CIWM (WAMITAB)

The Continuing Competence test forms part of the CIWM/WAMITAB Operator Competence scheme which was approved by Governments on December 2008 and applies to England and Wales only. It is designed to meet the requirement of keeping a person’s waste management competence up to date.

The test has two components both of which must be taken together, the two components are:

• Generic Knowledge Test (GKT) (‘generic’) comprising questions on Legislation, Health and Safety and Environmental Protection; and
• Activity-Specific Test (AST) (or ‘option’) which comprises questions on the specific competence or competencies which need to be maintained.

The test encompasses 18 multiple-questions for the GKT and a further 8 multiple-questions for each AST depending on how many are chosen.

The length of the test will depend on how many Activity Specific Tests you select at the Pearson VUE centre and whether you have applied for a reasonable adjustment.

However, on average:

• The Generic Knowledge Section Test takes a maximum of 24 minutes.
• The Activity Specific Test takes a maximum of 12 minutes (per activity).

Please note: if you decide to take three Activity Specific Tests then you will have 60 minutes to complete the test.

For further information, visit ciwmquals.co.uk (Opens in new window).

Test registration and scheduling information

The test is computer based and delivered through a suite of ‘independent test centres’ operated by Pearson VUE. Use the buttons on the right-hand side of this web site to locate a test centre; schedule; re-schedule or cancel a test.

Deciding which Option(s) to take

Before taking the test the candidate must already have decided what option(s) to take as the test menu will ask him/her to select these during the test. Further information on selecting the option(s) can be found on WAMITAB’s website.

• The Generic Knowledge Section Test takes a maximum of 24 minutes.
• The Activity Specific Test takes a maximum of 12 minutes (per activity).

Access Support

CIWM (WAMITAB) is required by the Equality Act 2010 to make reasonable adjustments where a learner, who is disabled within the definition of the Equality Act 2010, would be at a substantial disadvantage in comparison to someone who is not disabled. CIWM (WAMITAB) will consider applications for reasonable adjustments (e.g. a reader or extra time) on a case by case basis.

If you would like to apply for a reasonable adjustment, prior to booking your test, please complete the Continuing Competence Access Arrangements Form and email it to info.admin@ciwmquals.co.uk with any evidence. If CIWM (WAMITAB) approves your application, you will receive a confirmation email within 5 working days. You will then need to contact Pearson VUE 24 hours after approval, in order to schedule a test with an 'accommodation' at the test centre.

NEW Additional Security Measure: Continuing Competence learners are now required to have their photo taken on the day of their test. Pearson VUE will store these photos and use them to check identity when a Continuing Competence learner returns for their repeat test every two years, as additional evidence to validate a learner’s identification.

When you book your test, you will be asked to confirm that you understand that you will be required to have your photo taken on the day of your test. On the test day, if you refuse to have your photo taken, the test centre will not allow you to sit your test.

A copy of your photo will be transferred to CIWM by Pearson VUE but will be securely deleted upon completion of the results notification process. CIWM will not store or use the photo for any other purposes.

Photos will remain securely stored by Pearson VUE until the next time a learner takes a test. A new photo will be taken every time a learner sits their test to ensure up to date identification is stored. Photos taken during previous tests will be deleted and replaced with the new photo.

IMPORTANT NOTE: CIWM has introduced two new Metal Recycling Contractor Competency Scheme (MRCCS) tests. If taking a Continuing Competence test, please ensure that you select the Continuing Competence test and not the MRCCS test when you next book.

For further information about how we use your data please see our Privacy Policy . If you have any questions, please contact info.admin@ciwm.co.uk

The Metal Recycling Contractor Competency Scheme (MRCCS) has been developed in collaboration with the British Metals Recycling Association (BMRA).

The MRCCS tests are designed to provide evidence of the capability and competency of individuals across the metal recycling sector; enabling organisations to quickly and easily check that contractors have the required skills and training, and the appropriate health and safety awareness to be on site.

There are two MRCCS tests to choose from:

• Contractor – Operative Test
• Contractor – Supervisory Test

The Contractor – Operative test comprises 26 multiple-choice questions.

The Contractor – Supervisory test comprises 40 multiple-choice questions.

The pass mark for the tests is 85% meaning that a learner must answer at least 22/26 questions correctly to pass the Operative test and at least 34/40 questions correctly to pass the Supervisory test.

All contractors are required to take their test every three years to provide continued evidence of competence.

For further information, visit ciwmquals.co.uk (Opens in new window)

Test registration and scheduling information

The test is computer based and delivered through a suite of ‘independent test centres’ operated by Pearson VUE. Use the buttons on the right-hand side of this web site to locate a test centre; schedule; re-schedule or cancel a test.

Deciding which Test option to take

Before taking the test the candidate must already have decided what test option to take as the test menu will ask him/her to select either the Operative or Supervisory test.

Access Support

CIWM (WAMITAB) is required by the Equality Act 2010 to make reasonable adjustments where a learner, who is disabled within the definition of the Equality Act 2010, would be at a substantial disadvantage in comparison to someone who is not disabled. CIWM (WAMITAB) will consider applications for reasonable adjustments (e.g. a reader or extra time) on a case by case basis.

If you would like to apply for a reasonable adjustment, prior to booking your test, please complete the MRCCS Access Arrangements Form and email it to info.admin@ciwmquals.co.uk with any evidence. If CIWM (WAMITAB) approves your application, you will receive a confirmation email within 5 working days. You will then need to contact Pearson VUE 24 hours after approval, in order to schedule a test with an ‘accommodation’ at the test centre.

Evidencing your credential

MRCCS Learners are required to have their photo taken on the day of their test. Pearson VUE will store these photos and use them to check identity when a MRCCS learner returns for their repeat test every three years, as additional evidence to validate a learner’s identification.

When you book your test, you will be asked to confirm that you understand that you will be required to have your photo taken on the day of your test. On the test day, if you refuse to have your photo taken, the test centre will not allow you to sit your test.

The competence for MRCCS tests will be confirmed by a Pearson VUE test and evidenced via CIWM ProFile, a new digital credential system being developed by CIWM, which allows the credential to be validated on-demand via a unique QR code.

Through this secure system, you will be issued with a digital CIWM ProFile card where your MRCCS credential will be stored. In the days following your test, you will receive a notification asking you to download your personalised CIWM ProFile card via the Vircarda app.

The photo captured by Pearson VUE on the day of your test will be transferred to CIWM and will be used as your photo for the ProFile card.

For further information about how we use your data please see our Privacy Policy. If you have any questions, please contact info.admin@ciwm.co.uk