Access Arrangements Course (AAC)

CCET + (followed by this course) AAC = (will lead you to) CPT3A.

Access Arrangements Course will enable you to:

• Understand and apply the principles of access arrangements.
• Get to grips with the essence and implications of the relevant legislation.
• Write suitable and appropriate assessment reports for submission to examination boards where they are required.

CPT3A will allow you to:

• Write access arrangement reports yourself.
• Meet the access arrangements assessor criteria published by the Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ).

If you prefer in-person, face-to-face learning, our intensive AAC with online components is for you. Take our one-day AAC via one of the following options:

• Intensive via Campus Live online face-to-face
• Intensive at our Greenwich office (not currently available due to social distancing restrictions)
• Intensive at a hotel (not currently available due to social distancing restrictions)

If you favour online learning, AAC can also be studied online at a time that suits you.

Whatever you decide, click on the red ‘Make a booking‘ button on the top right-hand side of this page and select ‘online’ or ‘intensive’ from section three of the booking form.

The content of the AAC builds heavily upon what you have learnt in the CCET course so it would be normal for a student to start AAC after the CCET has been completed.

If you elect to take the online route, you will not be able to commence the online AAC until you have successfully completed the CCET course.

If you take the intensive route, choose from one of the dates below. Be aware, however, that the date of the intensive AAC must follow the date of the intensive CCET.

When can I start AAC Intensive?

If you are attending a one-day AAC intensive course, you will receive access to the AAC module on Campus Online a few days prior to attending the course. At the point of attendance, we expect that you have completed CCET. If this is not completed, you can either wait for the next intensive AAC or transfer to online study at no extra cost.

If you are looking to complete CCET and AAC intensively, it is best to leave at least three to four months between the end of the three-day attendance element of the intensive CCET and the start of the intensive AAC, so that you can complete the CCET assignments. 

AAC intensive 2020/21:

• 24th March, Campus Live (Online face-to-face event)
• 5th May, Campus Live (Online face-to-face event)

Please note: If you are looking to book the CPT3A Intensive and these dates are not suitable for yourself, the booking form will have an ‘AAC intensive- TBC’ option.

Learn on the job

• Harness your day-to-day professional experience and work with your tutor to develop your skills.
• Theories, reflection and activities will help you to explore aspects of your own and others’ practice.

Engage with flexible e-learning

• Study online and integrate your learning into your working day.
• Take part in a flexible module that draws on a broad range of learning tasks and practical experience.
• Work closely with your peers and dedicated tutors online.
• Experience mentoring and work placements that really complement your learning.
• Utilise the latest video and multimedia content, case studies and problem-based scenarios, directed reading, structured learning logs, online discussion, online questionnaires, peer evaluation and webinars.

Gain the respected CPT3A qualification

As soon as you complete this module, you will be awarded the CPT3A qualification. It’s as simple as that.

Connect with your peers

• Obtain exclusive access to Campus Online^TM.
• Interact with your peers using our advanced learning platform and our unique student forum.

We will ensure that you never feel lonely or unsupported in your studies.

Liaise with experienced tutors

• Enjoy dedicated specialist support from a broad range of experienced tutors.
• Receive expert guidance from us throughout the module.

Our SENCOs and educational psychologists know the education sector inside out.

Choose a start date that suits you

This course can be started at any time as long as you have completed the Certificate of Competence in Educational Testing.

• Cover the essential principles of access and equality legislation.
• Get to grips with the key principles and legislation that underpin examination access arrangements.
• Gain access to some of the most useful international and domestic information sources.
• Compare the key principles, legislation and practices in a variety of contexts.
• Assess a client in your setting for access arrangements.
• Grasp and be able to summarise the key assessment principles.
• Engage with a broad range of illustrative case studies.
• Be able to write Form 8s and File Notes that are fit for purpose.

You will need to:

• View content to familiarise yourself with the JCQ regulations and the Equality Act, Form 8 and file note completion and online application for exam access. 
• Complete multiple-choice questionnaire on JCQ regulations, principles, exam access application and the Equality Act.
• Complete a practice, formative Form 8 assessment for one of two given case studies. 
• Assess a suitable student without a medical need or EHCP using appropriate test/s, anonymise and upload correctly completed and scored examiner forms. 
• Complete and upload a summative, anonymised Form 8 for that student. 

