APPENDIX B AP Application IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR APM ACCREDITED PROVIDERS

Transcription

1 IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR APM ACCREDITED PROVIDERS

2 Contents IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR APM ACCREDITED PROVIDERS Contents... 2 Terms and conditions... 3 Booking an examination... 4 Overseas examinations... 4 Invigilators... 4 Reasonable adjustments... 5 Extra time... 5 Scribe... 5 Use of a PC... 5 Other aids/equipment available... 5 Separate examination rooms... 6 Fees... 6 Candidate resources... 7 Publications... 7 After the exam... 9 Results... 9 Appeals Terms and conditions for accredited providers Maintaining accredited status Contact details Important Information for Accredited Providers v7.0 Page 2 of 15

3 Important information for accredited providers This document outlines the requirements for maintaining APM accredited status and booking APM exams. The aim is to help training providers to deliver APM qualifications to accredited standards, meeting the needs of the provider and candidate alike. This document contains important information relating to APM s range of qualifications. For any queries regarding anything mentioned here, please see the contact list at the end of this document. Please ensure all those within your organisation concerned with your APM accredited course(s) have the information from this document relevant to their roles. As an accredited provider you will have access to a dedicated community area within the APM website in which you will find resources to aid your delivery of APM qualifications. To access this area you need to register with apm.org.uk and then send your user name to accreditation@apm.org.uk. Please note specific guidance for training providers accredited to run Practitioner Qualification events is available on request. Terms and conditions At the end of this document you will find the terms and conditions for accredited providers. You are required to sign and return the form to the accreditation officer to confirm that you have read and understand the terms of your accreditation. Important Information for Accredited Providers v7.0 Page 3 of 15

4 Booking an examination Please note, for Introductory Certificate online examinations, changes to the information provided below apply. Those changes are detailed in the Introductory Certificate online Agreement. To book an examination with APM, please complete an Examination Notification Booking Form (QA12 or QA12b for self-invigilated exams). Once complete please the form directly to the APM qualifications department at Where possible, three weeks notification of an examination is requested, although APM will always try to accommodate any late bookings. Please contact the qualifications department for confirmation. Unless the exam is to be self-invigilated, APM will locate an invigilator for the examination and confirm details of the examination and invigilator in writing to the training provider, along with the due-by date for the application forms. Please note there is a maximum of 20 candidates per examination. A candidate list for each examination is requested at least 10 working days prior to the examination date. Application forms for the candidates should be received by APM by midday at least five working days prior to the examination date. Application forms are available from our website via the following link, apm.org.uk/apmqualifications. Once forms are completed please them to the qualifications department at qualifications@apm.org.uk. Please see the terms and conditions for accredited providers at the end of this document for further information regarding late candidate bookings, substitutions and candidates re-sitting. Overseas examinations To book an overseas examination with APM, please complete an Examination Notification Booking Form (QA12 or QA12b for self-invigilated exams). Once complete please the form directly to the APM qualifications department at qualifications@apm.org.uk. Where possible, four weeks notification of an examination is requested, although APM will always try to accommodate any late bookings. Please contact the qualifications department for confirmation. Unless the exam is to be self-invigilated, APM will locate an invigilator for the examination, keeping the training provider informed of progress on this, and confirm details of the examination and invigilator in writing to the training provider, along with the due-by date for the application forms. Please note there is a maximum of 20 candidates per examination. A candidate list for each examination is required at least 15 working days prior to the examination date. Application forms for the candidates should be received by APM by midday at least 10 working days prior to the examination date. Application forms are available from our website via the following link, apm.org.uk/apmqualifications. Once forms are completed please them to the qualifications department at qualifications@apm.org.uk. Please see the terms and conditions for accredited providers attached to this document for further information regarding late candidate bookings, substitutions and candidates re-sitting. Invigilators Accredited providers can opt to self-invigilate at any time. Fees for self invigilation will be invoiced at the same time as annual renewal, although if applying between annual renewal dates, a pro-rata amount will be invoiced. Self invigilation application documentation is available from APM or the accredited provider dedicated community area on the APM website. Important Information for Accredited Providers v7.0 Page 4 of 15

