Associate Entry Exam Specification Information Pack

Transcription

1 Associate Entry Exam Specification Information Pack IA/CD/02.1. Associate Exam Specification Issue: 3.0 Issued: 01 December 2015

2 Publishing Policy for Specifications For all IEMA specifications the electronic version on IEMA s website is definitive in the case of any difference between it and a previously printed version. The electronic version on the website is updated if any significant changes are made during the lifetime of the specification. All significant changes to the specification are detailed in the change log at the back of this document. Training Centres and candidates should check that this printed version of the specification is the latest version by visiting Acknowledgements This specification has been developed by IEMA in consultation with an environmental practitioner working group and the Professional Standards Committee. IEMA recognises and values all those who contribute their time and expertise to the development of its specifications. Version 3 published on 01 December 2015 Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment City Office Park Tritton Road LN6 7AS Telephone: +44 (0) info@iema.net Website: IEMA

3 Contents The Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment... 4 Routes to Taking the Associate Exam... 4 Associate Certificate in Environmental Management Course... 4 Applying and Identifying Fees... 5 Learning Outcomes and Assessment Criteria... 6 Associate Entry Exam Marking, Awarding and Reporting of Results Language of Assessment Legislation and Policy Reasonable Adjustments Special Consideration Malpractice Result Enquiries and Appeals Re-sits Training Centre Information for the Associate Certificate Course and Exam Change Log This Information Pack should be used in conjunction with: - Associate Exam Delegate Application Form - Associate Entry Exam Guidance For Training Centres - IEMA Training Centre: Examination Booking Form - Associate Entry Exam Examination Handbook for IEMA Training Centres - Associate Entry Exam Guidance IEMA

4 The Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment The Institute of Environmental Management & Assessment (IEMA) is the professional home of over 15,000 environment and sustainability professionals from around the globe. We are independent and international; delivering evidence to Governments, information to business and inspiration to employers, that demonstrates how to transform the world to sustainability. IEMA s Mission is: Supporting individuals and organisations to set, recognise and achieve global sustainability standards, leadership and transformational sustainability practice Go to to find out more. The Associate Entry Exam has been developed in order to provide an assessment of an environmental practitioner s knowledge, understanding and application of environmental management and assessment. IEMA Associate membership is the essential professional qualification for working in an environmental role; this leading qualification is represented in IEMA with over 9000 members at Associate level. Achieving Associate membership - IEMA s first level of Professional membership the entry examination allows members to demonstrate their environmental knowledge to employers, colleagues, recruitment agencies and clients. The rigorous Associate Entry Examination ultimately ensures that all IEMA Associates are equipped with the knowledge needed to work towards a sustainable future. Routes to Taking the Associate Exam There are two distinct routes for candidates wishing to undertake the Associate Entry Exam. Firstly, candidates may undertake the Associate Certificate in Environmental Management course with an IEMA Training Centre; e-learning, distance learning and/or taught course. Otherwise, candidates that feel they have the knowledge and competencies identified within this specification, or wish to study independently towards them, may register with IEMA directly for the exam. For the purposes of this specification these candidates are referred to as self-study. Associate Certificate in Environmental Management Course Course Aim This course will give learners the necessary knowledge and skills needed for a role co-ordinating and supporting the management of environmental sustainability; leading to environmental performance improvement and business benefits. Entry Requirements There are no formal entry requirements for candidates enrolling on the IEMA Associate Certificate in Environmental Management course, however, it is recommended that candidates have completed the IEMA Foundation Course in Environmental Management or have an equivalent level of knowledge or experience of environmental issues. This recommendation is intended to ensure that all candidates IEMA

5 who enter for the Associate Entry Examination can undertake the exam with a reasonable expectation of success. Additional information specifically for training partners on the Associate Certificate course and Associate Exam can be found on page 13, entitled Training Centre Information for the Associate Certificate Course Exam. Applying and Identifying Fees For candidates applying directly to IEMA for a self-study examination please fill out our Delegate Application Form which assists you to work out the fee you are required to pay. Candidates taking the Associate Certificate course are advised to contact IEMA Training Centres for course costs and options. A list of IEMA Training Centres can be found on the IEMA website. IEMA

