Introduction
Take your competence in psychometric testing to the next level with the gold standard qualification for the education profession – Certificate of Competence in Educational Testing (CCET) – set by the British Psychological Society (BPS).
The Certificate of Competence in Educational Testing (CCET) will help you to understand how assessments using psychometric tests are developed, how to use them effectively, and how to interpret the results. We will show you how to test appropriately, the available alternatives, and the best ways in which to use them.
Successful completion of this CCET course will enable you to apply for the BPS Test User Educational qualification and to join the BPS’s Register of Qualifications in Test Use – a publicly searchable database of competence that will bolster your professional reputation. It is also the first step towards achieving the Certificate in Psychometric Testing, Assessment and Access Arrangements (CPT3A) and meeting the JCQ requirements to become an Access Arrangements Assessor.
CCET is a core module on our Masters in Educational Assessment programme but can also be completed independently or as part of our other Masters programmes: Pastoral Care, Autism, SEND and Inclusion or Inclusive Educational Leadership.
Why study CCET with us?
- Develop competence and confidence in educational testing.
- Discover how tests are developed and standardised so that you can identify and overcome barriers to learning.
- Gain the vital knowledge that will enable you to read, write and interpret reports, allowing you to better support other professionals, such as educational psychologists (EPs).
- Become familiar with theories about testing and psychometrics, including relevant statistical concepts.
- Learn how to administer, select and evaluate a range of educational tests and assessments in line with the Data Protection Act.
- Get to grips with the legislative and policy framework.
- Understand the purposes of testing and assessment and develop the ability to interpret test scores and integrate those test scores with other forms of assessment.
- Carry out an effective assessment of a learner and report the findings in a way that is intelligible to a lay person.
- Passing this module puts you in a good position to achieve your Certificate in Psychometric Testing, Assessment and and Access Arrangements (CPT3A) – an efficient route for becoming a Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ) recognised access arrangements assessor. Simply complete our Access Arrangements Course (AAC) next to gain your CPT3A.
Select your study style and dates
Online
Info and dates
CCET Online is delivered entirely online via our Campus Online learning platform, which is accessible online anywhere, any time, so you won’t need to take time away from the classroom.
Intensive
Info and dates
- 15-17 January 2025 – delivered live online
- 5-7 February 2025 – delivered live online
- 5-7 March 2025 – delivered live online
- 2-4 April 2025 – delivered live online
Interested in a SOLD OUT date? Contact us and we’ll place you on our waiting list.
Course content
The course reflects the core competencies determined by the British Psychological Society.
Educational test administration
- Introduction to testing
- Administering and scoring tests correctly and accurately
- Maintaining security and confidentiality of the test materials and test data
The statistical principles of psychometrics
- Standardisation and how tests are created
- Interpretation of data in comparison to the rest of the population
- Test theory and reliability – how accurate and reliable are tests?
- Validity – how do we know what tests are actually measuring?
Using attainment and ability tests
- Theories of intelligence and how they affect test construction.
- Test bias influences on outcomes, and making adjustments to accommodate a disability – including anti-discriminatory practice
- Choosing tests that meet your needs and are fit for purpose
Assessment, interpretation and giving feedback
- Making good decisions about using psychologist tests
- Interpreting test data and utilising it correctly and wisely
- Providing written and oral feedback to clients and their carers
- Using and understanding alternatives to test data
Course details
How will you benefit?
Add real value to your school
- Save money, bring assessment skills in house.
- Ensure value for money from support services – with your improved ability to target and commission quality services.
- Be able to provide accurate and reliable evidence and advice to parents, colleagues, and managers.
- Gain real expertise in the reading and writing of professional reports.
- Register competence on the publicly searchable BPS Register of Qualifications in Test Use.
- Complete the extension module (AAC) and you will be able to write reports for access arrangements.
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.
Connect with your peers and liaise with experienced tutors
- Obtain exclusive access to Campus Online.
- Interact with your peers using our advanced learning platform and our unique student forum.
- Enjoy dedicated specialist support from a broad range of experienced tutors.
- Receive expert guidance from us throughout the module.
