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).

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.