://helpdesk.applicaa.com/course-2-profiles?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Student Profile](https://helpdesk.applicaa.com/course-2-profiles?hsLang=en#student-profile) - [Parent Profile (Not for Yr 12)](https://helpdesk.applicaa.com/course-2-profiles?hsLang=en#parent-profile-not-for-yr-12) - [Application statuses](https://helpdesk.applicaa.com/course-2-profiles?hsLang=en#application-statuses) - [Manage users](https://helpdesk.applicaa.com/course-2-profiles?hsLang=en#manage-users) - [Staff users & permissions](https://helpdesk.applicaa.com/course-2-profiles?hsLang=en#staff-users-permissions) - [Sixth Form Only](https://helpdesk.applicaa.com/sixth-form-only?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Subject Options](https://helpdesk.applicaa.com/sixth-form-only?hsLang=en#subject-options) - [References](https://helpdesk.applicaa.com/sixth-form-only?hsLang=en#references) - [Courses Step](https://helpdesk.applicaa.com/sixth-form-only?hsLang=en#courses-step) - [Form Groups](https://helpdesk.applicaa.com/sixth-form-only?hsLang=en#form-groups) - [Account Creation](https://helpdesk.applicaa.com/sixth-form-only?hsLang=en#account-creation) - [Course 3 - Application process in detail](https://helpdesk.applicaa.com/course-3-application-process-in-detail?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Application form customisation](https://helpdesk.applicaa.com/course-3-application-process-in-detail?hsLang=en#application-form-customisation) - [Application phases & settings (the journey)](https://helpdesk.applicaa.com/course-3-application-process-in-detail?hsLang=en#application-phases-settings-the-journey) - [Course 4 - Communications & Events](https://helpdesk.applicaa.com/course-4-communications-events?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Communications](https://helpdesk.applicaa.com/course-4-communications-events?hsLang=en#communications) - [Event Creation & Settings](https://helpdesk.applicaa.com/course-4-communications-events?hsLang=en#event-creation-settings) - [Manage registrations](https://helpdesk.applicaa.com/course-4-communications-events?hsLang=en#manage-registrations) - [Course 5 - Checks, Troubleshooting & Go-Live!](https://helpdesk.applicaa.com/course-5-checks-troubleshooting-go-live?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Nursery, Primary & Secondary Only](https://helpdesk.applicaa.com/course-5-checks-troubleshooting-go-live?hsLang=en#nursery-primary-secondary-only) - [Troubleshooting](https://helpdesk.applicaa.com/course-5-checks-troubleshooting-go-live?hsLang=en#troubleshooting) - [New Cycle](https://helpdesk.applicaa.com/course-5-checks-troubleshooting-go-live?hsLang=en#new-cycle) - [Course 6 - Timetable & Options (Yr 9 & 12)](https://helpdesk.applicaa.com/course-6-timetable-options-yr-9-12?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Timetable Overview](https://helpdesk.applicaa.com/course-6-timetable-options-yr-9-12?hsLang=en#timetable-overview) - [Options step by step & settings](https://helpdesk.applicaa.com/course-6-timetable-options-yr-9-12?hsLang=en#options-step-by-step-settings) - [Clashes & Optimisation](https://helpdesk.applicaa.com/course-6-timetable-options-yr-9-12?hsLang=en#clashes-optimisation) - [Course 7 - Meetings & Offers](https://helpdesk.applicaa.com/course-7-meetings-offers?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Setting up meetings](https://helpdesk.applicaa.com/course-7-meetings-offers?hsLang=en#setting-up-meetings) - [Adding students (or parents)](https://helpdesk.applicaa.com/course-7-meetings-offers?hsLang=en#adding-students-or-parents) - [Sending Invitations](https://helpdesk.applicaa.com/course-7-meetings-offers?hsLang=en#sending-invitations) - [Conducting & Managing Meetings](https://helpdesk.applicaa.com/course-7-meetings-offers?hsLang=en#conducting-managing-meetings) - [Offer phase settings](https://helpdesk.applicaa.com/course-7-meetings-offers?hsLang=en#offer-phase-settings) - [Making & managing offers](https://helpdesk.applicaa.com/course-7-meetings-offers?hsLang=en#making-managing-offers) - [Course 8 - Transition Features & Taster Days](https://helpdesk.applicaa.com/course-8-transition-features-taster-days?