6 Learning Outcomes and Assessment Criteria The learning outcomes state what a candidate will be expected to know, understand or be able to do and the assessment criteria describe the requirements that a candidate is expected to meet to demonstrate that a learning outcome has been achieved. Learning Outcome (the learner will...) Understand environmental and sustainability principles Understand environmental policy issues Assessment Criteria (the learner can...) 1.1 Describe the main natural cycles and ecological systems 1.2 Explain the importance of natural cycles and ecological systems 1.3 Describe the main ecosystem services 1.4 Explain the importance of biodiversity and ecological stability 1.5 Describe how human interventions impact upon natural cycles and ecological systems 1.6 Describe the main pollution sources, pathways and receptors 1.7 Explain the causes and effects of climate change 1.8 Explain the concepts of sustainability and sustainable development 2.1 Outline the key principles of environmental policy Prescribed Content (the learner will be familiar with...) Main natural cycles - Carbon, nitrogen and water cycles and phosphorus Ecological systems Plants and animals and their interactions with non-living components Main ecosystem services - Supporting, provisioning, regulating and cultural services Pollution sources, pathways and receptors including the concept of pollution linkages Principles of environmental policy - Polluter pays principle, best available techniques, precautionary principle, producer responsibility, lifecycle thinking, avoidance vs. mitigation 2.2 Describe the main policy instruments available to effect Change Policy instruments - Fiscal, legislative, market and voluntary instruments IEMA

7 2.3 Describe key environmental policies Environmental policies International and National policies in relation to natural environment, water, waste, energy, low carbon, resources Understand key environmental legislation and compliance measures Understand environmental management and sustainable development in a business context 3.1 Describe the regulatory framework including the relationship between UK, EU and international law 3.2 Outline the main types of Law 3.3 Describe key environmental legislation 3.4 Describe how organisations comply with environmental legislation 3.5 Outline the penalties for non-compliance with environmental legislation 3.6 Explain the roles of environmental regulators 4.1 Outline how environmental issues present risks and opportunities for organisations 4.2 Propose measures to manage environmental risks 4.3 Propose ways to take advantage of opportunities created 4.4 Describe the main components of an environmental business case 4.5 Explain the importance of corporate responsibility in relation to environmental management Types of Law Common and Statute law, and civil and criminal law (in jurisdictions where they exist) Environmental legislation Legislation in relation to natural environment, air, water, land, waste, energy, climate change, producer responsibility and planning Penalties civil and criminal sanctions (in jurisdictions where they exist) Environmental regulators National regulators appropriate to country or region of operation/activity (in jurisdictions where they exist) Risks At an operational and an organisational level, risks to the environment, and risks presented by a changing environment Measures to manage environmental risks - Operational, mechanical, technological, strategic and human (e.g. training/competencies) Environmental business case non financial and financial case 4.6 Explain the importance of environmental sustainability in value chain management 4.7 Explain the importance of effective resource use and recovery Organisational value chain Michael Porter definition IEMA

8 Be able to collect, analyse and report on environmental information and data Be able to apply environmental management and assessment tools Be able to analyse problems and opportunities to deliver sustainable solutions Be able to develop and implement programmes to deliver environmental performance improvement 5.1 Identify relevant sources of environmental information and data 5.2 Describe appropriate techniques to collect, process, store and retrieve information and data 5.3 Evaluate the accuracy and relevance of data 5.4 Analyse and interpret data 5.5 Draw appropriate conclusions 5.6 Use appropriate techniques to disseminate findings 5.7 Describe the role of verification and assurance 6.1 Describe the application of environmental management and assessment tools 6.2 Outline the advantages and disadvantages of environmental management and assessment tools 7.1 Recognise when environmental problems and opportunities exist 7.2 Determine the nature of the risk or the scope of the opportunity 7.3 Propose sustainable solutions and programmes to address environmental problems and opportunities 8.1 Identify ways to improve environmental performance 8.2 Describe how to develop a programme to improve environmental performance 8.3 Describe how to implement a programme to improve environmental performance Data Absolute and Normalised data, Qualitative and Quantitative data Verification and assurance including accounting principles materiality, responsiveness and completeness. Application purpose, stages in the process of implementation, relevant standards and guidelines. Environmental management and assessment tools - Risk assessment, environmental management systems, environmental audit, life cycle assessment, environmental impact assessment, strategic environmental assessment, cost benefit analysis, footprinting Recognise including being able to define risk and opportunity, and identify environmental impacts. Determine the nature including evaluate the significance of environmental impacts. Programme Including purpose and use of objectives and targets IEMA

