Certificate in Psychometric Testing, Assessment and Access Arrangements (CPT3A)

This level 7 course is made up of two of our most popular modules. Our Certificate of Competence in Educational Testing (CCET) module will teach you how to use psychometric testing instruments effectively and our Access Arrangements Course (AAC) will show you how to apply them in exam access arrangements. If you already have CCET, you can take the AAC course on its own. Simply look at the AAC course page to find out more.

In addition to all of the good reasons above CCET will also enable you to:

• Build competence and confidence in educational testing.
• Analyse test manuals to decide if a test is reliable, valid and appropriate to your students.
• Develop hypotheses about your students’ learning and identify barriers to learning.
• Discover how tests are developed and standardised so that you can identify and overcome barriers to learning.
• Know when it is appropriate to undertake a test.
• 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.
• Understand and confidently interpret reports from other professionals.
• 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 psychometric 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 layperson.
• Access the BPS online database of test reviews.

The AAC will equip 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 reports on access arrangements.
• Meet the latest access arrangements assessor JCQ regulations for exams.
• Lead on the exam access arrangements process and ensure that your access arrangements assessor holds an appropriate qualification.
• Apply to be entered on to the publicly searchable BPS Register of Qualifications in Test Use – an established route to a PGCert, PGDip or MEd.
• Gain 30 transferable academic credits from Middlesex University that you can use against subsequent applicable postgraduate courses with Real Training, Middlesex University, and other institutions.

Take our CPT3A and choose from study options designed to fit in with your day-to-day commitments. We are confident that this is an efficient route to becoming a Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ) recognised access arrangements assessor.

Route one: Classic (CCET intensive and AAC online)

First, you will attend a three-day intensive version of The Certificate of Competence in Educational Testing (CCET) with online components, followed by the Access Arrangements Course (AAC) element online.

Route two: Online (CCET and AAC online)

The entire course (the CCET and AAC parts) can be studied consecutively online using our intuitive and easy-to-use online learning platform (Campus Online^TM). This enables you to interact with your tutors and peers, track your own progress and access a wealth of resources. You will also receive a comprehensive training manual.

Route three: Intensive (CCET and AAC intensive)

If you prefer face-to-face learning, our intensive CPT3A with online components is for you. Take our three-day intensive CCET at a quality hotel near you, followed by our one-day AAC at a similarly comfortable venue at locations across the country.

Please note

If you already have CCET, you can take the AAC course on its own.

Find out more about the intensive and online modes of study.

2019

• 15-17 November, Singapore (Canadian International School) (SOLD OUT) 
• 27-29 November, London (Greenwich, Real Group HQ) (SOLD OUT) 

2020

• 22-24 January, Bristol (Aztec Hotel & Spa)
• 11-13 March, London (Greenwich, Real Group HQ)
• 29 April-1 May, London (Novotel London City South)
• 24-26 June, Birmingham (Holiday Inn Express Snow Hill Birmingham)
• 24-26 June, London (Greenwich, Real Group HQ)
• 22-24 July, Leeds (Thorpe Park Hotel & Spa)

Interested in a SOLD OUT date? Email us and we’ll place you on our waiting list.

All intensive courses require a deposit of £500 + VAT to secure a place.

Find out more about CCET.

Book your place today.

Do you want to book a bespoke three-day CCET course for six or more participants?

Speak to Natalie on 01273 358192, or email her at natalie.rowe@realgroup.co.uk

The content of the AAC builds heavily upon what you have learnt in the CCET course so it would be expected 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 and the CCET section must be completed before joining the intensive AAC course.

When can I start AAC Intensive?

The CCET module should always be completed before the AAC module. This is to ensure that you possess the requisite skills, competence, and confidence to give context to the content of the AAC course. 

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 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. 

For AAC, in particular, the online route is one we recommend as the face-to-face day isn’t an interactive, group-led session as is the case with CCET. You will be fully responsible to manage your own workload so that all the assignments for both modules are completed within the specified time frame.

2020

• 17 January, London (Novotel City South Hotel)

Interested in a SOLD OUT date? Email us and we’ll place you on our waiting list.

Find out more about AAC.

Book your place today.

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.

Gain the respected CPT3A qualification

As soon as you complete this module, you will be awarded the CPT3A qualification. Also, when you pass this course, you will have gained a qualification designed to meet the requirements of the JCQ and the access arrangement regulations.