5 Opting to self-invigilate does not preclude a provider from requesting an invigilator from APM, should the need arise, at the standard fee. Where an invigilator is provided by APM, they will be independent of the candidates and deliverers of the course. On receipt of your booking APM will find an invigilator close to your venue and secure their services before confirming acceptance of the booking with you. APM will advise you of the name of the invigilator when confirming your booking. Reasonable adjustments APM is committed to promoting a positive attitude towards people with learning and physical needs. The association has a great deal of experience in facilitating individual requirements and tailoring adjustments with the aim of removing any unfair disadvantage that the individual may encounter as a consequence of his or her medical condition. Access to the facilities or arrangements described here can be granted to candidates with disabilities/learning difficulties who apply to the qualifications department. A reasonable adjustment may be allowed for candidates with a medical or physical condition that prevents them from completing the exam within the normal regulations. Requests for reasonable adjustments must be received by APM at least 10 working days prior to the examination. Requests for dispensations for an overseas examination must be received by APM at least 15 working days prior to the examination. All requests must be supported by a medical certificate or other relevant medical documentation from their GP or other relevant medical professional. This must be stated at the time of application. All medical evidence must be received by APM by midday at least five working days, or for overseas examinations at least 10 working days, prior to the examination date. Failure to do so will result in the reasonable adjustment not being granted. Extra time Extra time is available to candidates with dyslexia or a medical requirement. This is typically an additional 15 minutes per hour. Scribe A scribe is someone to whom exam candidates can dictate their answers during the exam. Scribes can be made available to candidates who have dyslexia or those with a medical condition. Such candidates will sit their exams in a separate room with their scribe who will also act as their invigilator. The scribe will be a representative of APM and will not have knowledge in the field of project management. Upon request, extra time will usually be given in instances when a scribe is used. Use of a PC PCs can be made available to dyslexic candidates or those with medical conditions who are unable to write or find it easier to type out their answers using a keyboard. Such candidates must also have access to a printer. Exam answers will normally be written in Microsoft Word. Microsoft Excel or other packages allowing calculations cannot be used. Extra time is allowed for printing. Other aids/equipment available Large print papers may be produced for partially sighted candidates or dyslexic candidates with prior arrangement with the qualifications department. Requests for large print papers must be received by midday at least 10 working days before the exam date. Important Information for Accredited Providers v7.0 Page 5 of 15

6 Candidates may bring cushions, special seats and any other resting aids by prior arrangement with the qualifications department. Separate examination rooms In instances where a candidate requires the use of a scribe a separate examination room will be required to ensure there are no distractions to other candidates. If a candidate requires the use of a PC they may sit in the main examination room with the written consent of the other candidates. This consent must be received by the qualifications department five working days prior to the examination date. However, if there are any objections such candidates will also be required to use a separate examination room. Fees All qualification fees can be found on our website at apm.org.uk/openexams. The invigilator fee is still applicable if an examination is cancelled within five working days of the exam date for UK exams and 10 working days for international exams. Cancellation fees applicable for each exam can be found at apm.org.uk/openexams. All qualification fees are subject to VAT. Important Information for Accredited Providers v7.0 Page 6 of 15

7 Candidate resources Copies of all candidate resources can be found at apm.org.uk/apmqualifications Syllabuses: Hard copies of the syllabus for each examination can be requested from the qualifications department on Introductory Certificate APMP Risk Levels 1 & 2 Sample questions: There are sample questions available for some of our examinations on our website. Introductory Certificate APMP Risk Level 1 Candidate guidance notes: You will find candidate guidance notes for all of our examinations on our website. Introductory Certificate APMP Risk Level 1 Risk Level 2 Hard copies can be ordered free of charge from the Qualifications Department on APM Body of Knowledge - Definitions booklet: Hard copies of the APM Body of Knowledge Definitions booklet are available free of charge through the qualifications department on the following number; This can also be downloaded for at apm.org.uk/knowledge Publications APM produces a range of publications, aimed at supporting project management students and professionals throughout their careers: APM Body of Knowledge, 5th edition The starting point for any project management enquiry. Over seven sections, it defines 52 areas of knowledge required to manage any project in any environment. The book forms the basis of the syllabuses for all APM qualifications, and is an essential study aid to any APM qualification taker. Starting Out In Project Management A very detailed and meticulously crafted study guide that will support readers wishing to take APM s Introductory Certificate examination, directly supporting the syllabus. Important Information for Accredited Providers v7.0 Page 7 of 15