9 8.4 Describe methods to monitor a programme to improve environmental performance Be able to communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders Be able to influence behaviour and implement change to improve sustainability 9.1 Identify internal and external stakeholders 9.2 Describe the needs of stakeholders 9.3 Explain the importance of effective communication to stakeholders 9.4 Describe appropriate communication methods for stakeholders 9.5 Evaluate the effectiveness of communication with stakeholders 9.6 Outline guidelines for environmental reporting and green claims 10.1 Outline the principles of change management 10.2 Describe how to create a positive environmental culture and a move to sustainability Stakeholders - stakeholder groups, e.g. employees, suppliers, shareholders, regulators, local community, Needs environmental information needs of stakeholders and why Guidelines for environmental reporting and green claims e.g. Global Reporting Index, DEFRA & DECC Guidance on how to measure and report your greenhouse gas emissions, DEFRA Green Claims Guidance THIS BOX IS INTENTIONALLY BLANK 10.3 Describe the barriers to creating a positive environmental culture and a move to sustainability 10.4 Constructively challenge behaviour that may cause environmental harm 10.5 Outline the implications and consequences of decisions THIS BOX IS INTENTIONALLY BLANK IEMA

10 Associate Entry Exam IEMA Associate Entry Examination Specification (Version 3) The Associate exam is via a 2.5 hour written examination which tests the learning outcomes and assessment criteria on pages 6-10 of this specification. Each examination paper contains ten questions, with 12 marks available per question. There is one question on each of the ten learning outcomes. Each question tests one or more of the assessment criteria associated with the learning outcome. The Associate Entry Exam papers are randomly drawn from a pool of examination papers. To maintain the integrity on the Associate Entry Exam actual questions and answers cannot be made available after completion of the exam. Specimen papers, with real candidate answers are available as a separate document entitled: Associate Entry Exam Guidance. Self-study Candidates An online version of the examination is available to self-study candidates. This allows candidates to arrange for an examination to take place at a location of their choice, on a date of their choice and at a time of their choice. Self-study candidates must complete their examination within 28 days from the start of their chosen examination period. and must have access to a PC with a reliable internet connection. Candidates are responsible for undertaking the examination in accordance with IEMA regulations. Associate Certificate Course Candidates Candidates completing the Associate Certificate in Environmental Management course are given two options for taking the exam; however, it is at the discretion of the training centre as to which examination method they offer. Firstly, candidates can take the online exam like that offered to self-study candidates (above). Alternatively, they may take a paper-based version of the examination which is available to IEMA Training Centres. This allows training centres to arrange for an examination to take place at a site of their choice, on a date of their choice and at a time of their choice. Exemptions from this Assessment Candidates undertaking the IEMA Associate Certificate through work-based learning route or candidates enrolled on a full or part-time academic programme are exempt from the IEMA Associate Entry Examination. These candidates undertake an assessment, through their training centre, that meets the learning outcomes and assessment criteria in this specification. Marking, Awarding and Reporting of Results To achieve a pass a candidate must score 72 out of 120 (60%). A candidate who has achieved a pass has demonstrated satisfactory knowledge, understanding and application of environmental and sustainability issues at Associate Membership level. Results are reported as Pass or Fail. The candidates total score is provided, along with their total mark per question. Candidate results and certificates (where successful) are issued by IEMA within six weeks. Examinations for the Associate Entry Examination are externally marked by examiners appointed and trained by IEMA. Rigorous standardisation procedures, including meetings of all examiners, ensure that the marking schemes are applied in exactly the same way and that all examination scripts are marked to the same standard. IEMA

11 Language of Assessment IEMA Associate Entry Examination Specification (Version 3) The qualification is assessed in English. Assessments will be presented in English and candidates must respond in English. Candidates for whom English is a second language are advised that their reading and writing skills should be equivalent to at least Level 6 of the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Test for Non- Native Speakers of English. Candidates may obtain information on this language testing service from the IELTS website ( Candidates for whom English is a second language may also apply for a Reasonable Adjustment (see below). Some internationally based training centres may be approved to offer the Associate Certificate in a language other than English. Legislation and Policy UK Examinations The examination questions test the English legislative position six months prior to the examination. New legislation will not be directly tested until at least six months after it has come into force, although candidates may choose to refer to new or proposed legislation in their answers, and may gain credit for knowledge of forthcoming changes. Candidates from Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales may refer to the legislative position in their own countries. International Examinations Candidates who live or work internationally have the opportunity to request an international exam. This exam will follow the same learning outcomes and assessment criteria, however, the examination questions will test candidates knowledge of international environmental treaties and how they have been implemented in the candidates country of choice. International candidates must ask their training centre or IEMA for an international exam at the point of registration. Reasonable Adjustments Where necessary, IEMA endeavours to make reasonable adjustments for candidates with particular requirements to enable them to have access to fair assessment and to demonstrate achievement. Candidates may require reasonable adjustments for a number of reasons including a permanent (long term) or temporary disability or medical condition; communication and interaction needs; where English is an additional language. Reasonable adjustments are made to ensure that candidates receive recognition of their achievement without compromising the equity, validity and reliability of the assessment. They are not concessions to make assessment easier for candidates, nor advantages to give candidates a head start. The Reasonable Adjustments Policy and Application Form can be downloaded from IEMA s website. Candidates requiring reasonable adjustments for their assessment must submit a Reasonable Adjustment Application Form at the earliest possible opportunity and no later than four weeks prior to the examination date, except in exceptional circumstances, e.g. injury in the days leading up to the examination. IEMA

