Introduction
We are the leading provider of courses that meet the JCQ criteria for you to practise as a specialist Access Arrangements assessor. In this course, you will learn how to conduct psychometric tests effectively as part of an assessment (CCET – a British Psychological Society Qualification) and apply them in exam access arrangements (AAC) confidently and competently.
CPT3A 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.
Seven level-7-defining reasons to study with us
- Become a JCQ access arrangements assessor – take the original level 7 standalone psychometric testing course for access arrangements assessors
- Understand everything that you need to know about psychometric testing – find out how assessments using psychometric tests are developed, how to use them effectively and interpret the results
- Discover how to write access arrangements for public examinations – know and apply the principles at the heart of all access arrangements
- Implement the latest Joint Council for Qualifications‘ (JCQ) regulations and guidance – confidently apply the regulations in your setting
- Gain the British Psychological Society’s (BPS’s) Test User Educational qualification – and join the BPS’s Register of Qualifications in Test Use (RQTU)
- Choose from a range of flexible study options – designed to fit in with your day-to-day life – choose self-paced online study, a 3-day intensive course delivered live online, or a classic mixture of online and intensive
- Exit this psychometric testing course with 30 credits at level 7. Contact us to find out more or discuss how you can use your credits on our SEND Programme.
The JCQ requires all access arrangements assessors to have an appropriate level 7 or equivalent qualification.
As a level 7 postgraduate psychometric testing course in individual access arrangements assessment, CPT3A fully meets this JCQ access arrangements assessor requirement. Read the JCQ’s latest assessor criteria
Select your study style and dates
Online
Info and dates
CPT3A 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
CCET intensive + AAC intensive – both delivered live online
CCET 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
AAC dates:
- 10 January 2025 – delivered live online
- 16 May 2025 – delivered live online
Classic
Info and dates
CCET intensive + AAC online
CCET 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
Course content
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 psychological tests
- Interpretating 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 and which meet JCQ requirements
- 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
Course details
Why take this course?
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, 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.
- The opportunity to join one of our Masters programmes as if you have 30 credits, to achieve a PGCert, PGDip or Master of Education!
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.
Gain the respected CPT3A qualification
Upon completion, you will be awarded the CPT3A qualification. This demonstrates that you have met the requirements of the JCQ and the access arrangement regulations.
Connect with your peers and liaise with experienced tutors
- Obtain exclusive access to our virtual learning platform, 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 course.
How will you be assessed?
CCET:
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
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.
How can you study CPT3A?
Our flexible courses are designed to accommodate your day-to-day commitments.
All of our CPT3A routes allow you up to 12 months to complete your learning and assignments – You will have up to 8 months to complete CCET and up to 4 months to complete AAC.
Depending on your availability and level of prior experience, these courses can be accomplished in a shorter time-frame.
Please note: you can only commence AAC once you have completed CCET.
Route 1 – Online
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.
CPT3A Online is delivered via our Campus Online learning platform, which is accessible from anywhere, any time, 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, then interact with your tutors and peers, track your own progress, and gain access to a wealth of engaging and interactive resources, such as videos explaining key concepts, diagrams, multiple-choice questionnaires, and more.
To choose this option, select CPT3A Route 1 – Fully Online (on demand, self-paced study) in section 2 of the Booking Form.
Route 2 – Intensive
Choose this route to kick start each course with online sessions delivered through Campus Live – powered by Adobe Connect, by a programme leader (3 days for CCET and 1 day for AAC – available once you have completed CCET), which will be followed by online access to videos explaining key tasks, diagrams, multiple-choice questionnaires and tasks to complete in your setting. For an interactive experience without travel costs, you can join these sessions in real-time. Our CPT3A Intensive course has been designed for those who enjoy a more traditional learning approach and interaction with their peers and tutor.
To choose this option, select CPT3A Route 2 – Fully Intensive (live sessions for both CCET and AAC) in section 2 of the Booking Form.
Route 3 – Classic
Choose this route to experience blended learning with 3-day intensive delivered through Campus Live – powered by Adobe Connect for CCET, followed by self-paced online study for AAC. One of the benefits of this option is that once you have completed the CCET course, you will be able to commence your AAC training as soon as you are ready, rather than waiting for the next available AAC intensive date. CPT3A Classic has been designed for those who may prefer to begin the programme with a classroom-style experience then progress through their learning more independently.
To choose this option, select CPT3A Route 3 – Classic (live sessions for CCET only) in section 2 of the Booking Form.
Please note:
If you have already achieved your CCET qualification, then you can take the AAC course on its own.
CCET 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.
Find out more about CCET or if you’re ready, you can book your place today.
Do you want to book a bespoke three-day CCET course for ten or more participants? Speak to us on +44(0)1273 35 80 80, or email at info@realgroup.co.uk
AAC Intensive course dates
When can I start AAC Intensive?
The content of the Access Arrangements Course builds heavily upon what you have learnt in the CCET course. Therefore, 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 elect to study AAC Online, you will first need to have successfully completed the CCET course.
If you opt for the intensive route, choose from one of the dates below. Please note your chosen intensive AAC course must follow the date of the intensive CCET and that CCET must be complete before joining the intensive AAC course. If you haven’t managed to complete CCET by your chosen AAC intensive date, you can either wait for the next intensive AAC or transfer to online study at no extra cost. It is best to leave at least three to four months between the end of your three-day intensive CCET and the start of the intensive AAC, so that you can complete the CCET assignments.