8 Project Risk Analysis and Management Guide A definitive guide to project risk. The book focuses on project specific issues, but also addresses how the risk management process at project level connects to corporate or programme level risk management - recommended for those studying APM s Risk qualifications. A full list of APM publications can be found via the APM website, at apm.org.uk/publications. Members of APM benefit from a 10% discount on all books. APM also prints a range of materials containing useful information for people interested in the association, including: APM membership brochure Useful information about becoming a member of APM APM qualifications brochure Details the range of qualifications offered by APM Copies are available free of charge in printed or electronic formats. To request copies, contact the qualifications department. Important Information for Accredited Providers v7.0 Page 8 of 15

9 After the exam Results Introductory Certificate: Candidates need to achieve 60% to pass the examination. Examination papers are automatically marked using OMR (Optical Mark Recognition) software, one mark is allocated for each question answered correctly. Candidates will be advised of their results within six weeks of completing the examination. Results will be sent by post to the address indicated on the qualifications application form. Candidates will be graded on a pass / fail basis only. APMP: Candidates need to achieve 55% to pass the examination. Examiners will allocate marks for each question that is answered and candidates should work to pass each individual question. Candidates will be notified of their results by post within 10 weeks of completing the exam. Candidates will receive notification of their total mark and the score achieved for each question. Feedback will only be given for the questions candidates have failed. APMP borderline results If a candidate s paper scores a borderline fail, it will automatically be re-marked by another marker. Both of the markers scores will then be sent to the chief moderator for a final judgement. Risk Level 1: Candidates need to achieve 60% to pass the examination. Examination papers are automatically marked using OMR (Optical Mark Recognition) software, one mark is allocated for each question answered correctly. Candidates will be advised of their results within six weeks of completing the examination. Results will be sent by post to the address indicated on the qualifications application form. Candidates will be graded on a pass/fail basis only. Risk Level 2: Candidates need to achieve 60% of the total marks available to pass. Examiners will allocate marks for each question that is answered and candidates should work to pass each individual question. Candidates will be notified of their results by post within 10 weeks of completing the exam. Candidates will receive notification of their total mark and the score achieved for each question. Feedback will only be given for failed questions. Risk Level 2 borderline results If a candidate s paper is a borderline fail it will automatically be re-marked by another marker. Both of the markers scores will then be sent to the chief moderator for a final judgement. Further details of marking and results can be found in the candidate guidance notes available via the link at the top of page 7 of this document. Please note APM cannot give results over the telephone or via . Third party data: Submission of candidate application forms expressly provides permission for APM to supply relevant details about candidates examinations, including results, to training providers and employers where applicable. Important Information for Accredited Providers v7.0 Page 9 of 15

10 Appeals Candidates may appeal against the decision of the examining body on the grounds of bias, disregard of APM regulations, failure to consider relevant additional information provided or an administrative irregularity. No appeal can be heard relating to the technical judgement of the examiners or a subjective feeling on the part of the candidate that they should have done better. Candidates should consider their personal circumstances prior to the examination date. If there are issues that candidates feel could affect their performance they should be aware this is not grounds for appeal. An appeal must be made in writing to the qualifications department. To help candidates provide the necessary information concerning an appeal, the appropriate form may be obtained from the APM qualifications department. Candidate s appeals must be received by the qualifications department no later than 30 working days after your examination date. Important Information for Accredited Providers v7.0 Page 10 of 15