12 Special Consideration Special consideration may result in an adjustment to the marks of candidates who have not been able to demonstrate attainment because of exceptional circumstances during the examination itself. Candidates requiring special consideration for their examination must submit a Special Consideration Application Form within five working days of the examination. Malpractice The fairness of the assessment depends upon all parties acting in good faith and adhering to the highest professional standards of conduct. Any evidence of deviation from such standards may lead to disqualification of candidates. Plagiarism and collaboration are considered to be malpractice. Training providers should make their candidates aware of the Malpractice Policy which can be found in the Examination Handbook for Training Centres. IEMA reserves the right to verify the identity of any candidate during the examination. Result Enquiries and Appeals IEMA endorses the right of individuals to enquire about their result and to appeal against the outcome of that enquiry. Procedures are in place to ensure that result enquiries and appeals are dealt with thoroughly and fairly. A result enquiry or an appeal can result in a grade being confirmed or increased. Where a grade is changed, the new grade will replace the original grade. The Result Enquiries and Appeals Policy and Application Form can be downloaded from IEMA s website. To request a result enquiry, the candidate must complete a Result Enquiry Application Form and submit it within 10 working days of the result issue date. Re-sits Candidates may re-sit the examination by re-registering for the IEMA Associate Entry Examination. Training candidates may re-sit the examination by re-registering through their IEMA Training Centre and sitting the examination at the next available date. IEMA

13 Training Centre Information for the Associate Certificate Course and Exam Guided Learning Hours A Guided Learning Hour is the contact time required to support learners in achieving the learning outcomes for the course. Guided learning hours (based on classroom taught courses) includes contact time (excluding induction), lectures, tutorials and supervised study, one to one tutorials, facilitated workshops, trainer-guided research, guided homework, group work and the assessment of work-based learning, but not marking of assignments when the learner is not present. Breaks are excluded from Guided Learning Hours. For other forms of learning (e.g. e-learning), or in courses where translation is required/learners are studying in a second language, further Guided Learning Hours than the course specification requires may be needed to ensure suitable coverage of the course learning outcomes. The guided learning hours for the Associate Certificate Course is a minimum of 80 hours (excluding exam) in order that all of the learning outcomes can be appropriately addressed. This can be achieved using a blend of learning formats including face to face (or taught), distance learning, e-learning, blended learning and day release. Each of the learning outcomes carries equal weighting and IEMA does not specify the amount of time spent on each area. It is recommended that candidates use the assessment criteria and Environmental Skills Map to understand which learning outcomes may require more attention. Tailoring Delivery of the Course IEMA recognises that IEMA Training Centres will need to tailor courses for particular clients or learners. Tailoring of the course is encouraged providing that the learning outcomes of the course are still met. It is recommended that tailoring of the course is through case studies and case examples. Training courses may go beyond the minimum requirements set out in the learning outcomes; this should be supported by additional time to deliver the course and to suit the particular needs of the audience. Competency Requirements Trainers To deliver the IEMA Associate Certificate Course the Trainers are required to be a Full member of IEMA, or as a minimum have equivalent knowledge and experience that has been assessed against the IEMA Environmental Skills Map at the managerial level. Trainers must have practical experience of environmental management or assessment. Trainers must have experience of planning training delivery; creating schemes of work, preparing lesson plans; facilitating group work or workshops; and delivering training. It is desirable that Trainers have a formal qualification in teaching or training, e.g. Preparing to Teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector or equivalent, and preferably a full teaching qualification e.g. PGCE or Certificate in Education. Guest lecturers and invited speakers can be used to deliver elements of the course, providing their knowledge and experience are relevant to the topic being delivered. Assessors Assessor s (A1, TAQA) qualifications are desirable. Internal Quality Assurance (IQA) Assessor s (A1, TAQA) and Verifier s (IQA/V1) qualifications are desirable. IEMA