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Transition Tool](https://helpdesk.applicaa.com/course-8-transition-features-taster-days?hsLang=en#transition-tool) - [Sorting Hat](https://helpdesk.applicaa.com/course-8-transition-features-taster-days?hsLang=en#sorting-hat) - [Taster Days](https://helpdesk.applicaa.com/course-8-transition-features-taster-days?hsLang=en#taster-days) - [Course 9 - Sixth Form Enrolment](https://helpdesk.applicaa.com/course-9-sixth-form-enrolment?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Preparing your system for enrolment day](https://helpdesk.applicaa.com/course-9-sixth-form-enrolment?hsLang=en#preparing-your-system-for-enrolment-day) - [Enrolment final checks & troubleshooting](https://helpdesk.applicaa.com/course-9-sixth-form-enrolment?hsLang=en#enrolment-final-checks-troubleshooting) - [Enrolment process overview](https://helpdesk.applicaa.com/course-9-sixth-form-enrolment?hsLang=en#enrolment-process-overview) - [Post-Enrolment Tools](https://helpdesk.applicaa.com/course-9-sixth-form-enrolment?hsLang=en#post-enrolment-tools) - [Data & Integrations (IT & Data Managers)](https://helpdesk.applicaa.com/data-integrations-it-data-managers?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Connect to your MIS](https://helpdesk.applicaa.com/data-integrations-it-data-managers?hsLang=en#connect-to-your-mis) - [Transferring data to and from your MIS](https://helpdesk.applicaa.com/data-integrations-it-data-managers?hsLang=en#transferring-data-to-and-from-your-mis) - [Properties & useful info](https://helpdesk.applicaa.com/data-integrations-it-data-managers?hsLang=en#properties-useful-info) - [Insights Area](https://helpdesk.applicaa.com/data-integrations-it-data-managers?hsLang=en#insights-area) - [Data Compliance](https://helpdesk.applicaa.com/data-integrations-it-data-managers?hsLang=en#data-compliance) - [Your AI Assistant](https://helpdesk.applicaa.com/data-integrations-it-data-managers?hsLang=en#your-ai-assistant) - [Bursary16+](https://helpdesk.applicaa.com/bursary16?hsLang=en) - [Customer training timetable & in depth guides.](https://helpdesk.applicaa.com/customer-training-timetable-in-depth-guides?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Customer Training Schedule](https://helpdesk.applicaa.com/customer-training-timetable-in-depth-guides?hsLang=en#customer-training-schedule) - [Nursery & SIF](https://helpdesk.applicaa.com/customer-training-timetable-in-depth-guides?hsLang=en#nursery-sif) - [Reception, Year 7, Middle School, In Year](https://helpdesk.applicaa.com/customer-training-timetable-in-depth-guides?hsLang=en#reception-year-7-middle-school-in-year) - [Sixth Form](https://helpdesk.applicaa.com/customer-training-timetable-in-depth-guides?hsLang=en#sixth-form) - [Exams+](https://helpdesk.applicaa.com/customer-training-timetable-in-depth-guides?hsLang=en#exams) - [Data+](https://helpdesk.applicaa.com/customer-training-timetable-in-depth-guides?hsLang=en#data) - [MAT Dashboard](https://helpdesk.applicaa.com/customer-training-timetable-in-depth-guides?hsLang=en#mat-dashboard) - [Miscellaneous](https://helpdesk.applicaa.com/customer-training-timetable-in-depth-guides?hsLang=en#miscellaneous) - [Subscriptions and Upgrading](https://helpdesk.applicaa.com/subscriptions-and-upgrading?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Billing, T&Cs, 1:1 CSM Service](https://helpdesk.applicaa.com/subscriptions-and-upgrading?hsLang=en#billing-tcs-11-csm-service) - [Find out more about our products](https://helpdesk.applicaa.com/subscriptions-and-upgrading?hsLang=en#find-out-more-about-our-products) - [Applicaa Futures](https://helpdesk.applicaa.com/applicaa-futures?hsLang=en#main-content) - [ApplicaaOne and Applicaa Futures](https://helpdesk.applicaa.com/applicaa-futures?hsLang=en#applicaaone-and-applicaa-futures) - [First Media](https://helpdesk.applicaa.com/first-media?hsLang=en) [![APPLICAA\_LOGO-1024x350-4](https://helpdesk.applicaa.com/hs-fs/hubfs/APPLICAA_LOGO-1024x350-4.webp?width=150&height=51&name=APPLICAA_LOGO-1024x350-4.webp "APPLICAA_LOGO-1024x350-4")](http://applicaa.com) Admissions+ Knowledge Base Copyright © 2025, Applicaa Ltd