11 Terms and conditions for accredited providers Please read through the following and sign and return to The Accreditation Officer, Association for Project Management, Ibis House, Regent Park, Summerleys Road, Princes Risborough, Buckinghamshire HP27 9LE or to Maintaining accredited status Delivery personnel (trainers): Those involved in the delivery of courses should hold APM project management qualifications at or above the level they will be teaching or equivalent, and need to demonstrate a minimum of five years experience in project management. Trainers wishing to deliver training courses for APMP with prior learning should ideally hold the relevant PRINCE2 1 certification as well as the required APM qualification. It is also highly recommended that those involved in development and delivery of courses and materials should be APM members. Please note that APM does not accredit trainers, but approves them for delivery of a specified course as accredited within a specific organisation. Annual renewal/reaccreditation: Training provider accreditation runs on a four year cycle with accreditation year being year one, followed by three years of annual renewals, after which full reaccreditation is required. Renewal/reaccreditation will become due on the anniversary of the initial accreditation, but this date may be changed to bring courses into alignment where an organisation has more than one APM accredited course. The training provider will be notified of the requirement to renew/reaccredit and provided with all relevant paperwork in sufficient time to meet the due date. Spot checks: APM reserves the right to make (and charge for) spot visits at any time, though in normal circumstances these would only be undertaken with the full knowledge and consent of the accredited organisation. Changes to courses: The training provider should inform APM of any changes to its organisation or delivery of accredited courses which have occurred since initial accreditation, re-accreditation or last annual report, as appropriate. The changes may include changes to structure or delivery mode of accredited courses, organisation structure or staff. If the changes are substantial APM may wish to have the changes assessed. CVs will be required for new personnel involved in the delivery of courses to enable APM to determine suitability for training. Only trainers approved by APM should be listed on exam booking forms. If delivering a training course for APMP recognising the prior learning of the PRINCE2 Practitioner qualification, accredited providers must obtain documentary evidence of a candidate s eligibility to access this prior learning route, i.e. on the day they are due to take the APMP examination, they will be current registered PRINCE2 Practitioners. Use of the APM Accredited logo: The APM Accredited logo should be used in line with branding guidelines (forwarded to you with the logo upon accreditation and available in the accredited provider dedicated community area on the APM website), and in relation to courses which have been through the official accreditation process. The key guidelines are: The logo should incorporate an exclusion zone around it, equivalent to the height of the m around the logo. 1 PRINCE2 is a registered trade mark of AXELOS Limited Important Information for Accredited Providers v7.0 Page 11 of 15

12 When posting onto a coloured background, a greyscale version of the logo should be used. The APM Accredited logo can only be used in relation to the particular course or programme that has been accredited and cannot be applied generally to an organisation. The course(s) accredited will be stated on your accreditation certificate. The logo may be used for any information sources relating to the accredited course or programme including website and course materials, but it must be clear that it is related to the specific course/programme only, and not to the overall department/organisation. The APM Accredited logo cannot be used if accreditation has been cancelled or lapsed through non-payment of renewal or reaccreditation fees. It is the responsibility of the institution/provider to monitor when the accreditation is due to expire, and to update any information sources where the logo is used as appropriate. Please also see the Association for Project Management s branding and copyright policy at apm.org.uk/brand. Delivery of courses outside the UK: As a member of the International Project Management Association (IPMA), we abide by the regulations relating to the resale of APM qualifications which are defined in IPMA s 4-level structure. IPMA accredited qualifications are the APM APMP (IPMA level D) and the APM Practitioner Qualification (IPMA level C). If you are considering delivery of open APM accredited courses, leading to an IPMA aligned qualification, in a country where another IPMA member association exists, please contact your business development manager at APM to discuss how we can assist you. All other APM qualifications may be sold in any part of the world. However, we advise that applicants ensure that they are familiar with local country regulations that apply. There are no restrictions on the resale of any of APM s qualifications within global corporate organisations as part of that organisation s global development programme Running examinations Please note, for Introductory Certificate online examinations, changes to the requirements set out below apply. Those changes are detailed in the Introductory Certificate online Agreement. Any accredited training provider wishing to run an APM examination should appoint one individual as the organiser who will be the sole contact for all arrangements. Any changes should be notified in writing to APM s qualifications department. For contact details please see the end of this document. Please read and understand. 1. The organiser will provide APM with the following: a. Exact details of date, venue, room number, map and timing of the examination together with the trainer name and a contact name at the venue, where possible 15 working days prior to the event on the Examination Notification Form (QA12). For an overseas examination at least four weeks notification is requested. b. A complete list of participating candidates 10 working days prior to the examination date. APM will accept changes to the candidate list up to midday five working days prior to the examinations if accompanied by a completed application form. i. A complete list of participating candidates for overseas examinations 15 working days prior to the examination date. APM will accept changes to the candidate list up to midday Important Information for Accredited Providers v7.0 Page 12 of 15