This course can be taken either online or intensively.

Whichever option you choose, you will:

• Develop your professional knowledge and understanding through practice – it’s the best way to learn.
• Receive comprehensive support that complements your learning every step of the way.

You must first hold CCET or the Dyslexia Action Professional Certificate in Assessment or Professional Diploma in SpLD

If you plan to take the Access Arrangements Course on its own, then you must first hold CCET or the postgraduate Professional Certificate in Assessment or the Professional Diploma in SpLD awarded by Dyslexia Action. Most applicants start from scratch: they take CCET first, followed by the Access Arrangements Course, and successfully gain CPT3A, but if you already hold CCET or a PGCert/Dip as above you can enrol directly on the AAC.

AAC restrictions

There are some stipulations as to who can become an access arrangements assessor.

• First, in the majority of cases, you will need to have an undergraduate degree.
• Secondly, you will need to ensure that the restrictions below do not apply to you.

If, however, you do not possess an undergraduate degree, but believe that you are ready for level 7 study, you will need to complete a pre-course essay on the purposes of assessment in education. If, upon submission, your essay evidences that you are ready to study at level 7, then you will be able to take CPT3A with us.

If, by special arrangement, you are allowed to enrol on the AAC without undertaking our CCET course you will not receive a CPT3A qualification or certificate.

The JCQ access arrangements assessor restriction that you must be aware of before you apply

The JCQ publishes criteria that must be met if you wish to be an access arrangements assessor. This level 7 course meets all of the criteria laid down by the JCQ with one exception: the requirement that access arrangements assessors hold an appropriate teaching qualification.

Do you have an ‘appropriate qualification’?

To become an access arrangements assessor, the JCQ requires that, as well as holding a suitable qualification in assessment, you also need to hold an appropriate qualification to teach and make recommendations for secondary aged or adult learners who have learning difficulties.

You have an appropriate qualification if you meet one of the following requirements:

• Hold qualified teacher status (QTS) or qualified teacher learning and skills (QTLS).
• Are an employed teacher in FE, HE or the independent sector.
• Have qualified as a higher level teaching assistant (HLTA), or are working as an HLTA.
• Possess a teaching qualification, but do not work in a school setting (e.g. a consultant). If you tick this box, you will need to have access to students and test documents, etc.

Please bear in mind: teaching assistants (TAs) who do not have QTS are not eligible to become access arrangements assessors.

We ask all those who enrol to complete a pre-course information questionnaire that will check your eligibility. If, in the unlikely event, you are not eligible, you will be entitled to withdraw from the course and the fee will be canceled.

Do get in touch if you wish to discuss your individual circumstances.

JCQ regulations say that access arrangements assessors need an appropriate level 7 or equivalent qualification, and at least ‘100 hours relating to individual specialist assessment’.

Does AAC meet these needs?

Yes, it does, although you must complete CCET before you take the Access Arrangements Course. In line with this, when you complete AAC you will gain CPT3A, which fully meets the ‘100 hours relating to individual specialist assessment’. Accordingly, we are pleased to confirm that this course satisfies all of the latest JCQ regulations.

Please note: CPT3A always takes account of the latest JCQ regulations. At the time of writing, the most recent JCQ regulations relate to 2019/2020 and come into effect on 1 September 2019. This course will enable SENCOs/access arrangements assessors to implement the latest JCQ regulations and guidance; prepare suitable and up-to-date assessments, and submit correct and accurate evidence to exam boards.

Read the JCQ’s latest assessor criteria.

English language requirements

If English is not your first language, to be eligible, you will need a high level of competence in the use of English, equivalent to at least 6.5 ( with a minimum of 6 in each component ) in the IELTS test or TOEFL 575 (paper based), 237 (computer based). You will be asked to confirm this as part of the booking process.

Are you based in an international setting?

This course is available online and can, therefore, be completed anywhere in the world. Please click here for advice on payment options and other information relevant to those studying outside of the UK.

• Online – £800 + VAT.
• Intensive – £800 + VAT.

Speak to us (01273 358080) or make a booking.

The duration of this course is up to 4 months.

We do understand, however, that circumstances can arise that could prevent the course being completed in this time period. If this is the case, an extension can be arranged in conjunction with the admin team and your tutor.

Our brochure will provide you with additional information.

Download the prospectus.