Connect with your peers

• Obtain exclusive access to Campus Online.
• 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 tutors know the education sector inside out.

Choose a start date that suits you

The online course can be started at any time. The intensive course dates are listed above and we usually hold at least six events per year.

CCET

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 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 using it correctly and wisely.
• Providing written and oral feedback to clients and their carers.
• Using and understanding alternatives to test data.

AAC

• 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.

CCET

You will need to produce:

• Multiple-choice questionnaires on the purpose and types of assessment and statistical principles.
• A paper on the statistical principles that underpin psychometric tests.
• A critical review of an educational test in line with European standards.
• A test paper on intelligence testing and discrimination.
• Video evidence of test administration competence.
• A comprehensive written report of an assessment, including test scores from at least two administered psychometric tests.
• Video evidence of competent oral feedback to a client or the client’s parents/carers.

AAC

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. 

For the purpose of this course, you will need to be able to access at least two psychometric tests, one of ability and one of attainment.

There are various places to buy tests. 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 join the Professional Assessment Programme Test Loan Scheme. To find out more, please click here.

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.

CCET is an open-access course

You will not need any prior qualifications for the Certificate of Competence in Educational Testing (CCET) part of the course.

AAC restrictions impact on CPT3A

There are some stipulations as to who can become 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 eligibility essay on the purposes of assessment in education. Upon submission, if your essay shows that you are ready to study at level 7, then you will be able to take the Certificate in Psychometric Testing, Assessment and Access Arrangements (CPT3A) with us. Alternatively, you can enrol and complete CCET first to demonstrate you can study at level 7 (as CCET is an open-access course level 7 course).

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 cancelled.

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 the Certificate in Psychometric Testing, Assessment and Access Arrangements (CPT3A) meet these needs?

Yes, this course satisfies all of the latest JCQ regulations.

Please note: The Certificate in Psychometric Testing, Assessment and Access Arrangements (CPT3A) always takes account of the latest JCQ regulations. At the time of writing, the most recent JCQ regulations relate to 2019/2020 and comes into effect on the 1st 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.

Are you based in an international setting?

The online study option for this course can be completed anywhere in the world. We also offer face-to-face study options internationally. Please click here for advice on payment options and other information relevant to those studying outside of the UK.

We offer a flexible range of fees to suit your finances:

Route one: Classic (CCET intensive and AAC online)

• Non-residential – £2,500 + VAT.
• Residential outside of London – £2,750 + VAT.
• Residential London – £2,850 + VAT.

Route two: Online (CCET and AAC online)

• Online – £1,950 + VAT.
• Online in three instalments – 3 x £675 + VAT = £2,025 + VAT.
• Online in ten instalments – 10 x £207 + VAT = £2,070 + VAT.

Route three: Intensive (CCET + AAC intensive)

• Non-residential – £2,500 + VAT.
• Residential outside of London – £2,750 + VAT.
• Residential London – £2,850 + VAT.

You will need to pay a deposit to reserve your place on one of our popular intensive courses (currently £500 plus VAT).

How do I pay for the British Psychological Society’s (BPS’s) Register of Qualifications in Test Use (RQTU)?

You will need to settle this directly with the BPS. They will charge you a separate fee when you join their RQTU. While you are not obliged to do so, we strongly advise you to take advantage of the professional benefits of being on the RQTU.

You will not need to pay the BPS any RQTU joining fee until you have completed CPT3A.

Find out more about the costs, benefits and how to apply on the BPS’s website.

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

‘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

‘Please use Real Training if you want to become an access arrangements assessor! It is a flexible, robust and supportive course run by professional and engaging tutors.’- Hannah

‘Chose Real Training for this course as the NASENCO was such a positive (but demanding!) experience, supported by helpful tutors, great online resources and an excellent website.’ – Andrew

‘When I started the course my confidence was at a low as I had experienced a knock back when applying for an assessment practising certificate. My knowledge of assessing needed a boost and now I feel that it has been significantly deepened.’ – Frances

‘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

1. First, it provides public recognition of your competence, which means that your name can be found by anyone wanting to check your qualifications.
2. Secondly, you get access to information including test reviews and a quarterly journal entitled Assessment &Development Matters (ADM)
3. Thirdly, it provides a framework for your ongoing professional development.  

Our brochure will provide you with additional information.

Download the prospectus.