Take a major step towards CPT3A
Once you have completed CCET, if you hold an eligible qualification to teach, you will be able to take our Access Arrangements Course. By studying both of these courses, you will achieve the Certificate in Psychometric Testing, Assessment and Access Arrangements (CPT3A), qualifying you to meet the JCQ criteria for you to practise as a specialist Access Arrangements assessor.
Join one of our Masters programmes as if you have 30 credits
By successfully completing the Certificate of Competence in Educational Testing (CCET), you will be able to join any of our Masters programmes as if you have 30 credits.
Study routes: Online or Intensive?
You can either study this course online as self-paced study, or you can attend one of our 3-day intensive courses. Whichever route you take, you will be required to take the same assessments and produce a portfolio of evidence that demonstrates your competence.
The online route
Choose this route for fully-flexible learning, designed to fit around your existing commitments, without the requirement for you to be available at a particular time or place.
CCET Online is delivered as self-paced study via our Campus Online learning platform, which is accessible 24/7, so you won’t need to take time away from the classroom. You will be able to commence your studies once you have completed payment and registration. You’ll then be able to interact with your tutors and peers, track your own progress, and access a wealth of engaging and interactive resources, such as videos explaining key concepts, diagrams, multiple-choice questionnaires, and more.
The intensive route
For an interactive experience without travel costs, you can join our 3-day intensive course, delivered through Campus Live – powered by Adobe Connect, in real-time. Our CCET Intensive course has been designed for those who enjoy a more traditional learning approach and real-time interaction with their peers and tutor. Following the live sessions, you’ll receive access to Campus Online, our virtual learning platform, where you’ll access videos explaining key concepts, diagrams, multiple-choice questionnaires and more!
How will you be assessed?
As part of your learning, you will need to produce the following:
- A series of short multiple choice questionnaires focusing on Key Statistical Principles and Types and Uses of Tests
- Administering and Scoring a Psychometric Test
- Creation of a Permission Slip/Letter
- Essay on Intelligence, Testing and Discrimination (1500 words)
- Review of a Psychometric Test
- Comprehensive Written Report
- Evidence of Oral Feedback
- Critique of a Computer Generated Report
- Fairness and Discrimination case study
How can you access tests?
Delegates completing CCET will need to have access to two different tests. There is no longer a requirement for delegates to use one test of ability and one test of attainment. However, both tests need to be manually administered (i.e. a computerised test will not be accepted) and must provide a standard score, confidence range and percentile.
Please visit our tests webpage for further information and guidance.
Real Group runs the Dyslexia Action Shop which sells many of the most popular tests from the main test publishers in the UK and USA. We offer delegates a 10% discount. Another option is to utilise our Study Purchase Scheme.
Please note: we have no control over the rules that publishers use to decide who is eligible to buy their tests and we will need to follow their guidance when selling tests. We may need you to provide information regarding qualifications for us to check your eligibility.
Are you eligible?
No prior qualifications required
As CCET is an open-access course, no previous qualifications are required.
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.
Please note: This stipulation is for non-native English speakers.
Suits a broad range of education professionals
This course will be of particular interest if you work in the education sector and administer tests. You will need access to educational tests and will also need to be able to use tests in an educational setting.
A diverse group of professionals have completed this course – including teachers, SENCOs, tutors and teaching assistants working in:
- Mainstream primary and secondary schools.
- Special schools.
- FE and HE institutions.
- Independent and international schools and colleges.
Intensive course dates
- 15-17 January 2025 – delivered live online
- 5-7 February 2025 – delivered live online
- 5-7 March 2025 – delivered live online
- 2-4 April 2025 – delivered live online
Interested in a SOLD OUT date? Please book for a future date and email us, we’ll be happy to place you on our waiting list.
Prefer to study online at your own pace? Choose our Online study option and you’ll be able to make a start as soon as you have completed payment and registration.
How much does it cost?
Self-paced online study:
- Online – £1,695 + VAT
- Online by instalments – 3x £590 + VAT = £1,770 + VAT
- Online by instalments – (Direct Debit, UK clients only) – 10 x £182 +VAT = £1,815 + VAT
3 day intensive course, delivered live online:
- Live online – £2,195 +VAT
- Live online – 3x £757 + VAT = £2,270 + VAT
- Live online by instalments – 10 x £232 + VAT = £2,315 + VAT
Speak to us (01273 358080) or make a booking.
