Continuing Professional Competence
Preparing for the Second Tranche Test.
Congratulations to all BVSF members who successfully negotiated the first tranche of the Continuing Technical Competence tests before the February 2012 deadline, particularly those of you who attended my training courses. I trust you are proud of your shiny new Certificates.
The bad news is, of course, you have to do the same thing again for the second tranche which ends on the 28th February 2014. Effectively, you have 12 months in which to meet the requirements.
What’s changed?
Not an awful lot thankfully. There have been a few changes to some of the legislation and a little tweaking of the test structure. The test provider has changed from that of the first two years and the arrangements for booking the test have also altered.
Legislation Changes:
The test now reflects the following legislative amendments:
i) The need to confirm that the ‘waste hierarchy’ has been taken into consideration when disposing of or recycling wastes you produce or handle.
ii) Minor changes to the Hazardous Waste Regulations.
iii) The new waste exemptions regime.
iv) The changes to Waste Carrier / Broker / Dealer Registration.
v) If you are an ELV operator (which most of you are!) the changes in the March 2011 version of DEFRAs ‘Guidance for Authorised Treatment Facilities’ are included.
Structure of the Test:
You are now required to:
i) Answer 18 ‘Generic’ Questions (was 20) with multiple choice answers. These contain 6 questions each on Legislation, Health and Safety and Environmental Protection.
ii) Answer 8 ‘Activity Specific’ Questions (was 6) with multiple choice answers. You may take up to 3 Activity Subjects per test. For most BVSF members this will require sitting the ELV specific only, with some members also sitting the MRS (metal recycling) specific.
iii) Test time is still 30 minutes for the generic and 10 minutes per Activity Specific subject (i.e maximum of 60 minutes), and candidates must obtain at least 50% overall in the Generic section and at least 50% in each Activity Specific with, as before, at least 65% overall.
iv) Test Questions remain broadly as for the first tranche but with some updated to reflect the above legislative and guidance changes, and others amended to overcome reported anomalies.
The Test Provider and Making Arrangements for the Test:
These have both changed since the first two years of the scheme:
i) The test provider (on behalf of WAMITAB) is now ‘Pearson Vue’ – visit http://www.pearsonvue.com/wamitab/ for full details.
ii) Booking the test is still done on line, but the Activity Specific subjects are not selected until you actually take the test.
iii) The cost is now £105 irrespective of the number of Activity Specific subjects taken.
iv) You may now obtain a ‘WAMITAB Competence Card’ to carry around with you for no extra charge on provision of two signed passport-sized photos.
v) Detailed syllabuses for all components of the test, together with associated guidance, is now available on the Pearson Vue web site to assist in preparing for the test.
‘Refresher’ Training.
I have already received enquiries about refresher training from some members and if there is sufficient interest:
I will consider making arrangements to provide updated refresher training at (wherever possible) centres convenient to members.
It may be that on the strength of the earlier training, a half day course is all that’s required?
If you would like to signal an interest in such a course before you take the 2nd tranche test, please let Roger at the BVSF know, or contact me direct on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Rob Turvey.