13 10 working days prior to the examinations if accompanied by a completed application form. c. Completed application forms, returned to APM by midday up to five working days before the examination. Applications may be submitted by but faxed or photocopied documents cannot be accepted due to potential for illegibility. i. Completed application forms for overseas examinations, returned to APM by midday 10 working days before the examination. Applications may be submitted by but faxed or photocopied documents cannot be accepted due to potential for illegibility. Exceptions to regulations APM will attempt to accommodate late candidate bookings whenever possible. An extra five examination papers are sent out with examinations, up to a maximum of 20 candidates e.g. if 17 candidates are registered for the exam three extra papers are sent with the exam; if seven candidates are registered five extra papers are sent with the exam. Substitutions and late candidate bookings can be made up to 30 minutes prior to the start of the examination. All substitution and late candidate booking requests must be made in writing to the qualifications department and accompanied by a completed application form. If the substitution or late candidate booking is made on the day of the examination the candidate(s) must complete an application form before they leave the examination room. No extra papers will be sent with special dispensation exams, e.g. when the candidate is using a laptop. d. Details of any candidate(s) who are re-sitting the examination in order for the reduced fee to be applied. Please be aware, if APM are not informed that a candidate is a re-sit, the normal candidate fee will apply. e. Details of any candidate(s) who require special dispensations. A dispensation may be allowed for candidates with a medical or physical problem supported by a medical certificate from their GP, only if prior notice is given to APM in writing at the time of booking. Dispensations available include extra time, use of a PC, use of a scribe and examination papers in a large font format. Please note that requests for dispensation must be made in writing to APM at least 10 working days, or for overseas examinations at least 15 working days, prior to the examination date. Medical certificates must be received by APM at least five working days, or for overseas examinations at least 10 working days, prior to the examination. f. Ensure all candidates are aware that they will need to provide photographic proof of identity to the examination invigilator, such as a passport, driving licence, work or student ID. 2. The examination room must a. be sited in a quiet area and free from distractions, b. have disabled access, c. have a clock, visible to all candidates at all times, d. be adequately lit and well ventilated, e. have a front desk for registration of candidates, f. have individual tables/desks and chairs that are sufficiently spaced (at least one metre apart), g. have a telephone for emergency use by the examination invigilator, and h. have water available for the candidates and invigilator Important Information for Accredited Providers v7.0 Page 13 of 15

14 3. Self-invigilation Accredited providers, who are approved to operate as self-invigilation centres for APM exams, agree to abide by the requirements of the accreditation framework for self-invigilation as set out in APM s Self- Invigilation Standards. 4. The Association for Project Management will provide the accredited training provider with: a. An examination invigilator (where not self-invigilating) who will be independent of the candidates and deliverers of the course. b. Confirmation in writing of all details of the examination including the name of the invigilator once an invigilator has been allocated to the examination (where not self-invigilating). c. Confirmation in writing of the names of the candidates that have been registered on the examination. d. Examination papers on the day, in sealed envelopes signed by a member of APM s qualifications department for the examination invigilator to distribute to each of the named registered candidates. The examination invigilator will be responsible for collecting the re-sealed envelopes, signed by the candidate at the end of the examination containing completed papers and returning them directly to the Association for Project Management at the end of the session. e. An invoice for the invigilator (where not self-invigilating) and all registered candidates. f. Candidate results and candidate feedback sheets. 5. Data Protection a. The accredited provider acknowledges and agrees that it is a data controller (as defined under the Data Protection Act 1998 (Act)) in respect of any personal data it collects from each candidate as an accredited provider of APM. b. The accredited provider agrees: i. to comply, at all times, with its obligations under the Act in respect of any personal data collected by it from the candidates while acting as an accredited provider, ii. to take reasonable steps to ensure the reliability of any of its personnel who have access to the personal data, iii. to obtain prior written consent from the candidates before transferring any personal data to any third party in connection with the provision of the accredited provider's obligations hereunder, and iv. to ensure that it is entitled to transfer the relevant personal data to APM so that APM may lawfully use and process the personal data in order to create a record of each candidate and details of the examination to be taken by such candidate. c. The accredited provider will indemnify APM against all liabilities, costs, expenses, damages and losses (including but not limited to any direct, indirect or consequential loss of profit, loss of reputation or goodwill and all interest, penalties and legal costs (calculated on a full indemnity Important Information for Accredited Providers v7.0 Page 14 of 15

15 basis) and all other professional costs and expenses) suffered or incurred by APM arising out of or in connection with any claim made against APM by a candidate or any other third party arising out of or in connection with the accredited provider's breach of this clause 5 and/or its obligations under the Act. d. "Personal data" and "data controller" shall have the same meaning as in the Act. I have read, accept and agree to abide by the terms and conditions. Signed... Name... Position... Company... Date... Contact details APM Department TEL Qualifications Dept Qualifications@apm.org.uk Accreditation Accreditation@apm.org.uk Membership Development For all other enquiries please contact us on Important Information for Accredited Providers v7.0 Page 15 of 15