AAC intensive dates available:
- 10 January 2025 – delivered live online
- 16 May 2025 – delivered live online
Please note: If you are looking to book the CPT3A Intensive and these dates are not suitable for you, please select the ‘AAC intensive- TBC’ option on the booking form and you’ll be able to choose a course once you have completed CCET.
Find out more about AAC or if you’re ready, you can book your place today.
Are you eligible?
- I hold QTS or QTLS.
- I am a teacher in the non-maintained sector but do not hold QTS or QTLS.
- I am a lecturer in the FE sector but do not hold QTS or QTLS.
- I have a qualification to teach from somewhere other than the UK.
- I have completed a PGCE.
- I have level 5/7 SpLD specialist teacher/practitioner qualifications which would make me eligible for ADG/ATS/APS.
- I am employed as, or hold a qualification for, a Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA), or equivalent.
Have you completed an undergraduate degree (level 6) or another level 7 qualification?
(UK or with NARIC statement)
Please refer to the JCQ regulations. The criteria for an access arrangements assessor are in section 7 and that is where it states that they must hold "an appropriate qualification to teach". It is your head of centre’s responsibility to ensure the appointed access arrangements assessor is suitably qualified in line with the JCQ criteria.
Will your head of centre sign a declaration to state that they believe you hold suitable qualification(s)?
CPT3A is a Masters level qualification, to demonstrate your ability to work at level 7, you will need to complete either an eligibility essay before enrolling on the CPT3A course OR book and complete CCET as a stand-alone module, before booking onto the AAC module (CCET is an open-access course).
Have you completed an undergraduate degree (level 6) or another level 7 qualification?
(UK or with NARIC statement)
CPT3A is a Masters level qualification, to demonstrate your ability to work at level 7, you will need to complete either an eligibility essay before enrolling on the CPT3A course OR book and complete CCET as a stand-alone module, before booking onto the AAC module (CCET is an open-access course).
If you're looking to gain skills and knowledge in educational testing and assessment, you might like to consider our open-access CCET course.
You will need to be working in or have access to an educational setting in order to complete some of the work for both CCET and AAC.
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 and impact on CPT3A
The latest guidance from the JCQ dictates that all access arrangements assessors ‘either hold an appropriate qualification to teach and make recommendations for secondary aged or adult learners who have learning difficulties or be a HCPC registered psychologist.’ (JCQ, 2024, p.105)
We therefore require that applicants hold:
- An appropriate qualification to teach
For which, in order to be eligible, at least one of these statements will apply to you:
- I hold QTS or QTLS.
- I am a teacher in the non-maintained sector [but do not hold QTS or QTLS].
- I am a lecturer in the FE sector [but do not hold QTS or QTLS].
- I have a qualification to teach from somewhere other than the UK.
- I have completed a PGCE.
- I have level 5/7 SpLD specialist teacher/practitioner qualifications which would make me eligible for ADG/ATS/APS.
- I am employed or qualified as a Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA)
- An undergraduate degree
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 and then book AAC once this has been successfully accomplished.
Please note, you can only commence the AAC course if you meet this criteria and complete CCET first.
Due to JCQ guidelines, we cannot accept Teaching Assistants or Learning Support Assistants onto the AAC or CPT3A course. If you currently work in one of these roles and your Head of Centre is keen for you to complete CPT3A so that you can become your setting’s approved Access Arrangements Assessor, they will need to formally appoint you as a Higher Level Teaching Assistant before you can be considered eligible for the course. Read the JCQ’s latest assessor criteria.
After enrolling on a course, we will ask you to complete a pre-course information questionnaire that will check your eligibility, additionally your Head of Centre will be asked to sign a declaration to state that they believe you hold a suitable qualification(s). In the unlikely event that you are not eligible, you will be entitled to withdraw from the course and the fee will be cancelled.
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.
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.
How much does the course cost?
We offer a flexible range of fees to suit your finances:
Route 1: Online (CCET Online and AAC Online)
- Online – £2,295 + VAT
- Online in 3 instalments – 3 x £790 + VAT = £2,370 + VAT
- Online in 10 instalments – 10 x £242 + VAT = £2,415 + VAT (requires UK bank account)
Route 2: Intensive (CCET Intensive and AAC Intensive)
- Intensive – £2,875 + VAT
- Intensive in 3 instalments – 3 x £983 + VAT = £2,950 +VAT
- Intensive in 10 instalments – 10 x £300 + VAT = £2,995 + VAT (requires UK bank account)
Route 3: Classic (CCET Intensive and AAC Online)
- Classic – £2,875 + VAT
- Classic in 3 instalments – 3 x £983 + VAT = £2,950 + VAT
- Classic in 10 instalments – 10 x £300 + VAT = £2,995 + VAT (requires UK bank account)
Speak to us (01273 358080) or make a booking.
For further information please visit our payment FAQ page
How long does it take to complete the course?
The duration of the CPT3A qualification is up to one year. As a benchmark, we would recommend allowing up to 8 months for CCET and up to 4 months for AAC. Depending on your availability and level of prior experience, you could however achieve the CPT3A 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 this course
‘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.
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 instructions.
Further study after CPT3A
- 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!
- 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 enable you to go on to study our Dyslexia – Professional Report Writing (DPRW) module and apply for an Assessment Practising Certificate (APC).
Success stories
Module leader
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).