14 Course Delivery To ensure that there is consistency in delivery of the IEMA Associate Certificate the following are requirements: The course covers all of the learning outcomes and prescribed content The course includes a variety of delivery methods to cater for different learning styles, additionally: o for attended courses Small group/pair work o for e-courses Work involving interaction with other learners e.g. online group forum, discussion, chat or smallgroup task with contact. Training Centre Exam Registrations IEMA Training Centres must register candidates with IEMA using the IEMA Training Centre: Examination Booking Form and supply accurate candidate details, examination method and the appropriate fees at the time of booking. They must give at least three weeks notice of their intention to hold an examination, to ensure papers and candidate details are processed in time. Submitting Candidates for an Online Exam Training Centres must communicate to candidates that they are to complete their examination within 28 days from the start of their chosen examination period and must have access to a PC with a reliable internet connection. Candidates will receive log in details to their registered s towards the end of the course. Candidates are responsible for undertaking the examination in accordance with IEMA regulations. Registering Candidates for a Paper Exam The training centre is responsible for administering the examination in accordance with IEMA regulations. This includes providing a suitable room and invigilator, and taking responsibility for the security and storage and prompt posting of examination question papers. Candidate scripts are posted to external examiners appointed and trained by IEMA. IEMA reserves the right to send an Assessor to an examination sitting to ensure that all regulations are being adhered to. The Assessor will arrive without prior notice, will be identified by an official letter, and must be granted access to the examination room and to all the examination documentation. Failure to allow an Assessor access, or any discovered breach of IEMA regulations, may invalidate the examination. IEMA may also withdraw the training centre s approval to run the Associate Certificate course. Membership of IEMA Supporting your learners Delivery of the Associate Certificate course is supported by IEMA membership. At the beginning of the course, Training Centres are required to join their learners as members of IEMA and pay the appropriate fee. At this time the fee for the IEMA examination is also payable (a minimum of one week before the start of the course), see the Fees Structure below and IEMA Training Centre: Examination Booking Form. Learners will be provided with Affiliate Membership; Associate Membership will be awarded on successful achievement of the AEE (Associate Entrance Exam). Please refer to the AEE Examination Handbook for IEMA Training Centres, available upon request, for further guidance. IEMA

15 Work-based Learning IEMA Associate Entry Examination Specification (Version 3) Candidates must be registered by the Training Centre with IEMA, 1 week before the course start date, by submitting the IEMA Training Centre: Examination booking form. This provides candidates with Affiliate membership of IEMA. The registration should be accompanied by payment of the Associate fee for each candidate. The Training Centre must send their first six portfolios completed and reviewed by their Internal Quality Assurance, on the new Standard for External Quality Assurance, After this initial sampling, if the process confirms effective processes, training centres will be able to claim certification upon successful Internal Quality Assurance sign-off. IEMA External Quality Assurance sampling of portfolios will then be part of the annual surveillance assessment. The portfolios are also subject to sampling by the Chief Examiner on an annual basis as part of IEMA s quality assurance process and standardisation of the qualification delivered by different methods. Universities We recommend that all students become Student members of IEMA at the beginning of their course; this would allow them access to the IEMA Associate support pages, webinars, regional and national events, to participate in consultations and receive the Environmentalist magazine. IEMA are now able to offer discounted membership providing universities and colleges with the opportunity to support their students first step onto the professional development ladder through the IEMA for Education package. For further details about IEMA for Education please visit IEMA

16 Change Log Section Throughout document Change IEMA Approved Training Providers changed to IEMA Training Centres Tutor to Trainer Publishing Policy for Specifications Linked documents Associate Entry Exam Self-Study Candidates Language of Assessment Reasonable Adjustments Special Consideration Result Enquiries and Appeals Guided Learning Hours Training Centre Exam Registrations Submitting Candidates for an Online Exam Universities Changed from updates every year to being updated whenever significant changes are required with the change log at the back of the handbook Amended linked documents list Amended examination period to reflect the changes in exam start dates (all 28 day examination periods start at the beginning of each month rather than any chosen date within the year) Added Candidates for whom English is a second language may also apply for a Reasonable Adjustment Added communication and interaction needs; where English is an additional language Changed deadline date for special consideration submission from seven days to five working days Changed deadline date for result enquiry/appeals from 14 days to 10 working days Provided further detail on Guided Learning Hours definition to ensure consistency with all related documents Amended examination period to reflect the changes in exam start dates (all 28 day examination periods start at the beginning of each month rather than any chosen date within the year) Route for discounted IEMA student membership changed from multi-membership scheme to IEMA for Education package IEMA