For further information please visit our payment FAQ page.
Group bookings
Do you want to book a CCET course for ten or more participants?
Speak to us about discounted bookings for online self-paced courses or bespoke 3-day intensive courses.
How long does it take to complete the course?
The duration of the CCET qualification is up to 8 months. Depending on your availability and level of prior experience, you could however achieve the CCET qualification in a shorter time-frame.
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.
What have previous delegates said about CCET?
‘This is the second course I have done with Real Training and I would recommend them to anybody. The course leaders are encouraging, supportive and prompt with feedback – I have even had guidance over the telephone! My career has gone from strength to strength since starting the course, as I have been able to take the lead on ALN developments and assessments due to the knowledge I have retained. I hope to continue studying with Real Training in order to gain a Masters in SEN.’ – Nadia
‘Excellent, detailed and professional advice. I really felt Kate would only accept the best standard work.’ – Sarah
‘It has been a massive learning curve – this was a whole new area for me and I was initially ‘out of my comfort zone’ but feel that I have had an invaluable training experience.’ – Lorraine
‘Fantastic course, it’s definitely a must!’ – Kirsha from Sunmarke School, U.A.E
‘Extremely informative and thought-provoking!’ – Donna from King’s School Al Barsha, U.A.E
‘One of the best courses I have attended. Informative, well delivered and organised.’ – Javene from GEMS First Point School, U.A.E‘
Amazing and should be a part of the general teaching qualification.’ – Tracey from GEMS Metropole School, U.A.E
Joining the BPS RQTU and maintaining your registration
If you choose to join the BPS RQTU, you will need to settle the fees directly with the BPS. While you are not obliged to do so, there are a number of professional benefits of being on the RQTU, including:
- First, it provides public recognition of your competence, which means that your name can be found by anyone wanting to check your qualifications.
- Secondly, you get access to information including test reviews and a quarterly journal entitled Assessment & Development Matters (ADM)
- Thirdly, it provides a framework for your ongoing professional development.
Find out more about the costs, benefits and how to apply on the BPS’s website.
Has your BPS registration expired?
If you completed a psychometric testing course with Real Training (CCET or CPT3A) and your registration on the BPS’s Register of Qualifications in Test Use (RQTU) has expired, please follow these useful instructions about how to maintain your BPS registration.
Further study after CCET
- If eligible, you could go on to study our Access Arrangements Course (AAC) and meet the JCQ requirements to become your setting’s access arrangements assessor!
- Join one of our Masters programmes as if you have 30 Masters level credits. Achieve a Postgraduate Certificate, Postgraduate Diploma, or even a Masters of Education. Why not take a look at our Masters in Educational Assessment or Masters in SEND & Inclusion.
- Become a Specialist SpLD Assessor: Achieve a Level 5 or Level 7 SpLD Specialist Teaching qualification (which is eligible for Associate (ADG) membership of The Dyslexia Guild or equivalent membership with a recognised professional body) and be registered with the British Psychological Society Register of Qualifications in Test Use (BPS RQTU) as a Test User. This will make you eligible to apply for our Dyslexia – Professional Report Writing (DPRW) module and enable you to go on to apply for an Assessment Practising Certificate (APC).
Success stories
Module leaders
Educational Psychologist
Module Lead
Jalak is a senior educational psychologist who has worked with families and schools in the UK and Hong Kong.
She is passionate about the use of psychology in the field of education to support children and young people to achieve their goals. Prior to training as an educational psychologist (EP), Jalak worked as a primary school teacher. After eight years as an EP in Coventry, she moved to Hong Kong to take up a dual role as an EP and Advisor for SEN Training and Development for the English Schools Foundation (ESF).
Module Lead
Educational Psychologist
Kate is an educational psychologist and has been the principal tutor on CCET since its inception.
She has helped develop the teaching and learning activities that have made it the industry standard for those wanting to understand testing and assessment in an educational context. Kate is particularly interested in improving access arrangements and assessment of learners with sensory impairment.